The Gateway FPD2185W is a surprisingly affordable 21-inch widescreen high-definition LCD display. Unlike many budget-friendly monitors, it doesn't skimp on features.

The FPD2185W is easy to set up. It supports analog and digital connections, but the package doesn't include a DVI cable (around $10 to $20). The display includes four USB 2.0 ports, so you can use it as a USB hub for connecting scanners, digital cameras, webcams and other peripherals.

The base is sturdy and compact, and it offers 105mm (slightly over 4 inches) of height adjustment. You can also tilt the display forward or back, swivel it from side to side or pivot between portrait and landscape modes. The included EZTune Software (PC only) automatically senses when you pivot the display, and it adjusts the image for you. Because the FPD2185W is a widescreen display, you have more vertical viewable area than usual in portrait mode. This can come in handy when working on large documents such as posters, or when viewing lengthy web pages.

Five buttons on the right edge of the FPD2185W provide central, if awkward, access to all display controls. The Input button makes it easy to quickly switch between analog and digital inputs, and the Auto button automatically resets everything to the factory setting. The PIP button activates picture-in-picture features, while the Swap/PIP button swaps the content of the PIP window with that in the main window. Keep in mind that an external TV tuner is required to enable PIP features. The Menu button provides access to the on-screen display menu, where you can adjust brightness, contrast, color temperature and other settings.

The FPD2185W has a native resolution of 1,680X1,050. Image quality is very good to excellent, with sharp contrast, vivid color, crisp details and smooth grayscale images. Text is clear and sharp, even at small font sizes. The 8-millisecond pixel response time helps minimize blurring and ghosting, and we saw little evidence of either in our test videos and favorite 3-D games. Viewing angles of 178 degrees vertical and horizontal help reduce image distortion when viewing the display off-axis in both portrait and landscape modes.

The Gateway FPD2185W delivers a good balance of features and performance at a very reasonable price.

Pro: Attractive design, extensive selection of analog and digital inputs, multiple adjustment options, package includes pivot software, above-average image quality
Con: Awkward location of display controls makes them easy to reach but difficult to see

Warranty
1 year