Review: Viewsonic VA2626wm 26in TFT

With a native resolution of 1,920x1,200 pixels, this display gives the same level of on-screen detail as a 24in monitor.

However, with a pixel pitch of 0.2865mm, it’s noticeably easier on the eyes.

There’s currently no 24in model in Viewsonic’s VA range, so the company is clearly hoping to tempt people to make the leap from 22in to 26in.

The VA2626wm does produce a bright and very clear image, although the pixels themselves are rather more noticeable than on a smaller display.

Also, if you look very closely, and we do mean very closely, some motion artefacts can become apparent as your eyes flick across the screen.

Bigger screens are also great for a more immersive gaming experience, with resolutions capable of displaying full 1080p HD content. Here, the HDMI port is a welcome addition, bringing the total number of video connections up to three, including the DVI and analogue VGA sockets. However, one important omission is that there’s no 1:1 scaling option, which means 1080p inputs get stretched to 1,200 pixels high.
Although generally good, there’s nothing superlative about any of our lab results for this display. If we were to complain about anything, it would be the slightly lacklustre contrast ratio when compared to 24in alternatives, and the fact that at this screen size, the slightly restrictive viewing angles of TN technology can become a little more apparent. A height-adjustable stand would have helped here, but sadly the one supplied offers only a rather shallow tilt adjustment.
At this price, the VA2626wm costs only a little more than an entry-level 24in display, but feels a lot bigger. It’s also a good way to increase your productivity without straining your eyes and giving your games a visual boost at a size approaching that of a TV set.