NEC Multisync E231W

People who try to do their bit for the environment will find modern computer screens to be far greener than older models, an angle NEC is pushing quite clearly with its new E231W.

This 23in display has a resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels and an extremely flexible stand that offers height, tilt and swivel adjustment and can be rotated 90° to use the screen in ‘portrait’ mode. There’s a good selection of inputs: DVI and VGA for PCs and Displayport for connecting newer Macs.

The monitor’s eco-mode is activated using a rather confusing on-screen menu and NEC reckons it’ll save up to 50 per cent on power bills over other screens. We’re not sure savings will be that high but there’s a menu setting to show current savings. It works by cutting on-screen brightness, but not to the point where it became harder to see.

Unfortunately general performance was not so impressive. We were able to get a good image with a bit of fine tuning but the process was frustrating. If the cost and eco savings outweigh that drawback the E231W is worth a look, but most home users will find better value elsewhere.