The FPD1975W is Gateway's entry into the 19-inch widescreen display market. Until recently, most widescreen desktop displays were 21 inches or larger, but 19-inch models are now becoming more commonly available. Gateway touts the FPD1975W as an HD-ready widescreen display that supports 720p high-definition content.

The FPD1975W performs well, with a native resolution of 1,440X900 and respectable brightness and contrast ratings. The response time is listed as 8 milliseconds, but there is no indication whether this is gray-to-gray or off/on/off. At this price point, we would expect the listed response time to apply to gray-to-gray only. Still, this should be sufficient for everyone except extremely serious gamers, and it proves more than adequate for all but the most active HD content.

Set-up and configuration are straightforward. The stand is a simple round base with two protruding tabs that lock the monitor into place. There are no height adjustment options. The display supports landscape and portrait modes, but the stand doesn't. If you need height, tilt and rotation capabilities, an optional stand that also adds four USB ports is available for $70.

Five control buttons are located on the right side of the bezel. While this is a common location, it's not one of our favorites. This is especially true with displays like the FPD1975W that don't provide explanatory markings on the front panel.

The first button lets you choose between the two inputs, DVI or VGA. The functions of the next three buttons vary, depending on whether you're viewing the OSD (onscreen display). When you're not viewing the OSD, the Auto button automatically adjusts image size, position clock and phase. With the OSD open, the Auto button is the select function. The Brightness button opens the Brightness menu of the OSD, or, if the OSD is already open, is used to navigate the menus. The Theme button lets you cycle through the preset color/video modes (DVD, Gaming, General Use and Web Browsing), or if the OSD is open, lets you move through the menus. The Menu button opens and closes the OSD. The included EzTune software can be used to adjust most display settings, including the orientation.

The FPD1975W produces good images with respectable brightness levels. The contrast ratio tends to muddy blacks, but this is common with mid-price LCD monitors. Display performance and price are reasonable, but we were put off by the $70 charge for an adjustable stand, particularly when the display itself supports rotation.

The Gateway FPD1975W delivers quality widescreen images at a budget-friendly price, as long as you don't count the extra $70 you'll need to take advantage of the pivot options.


Pros:  Budget-friendly, HD compatible with HDCP support, EzTune software makes it simple to change display settings
Cons:  Adjustable stand is an extra cost, the limited inputs don't make sense for a display that's being touted for use with HD video content

Warranty
1 year, limited