NEC MultiSync 2190UXi flat-panel monitor

The NEC MultiSync 2190UXi is a 21.3-inch LCD that is designed—and priced—for professional users. For people who can afford it, the 2190UXi delivers colors that are both vivid and accurate from nearly any angle. It sports a highly adjustable stand—and considering the amount of time you’ll want to spend in front of this display, you’ll need to be comfortable.

Setting up the display was easy. It has two DVI (digital video input) connectors and one analog port, to which you can connect your Mac. Once connected, the display was recognized by our Mac and automatically booted into its native 1,600-by-1,200 pixel resolution. Many monitor manufacturers pump up the brightness or the colors on the screen so their product will stand out from the crowd on store shelves, but not this monitor. Right out of the box, the 2190UXi’s colors were spot on.

Adjusting the stand to a comfortable viewing position is no problem. It offers more extended height adjustment options than previous models, as well as the ability to tilt far backwards, swivel, and even pivot into a portrait mode (provided you are using OS X 10.4 and have a supported ATI graphics card).

The display scored well on all of our tests, providing clear and legible text even at small point sizes. Punchy and accurate colors gave photos life-like depth, and even when standing next to the display (nearly 90 degrees off-center), there was no discernible shift in color or loss of contrast.

Macworld’s buying advice

This display doesn’t come cheap, but graphics pros will love the NEC MultiSync 2190UXi’s vivid and accurate colors and wide viewing angle. Its height-adjustable stand means you won’t need to stack ugly risers under the base of the monitor to raise it to your comfort level.

[ James Galbraith is Macworld ’s lab director. ]