Gateway FPD2275W

Solid performance, a wealth of multimedia features, and a generous amount of A/V connections made it easy to declare the Gateway FPD2275W our Editors' Choice.
 
Housed in a matte-black case with glossy black trim, the1680 x 1050-pixel display eschews the use of traditional function buttons. Instead, the monitor features ten soft touch keys embedded in the right side bezel that use blue LED indicators to let you know what each key does. In addition to the usual brightness, contrast, and color settings, you can use the intuitive onscreen menu to choose from seven themes, including optimized settings for watching movies, surfing the Web, playing games, and viewing photos. You can even create your own lighting theme. The menu also gives you the option to activate the PIP picture-in-picture (PIP) feature, which allows you to view content from a second source, such as a DVD player, in a smaller onscreen box.
 
Video and audio connections abound. Joining the analog and DVI ports on the back of the display are component, composite, and S-Video ports, allowing you to connect to a variety of external video sources. Plus, the DVI port supports HDCP, so you can view HD-DVD or Blu-ray movies, assuming you have the appropriate player. In addition, on the back you'll find three USB ports (one upstream and two downstream), and two more located on the left side of the display. The stand operates with a typical tilt-only mechanism, but for $70 more, you can purchase a more flexible stand with height, swivel, and 90-degree pivot capabilities.
 
The FPD2275W uses Faroudja's DCDi (Directional Correlation Deinterlacing) video-processing technology to deliver smooth fast-motion video. That, coupled with a five-millisecond pixel response time, provides excellent DVD movie and 3D action gaming experiences. Viewing-angle performance was also quite good, with only a trace of color shifting at around 175 degrees, even though Gateway only claims 160 degrees. The only slight downside to the monitor's performance was the panel's handling of light-gray color tones, though still acceptable. Small text was readable at 5.3 points, and colors were sharp and uniform with no noticeable hot spots.
 
We wish Gateway had included a standard three-year warranty rather than the one-year plan; instead, you'll have to shell out another $30 for the privilege, which is still a pretty good deal.
 
The Gateway FPD2275W is an ideal choice if you're seeking a feature-rich 22-inch monitor that can expertly handle your work, entertainment, and multimedia needs.

 

 

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