Review: Packard Bell Maestro 220wdv monitor

The Masetro 220wdv is sturdily constructed but with an eye on design.

It costs rather more than budget 22in models we’ve seen, but also looks a good deal smarter, with home-friendly, TV-style looks and impressive built-quality.

Its entirely black bezel surrounds a glossy screen which helps deepen black levels as well as giving the whole display a more expensive appearance. The stand, although a tilt-only device, is made from metal, not plastic, and comprises sweeping silver curves.

However, there's no provision for cable management, leaving your cables to hang from the bottom of the display, spoiling the look somewhat.

Five centrally-mounted control buttons provide access to the on-screen menu, direct control of the volume from the concealed integral speakers and one-touch auto-setup for analogue connections.

You can also switch between inputs, of which there are three - one DVI-D and a pair of VGA connectors, all of which can be connected simultaneously.

With a 1,680x1,050 pixel resolution, 700:1 contrast ratio, 300cd/m2 brightness and a 5ms response time, the Maestro 220wdv offers an almost identical specification to every other recently-released 22in widescreen display.

Our lab tests showed the 220wdv to have slightly above-average performance. Text was rendered with clarity and video material appeared natural and lifelike, making it a good choice for home use where it may be used in a multimedia environment, with the extra input perhaps being used for a games console.

There are several similar displays that will cost you significantly less than a Maestro 220wdv, albeit without the third input and designer looks. There are also alternatives at this price point that offer advanced features such as dynamic contrast and often with three-year warranties, which is two years longer than you get with Packard Bell. It therefore makes sense to check out the competition before you buy.