The Dell UltraSharp 1707FP is about as close to perfection as an LCD display can get. It's attractive, it has an affordable price tage, its image quality is better than the average flat-panel display, and it sports a number of useful features. While it does fall a little short in some areas, overall this display is a satisfying choice for both individuals and small businesses.

The 1707FP is relatively lightweight (just over 13 pounds) and easy to set up. The tripod base is sturdy and stable, and it doesn't demand too much in the way of desktop space. A cable holder on the back of the monitor helps reduce clutter. There are four USB 2.0 ports (two on the side, two on the back), so you can use the 1707FP as a USB hub for connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mice, digital cameras, and scanners.

The 1707FP has a thin bezel that makes the 17-inch viewable area appear larger. The native resolution of 1,280X1,024 produces sharp images and crisp text, even at small font sizes. Color fidelity and overall image quality are fine for general use, but they aren't good enough for dedicated graphics use. Viewing angles of 140 degrees horizontal and 130 degrees vertical help reduce image distortion when viewing the display off-axis, which is a plus if you review documents on-screen with colleagues. The 8-millisecond pixel response time makes this display a good choice for watching video or playing fast-action games. We saw little ghosting and blurring in our tests.

Adjustment options are extensive. You can tilt the 1707FP up to 4 degrees forward or 21 degrees backward, swivel it 45 degrees from side to side, and adjust its height with up to 5 inches of leeway.

The 1707FP supports digital and analog inputs, so you can share it between two computers. A row of buttons on the front panel provides easy access to the on-screen menus, and one of the buttons lets you switch between digital and analog inputs.

The Dell UltraSharp 1707FP offers almost everything you could want in a 17-inch flat-panel LCD display, including a great price.

Pro: Affordable price, good image quality, multiple inputs and adjustment options, sleek and attractive design
Con: Color fidelity and overall image quality fall short for dedicated graphics use

Warranty
3 years