LG L1810T

The LG L1810T is not the cheapest 18in flat panel we've seen, but you do get a whole host of features.

In use, the monitor is a joy to work on, especially at its 1,280 x 1,024 native resolution. The screen is evenly illuminated and at the default setting is neither glaringly bright nor too dim.

Colours are well saturated and our colour test scales showed a smoothly stepped transition from light to dark. As for the greyscale test, there was some evidence of compression at the dark end of the scale, but the clean whites and strong blacks impressed us.

LG claims a 160-degree viewing arc in both horizontal and vertical planes and, although this is impressively true for the vertical plane, we'd say a horizontal viewing angle of around 140 degrees is closer to the mark.

In terms of features, it's pretty much got the lot. Not only does the L1810T possess DVI and D-Sub ports, but it also boasts a two-port USB hub, surprisingly punchy built-in stereo speakers, a TV-tuner and remote control.

It also has a bevy of inputs and outputs all geared to those looking for a true A/V LCD they can hook up to their DVD player, VCR, camcorder and/or digital TV receiver.

To cater for this you'll find an audio line-in, S-Video and composite inputs, as well as left and right audio inputs and ports for digital TV, all facing downwards in a row around the back of the screen.

The L1810T's AV features are reflected in the on-screen menu options where you'll find a Picture in Picture mode so that you can work while watching TV or a movie, and modes designed for text, movies, and photos, which is activated by the supplied remote.

An attractively styled silver/grey chassis, swivelling stand, and a clear OSD complete a top-notch LCD for the multimedia guru.

Contact: LG 0870 607 5544
www.lge.co.uk

Specifications

• 18.1in screen
• 1,280 x 1,024 native res
• Active-matrix LCD TFT
• 350:1 contrast ratio
• 300 cd/sq m brightness
• D-Sub, DVI, USB hub (1 up, 2 downstream; cable), S-Video, Composite, L/R audio, line-in, HDTV (Y/Pb/Pr)
• 46 x 27.7 x 52cm (w x d x h)
• 8kg