Review: Formac Gallery 1900 TNX monitor

Despite the name, this Formac monitor is equally at home on a PC, albeit with a decidedly Mac-like approach to both form and function.

Like Apple’s own widescreen Cinema displays, the Gallery 19900 TNX combines all its connectivity into a single cable and shows a marked dislike of control buttons. It also comes fitted with only a digital DVI-D interface.

The Gallery 1900 offers no on-screen menus whatsoever; only power and brightness controls are present. The lack of analogue inputs means there’s little need for user adjustments. Where many displays offer a choice of colour temperatures or warm/cool modes, the Gallery 1900 forgoes these in favour of keeping the monitor at its optimum performance settings at all times.

Unlike Apple’s displays, the Gallery 1900 TNX is aimed at the style and budget-conscious user who wants a good-looking monitor without the need for professional-grade colour performance and viewing angles.

However, being fitted with a fast 3ms TN panel, this monitor excels at high-speed gaming performance and provides a bright, clear display for regular desktop work.

To the rear, behind two USB2 ports, a single-hinged stand offers the only ergonomic adjustment available, providing a single-tilt function. Although the panel itself is quite thin, the stand can protrude backwards quite far depending on the level of tilt you require. This, in turn, can result in the whole monitor taking up more desk space than you might imagine.

Stylistically, this is a display that certainly looks different. Set in a clear plastic surround, the panel appears almost to float above your desk. It’s also has a very shiny, polished appearance, which gives it a rather expensive look. Straight edges are replaced by gentle curves, lending it a feel that is both retro and modern while a small white power LED pulses subtly below its three large, but unobtrusive control buttons.

If you want a no-nonsense monitor with plenty of style, tidy cabling and good image quality, then the Formac Gallery 1900 TNX won’t disappoint - just beware the lack of analogue inputs.

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