Big and Beautiful
Written: Sep 14 '02 (Updated Oct 29 '04)
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Pros: Sharp and clear; nice color saturation
Cons: Heavy; screen smudges easily
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a big CRT monitor, this is an excellent choice. Excellent for processing digital images.
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| pvreditor's Full Review: IBM P 202 21 inch CRT Monitor |
A couple of years ago, an IBM P202 monitor literally fell into my possession. It was a stroke of luck that I didn't have to buy this high-quality computer monitor but there it is... sometimes unexpectedly nice things happen.
I have used the monitor ever since on a high-end computer that I built (well, it was high-end two years ago) and it has been a big, beautiful and rock-steady display.
First some specs:
Screen size: 21 inches (19.8-inches viewable)
Max resolution: 1600 x 1200
Dot pitch: 0.25mm
Max refresh: 85 Hz
Weight: 69 pounds
Power: Less than 150 Watts
The IBM P202 uses a Sony Trinitron CRT, which has square corners and a slight curvature on the face. It is not to be considered a "flat-screen" monitor. The unit I have is in a dark gray cabinet, although current versions seem to only come in an off-white.
The viewing surface of the CRT is coated with a substance to reduce glare. This works fairly well to reduce glare but it picks up fingerprints very easily. And the fingerprints can't simply be wiped off with a soft cloth -- I must use a cleaner to get the prints off.
The monitor has a standard 15-pin VGA connector on the back and it was supplied with a removable 15-pin to 15-pin cable. I like this feature very much for a couple of reasons: I can remove the cable and use it with other devices when I need to; and it's one less thing dangling in the way when I need to move the monitor.
Fortunately, at 69 pounds, I seldom have to move the P202. In fact, I re-inforced the table on which the monitor sits, as its weight would cause some serious sag.
Controlling the monitor with its on-screen menu is a snap and self-explanatory. I did not need a manual -- which is good because none was supplied with my P202. Once set the way I like it, the P202 has retained the correct settings for the entire time I've used it.
I set this computer for 1280 x 1024 resolution and this looks glorious on the IBM P202. Text and lines are crisp and sharp, there is no evidence of geometric distortion and colors are faithfully reproduced. I mostly do Photoshop work on this computer, which works well on the P202. I have some CAD experience and the IBM P202 would be a good choice for a CAD monitor.
The monitor connected up to my Windows 98 computer with no problem and my computer recognized the monitor without any drivers.
One wish-list item... I wish the monitor had a swivel mount. Perhaps one is available but my monitor did not come with it.
The IBM P202 is a high-end monitor for people who require a serious tool for serious visual applications, such as video editing and effects, graphics, digital image processing and CAD. The biggest drawback is the ease at which the face of the CRT can be smudged but it can be cleaned without too much fuss. And be sure you place it on a very sturdy surface.
Oct. 29, 2004 Update:
I still have this monitor and use it regularly. It still looks terrific after more than three years of heavy use and it has given me no trouble whatsoever. I now have it on a powerful Windows XP Home computer and have used a Pantone Spider to calibrate it, to better use it to process digital pictures.
I continue to be impressed with the IBM P202 monitor.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): N/A
Operating System: Windows
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