vemartin's Full Review: Dell E196FP 19 inch LCD Monitor
A little known fact about Windows XP Pro is that it can support multiple monitors, up to ten as a matter of fact. Windows XP makes it possible for you to expand the size of your desktop and in so doing create a desktop work area large enough to view and manipulate numerous programs or windows. Windows XP allows you to easily work on more than one task at a time by moving items from one monitor to another or stretching them across numerous monitors. So I can edit a word document on one screen while doing research on the Internet on another monitor, while running scripts on yet another monitor. I can also stretch a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet across two monitors so that I can view numerous columns without scrolling.
Under the Windows XP model one monitor serves as the primary or master display and will display the logon dialog box when you start, or restart the computer. You set up and configure the multiple displays using the Display Property under Control Panel. What is really impressive is the different screen resolutions and divergent color quality settings can be configured for each monitor. The multiple monitors can be connected to individual graphics adapter or to a single adapter that supports multiple outputs.
Lately, every one in the IT department has started utilizing the multiple monitor capability of Windows XP; most of my collogues have at least two monitors on attached to their computer, some have more. By and large, we have all switched out the last of the bulky tube displays with the Dell E196FP (Midnight Grey) LCD Flat Panel 19” Display.
At first glance the E196FP looks like a whole new monitor from Dell, but in fact it is just a UltraSharp 1905FP with a different base. And like the 1905FP, the E196FP takes functionality to a whole new level. The monitor is fully adjustable; it not only tilts, and offers smooth height adjustments (the monitor can be locked into place at the lower end for easy transport), but it swivels from left to right as well, almost a full 90 degrees. The E196FP also has the ability to rotate the screen from landscape to portrait orientation. And the unit is wall-mountable; it can be removed from its base by the push of a single button and mounted on a wall near you. Additionally, the neck of the base of the E196FP has a ring (located near the bottom of the base) to hold the power cable and the DVI or analog input cable in place.
And like the 19050FP the E196FP has four integrated USB 2.0 ports—two of which are located on the back of the panel underneath (hard to get to), and two located on the left side. I use the two on the left of the monitor to connect USB flash drives, and other USB devices. The monitor ships with a USB cable that marries the E196FP to an open USB port on the computer in order to give you access to the four USB ports.
The E196FP is offered by Dell with desktops that have ATI and NVidia graphics (digital or analog) cards installed with drivers that can rotate images from landscape to portrait. If you were to purchase the E196FP separately and your graphics card driver does not have the capability of accommodating the rotation feature of the monitor, you can purchase rotation software separately.
In the regular course of the day I do not have occasion to utilize the pivoting capability of the E196FP so I cannot speak to it practicality, or usability. I will state however that the monitor pivots with relative ease.
The quality of the display is about a good as it gets in the business environment. The edge-to-edge screen displays text and graphic is sharp, bright, crisp detail with no hint of flutter, or dropped pixels. The display is bright, but not harsh; after a day of working on the computer my eyes no longer burn and hurt as they were prone to do with conventional CRT displays, and even some LCD’s.
I now have two of these fine displays sitting side-by-side and the viewing is good. The combined 38 inches of viewing space is just wanted I needed to be able to multi-task. Up to this point I had been using my laptop and desktop to accomplish daily tasks, now with multiple E196FP monitors I can get a lot more accomplished; no more switching from one machine to another.
Front panel controls are minimal, there are only four buttons: a power button, and three control buttons. The Menu button allows you access to the following monitor attributes: brightness, positioning, image setting, color setting, OSD setting, language, and factory reset. Manipulation of the various controls is pretty self-explanatory; even though I lacked an instruction manual I was able to figure the functionality in short order.
At the end of the day, I (and my eyes), are well satisfied with the form and function of the Dell E196FP. For personal use the unit is a very affordable checking in at $399.00 from Dell. Given the Dell E196FP monitors’ abilities and image quality, and built-in USB ports I would consider that money well spent.
Specifications
Diagonal Size: 19"
Viewable Size: 19"
Display Type: Flat panel display/TFT active matrix - desktop
Depth: 8.425"
Features: Panel pivot, 4 USB 2.0 ports, Height adjustable stand, Integrated rubber sleeve.
Height: 22.97" (fully extended in portrait mode), 16.40" (compressed in landscape mode).
Diagonal Size / Viewable Size: 19" / 19"
Weight: 15.25 lbs
Width: 16.35"
Dot Pitch: 0.294 mm
Max Resolution: 1280x1024 Pixels
Max Sync Rate (V x H): 75 Hz x 80 KHz
Analog Video Format: RGB
Port(s) Total (Free) / Connector Type: 15-pin D-subminiature (blue) / DVI-D (white) / 4 x USB 2.0
Device Type: Flat Panel Monitor with Height Adjustable Stand
Factory Preset Resolution Modes: 720x400 pixels @ 70.1 Hz, 640x480 pixels @ 59.9 Hz, 640x480 pixels @ 75 Hz, 800x600 pixels @ 60.3 Hz, 800x600 pixels @ 75 Hz, 1024x768 pixels @ 60 Hz, 1024x768 pixels @ 75 Hz, 1152x864 pixels @ 75 Hz, 1280x1024 pixels @ 60 Hz, 1280x1024 pixels @ 75 Hz.
Compatibility: PC
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 349.00 Operating System: Windows
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