Overview - Dell UltraSharp 2209WA

Given a last year's surge of cheap and inferior LCD monitors based on TN technology, LCD enthusiast wondered whether it is still possible to buy a quality LCD monitor at a reasonable price, below 500$.

Dell tries to fill the gap with a right-on-spot 22 inch widescreen monitor based on the best available panel technology, IPS, and with a very reasonable price.

This article will try to answer the question: is Dell UltraSharp 2209WA good enough for enthusiast LCD consumer? What compromises Dell had to make to bring the price point down sufficiently?

The monitor's specs look very good: high contrast ratio, big, wide panel, excellent choice of pixel pitch, HDCP capable and integrated USB port. Dell also claims a 6 ms response time.

Out of the box, the monitor is preset to contrast setting of 75% and 100% brightness, which results in maximum brightness of about 260 cd/m². This is, of course, far too bright, and the reason why the monitor is set up this way is that the brightest monitors look best in monitor shops. A high level of brightness such as this would damage your eyes after only a few hours of work. Recommended brightness level for comfortable work is 120 cd/m².

We like the monitor's design, with a simple minimalistic black frame and a silver line on the sides. On the bottom of the frame is the Dell logo, on the right side 5 buttons, with power button shining in blue color. On the sides are four USB ports.

The stand offers swivel, tilt, height and rotate functions. Monitor can be detached from the stand.