Last spring I finally broke down and bought a new computer. I had been using a (heavily upgraded and expanded) Quadra 700 for 7.5 years, and even though it still did most things I wanted it to do, it was time.

I was hoping to get a monitor switch so I didn't need to have two monitors/keyboards/mice cluttering my already overloaded desk (and to save a few bucks). Unfortunately there was no way to use the old-style Apple monitors with a G4, so I reluctantly gave in and started my search for the perfect monitor to use with my new G4.

The Search for Perfection

I knew I wanted a 20 or 21 inch monitor and that I wouldn't consider anything less than 19. I am very picky about monitors because I have some vision troubles and I want to make my extensive computer use as easy as possible on my eyes. I had paid a fortune for a 17" back when 14" was still standard and I was prepared to shell out big bucks again if needed.

The first monitor I saw was the Apple Studio Display 21". Made with Sony parts, it was gorgeous but a little pricey at $1500. It was definitely on my short list, but I wanted to browse some more.

I walked into Best Buy and was immediately faced with row after row after row of monitors. They must have had 80 monitors on display. I randomly wandered down the aisles looking for the 21" models when I was stopped dead in my tracks. Tucked between two Sony 19" monitors was the crispest, most vivid screen I'd ever laid eyes on. It made both high end Sony monitors next to it look dull and unappealing. Thinking that the Sonys had to be misconfigured, I started playing with the onscreen settings a bit. I couldn't make them look anything better than awful in comparison to the other monitor.

My Find

The monitor that had caught my eye was a Viewsonic PF790 19" Monitor. I was almost shocked to see that it was a Viewsonic product. I had two 20" Viewsonic monitors at work and they were, to put it bluntly, terrible. I'd never before seen a good Viewsonic monitor and I had mentally filed them away as undesirable. Boy was I wrong.

Consisting of a completely flat CRT, the PF790 screen can hold its own against any flat panel I've ever seen. At $500, it was a true bargain. Gone were all thoughts of getting the Apple Studio Display for three times as much money. I was in love.

The Picture Quality

We all know that monitors in stores are run by smoke and mirrors, and as soon as you get them home they lose half of their clarity and the colors look more washed out. Not with the PF790. I took it home, plugged it in, and was absolutely amazed that it looked as good at home as it did in the store.

The picture quality is so good that I chose to watch DVDs on my computer rather than my much larger television. Just as I was amazed at the improvements in clarity over video the first time I watched a DVD on my television, I was amazed at a similar difference in picture quality between watching DVDs on my computer with this monitor and watching them on my television. Sure, the monitor is digital and the television itself is analog, but I've seen DVDs on other monitors and they seemed comparable to the quality of my television.

Customization

The Viewsonic PF790 comes with four buttons that control a series of on-screen menus controlling contrast, brightness, horizontal and vertical position, horizontal and vertical size, rotation, language, color settings, and many other more obscure settings. It also lets you degauss the monitor.

The menus all explicitly tell you what actions each button performs. I've never had to wonder what button to push to get the desired change.

Drawbacks

There are very few negative things to say about this monitor. It's quite big and quite heavy, but not out of line with other 19" monitors.

Other than the size and weight, I really can't think of other drawbacks to the monitor. It's pretty close to perfect in my book.

The Technical Stuff

Screen: 19" CRT, 18" viewable
Aperture Grill Pitch: 0.25 in the center, 0.27 at the corners
Maximum Resolution: 1600x1200
Compatibility:IBM compatibles, Power Macintosh G3 and G4, most UNIX workstations
Physical Dimensions: 470mm x 470mm x 477mm (18.5" x 18.5" x 18.78")
Weight: 25 kilograms/55 pounds
Warranty: 3 year limited
Technical Support: 24/7 toll free technical support in the United States and Canada

What Are You Waiting For?

Go buy this monitor! Seriously, if you are in the market for a new monitor, I would strongly consider the Viewsonic PF790. I've had it for almost 10 months now and I still have trouble believing the incredible picture quality it provides.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 499
Operating System: Macintosh