With the UltraSharp 2005FPW, Dell plunges into the widescreen display pool, and it surfaces a winner. This 20-1/10-inch LCD display has a native resolution of 1,680X1,050 that works out to an aspect ratio of 16:10, not quite the 16:9 ratio favored by HDTV, but close enough for most practical uses.

The 12-millisecond pixel response time is speedy enough for watching video or playing fast-pace games with little or no image ripple, blurring, or trailing often found in bargain LCD. The display can pivot between landscape and portrait modes, although Dell doesn't provide pivot display software. Fortunately, third-party pivot display software is readily available. In addition, Windows XP includes the necessary software, and some ATI video cards have built-in pivot capabilities.

The 2005FPW provides four inputs: DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video. The display also supports PIP (picture-in-picture) and POP (picture-out-of-picture, although Dell calls it PBP, or picture-by-picture), so you can simultaneously display images from multiple signal sources, although at least one of the signal sources must be S-video or composite video. The 2005FPW can't display DVI and VGA signals at the same time.

Image quality is superb, with good color and contrast, but the brightness may be a little overdone. You can cut the brightness level as much as 50 percent in DVI mode (the brightness and contrast can be reduced to zero in VGA mode), but this may still be too bright in a darkened room. Consider including a pair of shades in your display budget.

Five buttons on the lower-right bezel provide access to the on-screen display controls. One of the buttons allows you to cycle through the four available inputs, while the other four control onscreen functions including brightness, contrast, and the various PIP/POP modes. A sixth button handles power on/off functions.

The 2005FPW's stand is a simple expandable tower that can be raised or lowered as needed. Simple wiring channels help corral and guide the cables, which can be numerous if you take advantage of all of the inputs and features.

The Dell 2005FPW may entice you with its large LCD panel, but it offers plenty of other features to make it a potentially great value.

Pro: Widescreen format. Above-average image quality and color fidelity. Four switchable video inputs. Multiple PIP/POP functions.
Con: Overly bright display. Turning down the brightness can be a problem with DVI inputs. PIP/POP inputs can't display DVI and VGA side-by-side.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dell Computer Corporation
1 Dell Way
Round Rock, TX 78682
800-WWW-DELL
http://www.dell.com

Warranty
3 years parts and labor