The monitor is one of the most important parts of a computer, yet consumers don’t usually give it much thought. Instead, people simply accept whatever is included in a package deal. But with computers now playing a major role in home entertainment, business and multimedia, it’s time to judge displays on their own merits. Size has become a big selling point, as has aspect ratio and other features. Many monitors are available in the newer widescreen format that closely matches the 16:9 ratio used in high-definition television and movies.

Widescreen LCD monitors were once limited to 21 inches and larger (measured diagonally), but 19-inch versions are becoming more common. While standard-size monitors are certainly still available, a widescreen may be your best investment.

BenQ FP241W

The 24-inch BenQ FP241W is satisfyingly large for multimedia and entertainment purposes. With a native resolution of 1,920X1,200, the FP241W offers a sizable desktop, with plenty of room for multiple open windows and applications. The native resolution is high enough for 1,080p HD movies and other content, which is a big plus in our book. BenQ realizes that you will probably want to use your computer for entertainment as well as for work, so the FP241W offers a broad selection of video inputs that includes HDMI, the next-generation connection for video.

For gamers, video enthusiasts and color professionals, the BenQ FP241 comes with a number of attractive features and above-average image quality, and the generous size makes it difficult to resist.

BenQ FP241W

Dell 2407WFP

Dell's 2407WFP is a competent widescreen LCD monitor that, like the BenQ FP241W, offers a wide range of video inputs, including DVI, component video and VGA. Unfortunately, it lacks an HDMI connection, but the DVI port is HDCP-compliant. This means you can use the 2407WFP to view copy-protected HD content.

The Dell FP241W represents an excellent value in a large widescreen monitor, with very good performance.

EIZO ColorEdge CE240W

The EIZO ColorEdge CE240W is the most expensive 24-inch widescreen LCD monitor in this roundup, but it offers plenty to justify the high price tag. This monitor is specifically designed for color professionals, but its capabilities and features also make it a great choice for amateur photographers and up-and-coming video editors.

The CE240W’s color capabilities are built around a custom-designed chip that incorporates a 14-bit color processing system. Compare this to the 6-bit system used by many budget monitors or the 8-bit processing employed by general-purposes models.

For color professionals and photographers, the EIZO ColorEdge CE240W deserves serious consideration.

Gateway FPD1975W

The Gateway FPD1975W is a budget-pleasing 19-inch widescreen LCD monitor. Like other models of this size, the FPD1975W has a native resolution of 1,440X900, so it’s capable of rendering 720p HD material in its entirety, but not 1,080i or 1,080p (at least not completely).

The FPD1975 has good brightness and contrast ratings for a budget display. The basic capabilities are satisfying, but we are a bit taken aback by some choices Gateway has made to keep the cost down, such as the inclusion of a non-adjustable stand. While a non-adjustable stand isn’t all that unusual, Gateway says the FPD1975 supports screen rotation. Unfortunately, the manufacturer neglects to mention that if you want to take advantage of this feature, you must spring for an optional adjustable stand.

Aside from our quibbles with the stand, the Gateway FPD1975W offers a good balance between performance and price.

Samsung SyncMaster 940BW

The Samsung SyncMaster 940BW is another entry in the 19-inch widescreen category, although unlike the Gateway, it’s targeted more at a midrange price point. We like the display’s overall performance, although grayscale performance was a bit weak, with some muddied blacks. For general-purpose use, this doesn’t represent a significant weakness, and you may never even notice it.

The 940BW's stand is adjustable, and the package includes software controls that allow you to configure display settings from your computer desktop. You can also choose from six predefined image modes. The DVI input is HDCP-compliant, which makes the Samsung SyncMaster 940BW capable of displaying copy-protected HD content.

ViewSonic VX1945wm

The ViewSonic VX1945wm offers more than your average monitor. It has a 19-inch widescreen display that performs well, as well as a handy built-in USB hub. But what sets it apart is the iPod dock built into the stand.

We were concerned that ViewSonic would concentrate too much on the iPod dock at the expense of display performance, but fortunately this is not the case. The VX9145wm has good image quality, fast response times and a decent speaker system. All that is sacrificed is a bit of adjustability. In order to incorporate the dock system, the stand has limited adjustment capabilities.

If you are a multimedia user who needs a display and a handy iPod docking system, the VX1945wm deserves a look and a listen.