older tech allows a bargain
Written: Sep 08 '03 (Updated Apr 09 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It is a decent value for the price
Cons: Bulkier and heavier than the trendy flat-screen monitors
The Bottom Line: Looks to be a decent product if you shopping on a small budget
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| randallw's Full Review: AOC 7 ELr 17 inch CRT Monitor |
This review is for the 7ELR; the 7ELRA has an audio jack for headphones, and a volume control.
The monitor on my spare computer died, so I went shopping for a new monitor. Since I not living in piles of money, I decided to buy an older-tech monitor instead of the thin flat-screen types. At the store I went to there were 3 models of CRT monitor there; considering the after-rebate prices, the AOC 7elr was mid-priced, but it didn't require a rebate, so I purchased it.
I have had the monitor for just a few days; it has the usual delay when switching from switching to on mode from off mode, but that can't be helped. The monitor is very good at showing dark colors ( my old monitor had trouble with that, perhaps by it's age? ). The monitor seems to be a decent value for it's price.
The monitor is Plug-and-Play compatible for Windows 98/Me/2000 ( professional ). Unfortunately the Win 98 driver database doesn't seem to have the drivers for this monitor. I had to download the drivers ( www.aocmonitor.com ) and install them. A Win 98 computer will run without the monitor's exact drivers installed, but the computer will be set to 'unknown monitor'.
To install the drivers do this:
Download the AOC.exe file from www.aocmonitor.com. Run/execute the file, then extract the drivers to a directory on your hard drive with a file folder name of your choice. From Windows, go to you Control Panel, then Display, Settings, Advanced, Monitor Properties, Driver, Update Driver, select the radio button for known drivers, click the Have Disk button, then Browse and select the directory with the drivers. From the hardware manufacturers on the left, select Envision Peripherals, then select the driver set with the 7ELR listed.
The 7elr is a 17" in. screen ( 16" viewable ). The screen controls are in the frame of the monitor: a button to turn on/off the function selection, up and down buttons, and a string of LEDs, each representing one of the available screen adjustments ( contrast, brightness, horizontal size, horizontal center, vertical size, vertical center, pincushion and barrel ( extending or shortening the middle of the screen while keeping the top and bottom at the current size ), trapezoid ( extending/shortening the width of the top and bottom in comparison to each other ), degauss ( 'fixes' any odd picture settings ), and rotation.
A problem with a monitor of the type is the clunkiness. It's a bit bulky, and is a little heavy if you are tired.
The monitor is Energy Star compliant; this means that when the monitor has not received any input after a certain amount of time the monitor turns itself off; this mode uses less energy than it's 'on' mode.
AOC monitors sold in the United States have a one year warranty; the company provides a replacement monitor with no charge to the customer ( AOC pays for shipment )
Specifications of the monitor:
17" screen ( 16" viewable )
Resolution settings: 720x400, 640x480, 1024x768, 1280x1024
Operating temp 0 deg C to 40 deg C
Power source is 100v-240v AC, 50hz/60hz ( monitor automatically detects whether the source is a 100/120 or 220/240 voltage area )
Dimensions: 410 mm ( width ) x 402 mm ( height ) x 420 mm ( depth )
Weight 15.5kg ( 7ELRA heavier )
Signal cable: Mini D-sub 15 male ( standard connection that monitors use )
Energy use: 90 watts maximum in on mode, 5 watts maximum in off mode
The monitor package includes:
Monitor
Owner's manual
Warranty card
Power cord ( plugs into AC power outlet )
Swivel base ( allows monitor to be turned 90 deg horizontally, either direction )
Audio cable ( 7ELRA only )
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 115.01
Operating System: Windows
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Epinions.com ID:
randallw
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Location: CA
Reviews written: 148
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