MultiSync FE2111SB

CADalyst, Sept, 2004

NEC-Mitsubishi Electronics Display

www.necmitsubishi.com

Star rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Price: $599.99

NEC-Mitsubishi's entry for this large CRT roundup is the MultiSync FE2111SB, a 22" aperture-grille monitor with a 20" viewable area and a dot pitch rating of 0.24mm. The synchronous range for the MultiSync FE2111SB is 30-115KHz horizontally and 50-160Hz vertically, and the maximum resolution is 1920X1440 at 75Hz.

The NEC-Mitsubishi MultiSync FE2111SB is housed in a well-designed and handsome two-toned putty case. A black case is also available. The monitor measures 19.5" X 19.1" X 18.5" (wXhXd) and weighs 65.3lb. The monitor offers no USB connectivity and only a single D-sub connector, earning it a B.

At $599.99, the MultiSync FE2111SB is priced at about the median for the monitors in this roundup--neither the highest nor the lowest price here. The MultiSync FE2111SB is covered by a limited three-year warranty on CRT, parts, and labor. Extended warranty coverage is available as an option.

The on-screen menu is adequate, although I found it a bit difficult to navigate. The MultiSync FE2111SB menu system supports six languages.

Seven control buttons and an LED power indicator reside at the bottom center of the front bezel. Further below and separate is the power toggle, located where it can't be hit accidentally--one of many nice touches evident in the design of this monitor. Another is that the monitor cabinet features recessed cable connections. One of the control buttons is a toggle for the SuperBright feature (on, off, and movie), another button is a reset, and the remaining buttons control the menu system.

If the FE2111SB monitor doesn't fit your needs, NEC-Mitsubishi is almost certain to have one that will. The company offers a broad selection of both LCD and CRT monitors and information displays in screen sizes from 15" to 40", with a variety of options in any given size range.

On the test bench, the only quality or performance deduction the NEC-Mitsubishi MultiSync FE2111SB monitor received was a quarter-point for yellows and reds that were slightly dull. Otherwise, the quality was consistently excellent in all other evaluated areas. The displayed image was crisp and attractive, and should be very easy to live with in everyday use for extended periods of time. The OptiClear coating used on the screen virtually eliminates glare and reflections.

The MultiSync FE2111SB has a very solid and substantial feel that is the result of good design and engineering. It earned a 4.5-star rating.