In comparison to these other monitors, the L-700-2's specifications are significantly better than all but the Nokia 500Xa. The Nokia does offer better Nit brightness but falls short in the more important Contrast Ratio. I spoke with Optiquest's technical staff to find out more about Nit's and Contrast Ratios. What I was told was that true or 'native' resolution is very important for LCD monitors. LCD monitors resolution is measured by the horizontal and vertical rows of crystals. Smaller crystals means crisper screens. Also some monitors claim X maximum resolution but you need to know if that is a native resolution.

To Game or Not To Game

Is there a quantifiable explanation that can justify owning a LCD over a CRT monitor as a gamer? The answer is complicated - let me explain. My initial impression of the L700-2 monitor was that it is not designed for gaming. I asked the marketing folks at Viewsonic who their target market was for the L-700. Their response was that the L700-2 is for the office professional (have the cash), those who are limited by space, or those who need a portable lightweight monitor. The L700-2 is very expensive when compared against its sister CRT monitor, the Q95. There ARE qualities in the L700-2 you will not find in a Q95 or any CRT monitor; one of those is portability. You cannot unplug your 17 or 19 inch 50 pound monitor and easily carry it out in your hand.

The L700-2 weighs just under 12 pounds, making it manageable for any kind of traveling you may do. Also, you cannot fit your CRT monitor on a narrow bookshelf. The L700-2 is only 3 inches thick, and the base is around 6" wide. Most CRT monitors will eat up all your desk space, and if you try to place it on a shelf, it better be sturdy enough to handle the weight. The L700-2 has given me space that my CRT has been hogging for years, and I have about 70% more useable space at work now. The final positive point for owning a LCD flat panel monitor is that it runs on only 38 watts of power. That's roughly the same amount of electricity of a dim light bulb.

As a gamer, image quality and resolution is very important. Five years ago I would of laughed at the possibility of using a LCD monitor for gaming. As I look at the L700-2, I find unique and pleasant qualities about LCD monitors that CRT's just do not have. The flicker free backlit screens is easy on the eyes with crisp colour and sharp resolution. If you travel a lot with your PC, but want a good gaming monitor, this is without a doubt an easy solution to the CRT nightmare. The Viewsonic L700-2 gives near CRT resolution and clarity. On top of that, if I were to look at a CRT screen at 1024x768 and then at this LCD, I would be hard pressed without a magnifying glass to tell the difference. If you do not have any space problems and do not need a portable monitor, a CRT type monitor is still the best solution for your gaming needs. If cash is not an issue and you want the latest and greatest in technology, buy yourself a nice 1600x1200 LCD monitor for $3000 and astonish your peers. If you DO in fact have a space or weight issue, and you think an LCD monitor may be a possible solution, be sure to check out an L700-2 before making a purchase.

The L700-2 is an exceptional LCD monitor, that for the price, stands out against the competition. Compared to a CRT monitor that costs 1/3 what a L700 does, there really is no comparison, especially when it comes to gaming, however like all new technologies, time will make LCD monitors cheaper, better, and most importantly, affordable.

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