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Let’s get one thing straight, the VP211b is the perfect desktop screen. It’s not often that I will begin a review this way, especially after spending so many years testing and evaluating technology products. But every now and then something comes along that really is special, and this latest screen from ViewSonic definitely falls into that category.

So, what is it that makes this screen so special? There are in fact a number of aspects that elevate the VP211b, but let’s start with the most obvious one, size. With a corner to corner screen measurement of 21.3in the VP211b is a very large display. However, with an incredibly thin bezel, the physical dimensions of the whole monitor are similar to many 19in units.
If the VP211B just offered a couple of inches more screen area than a regular 19in panel there wouldn’t be too much to shout about, but this display will run a native resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 compared with 1,280 x 1,024 that 19in panels display.
Not only is 1,600 x 1,200 a great resolution for a desktop display, but it’s also the highest resolution supported by a single channel DVI output. This means that if you’ve got a graphics card with a DVI output you’ll be treated to a high resolution coupled with a crystal clear image that never needs adjusting.

Image quality is nothing short of breathtaking. The colours are bright a vivid in a way that few screens can emulate. Lighting is also perfectly even across the entire screen surface, but far more impressive is that the light transmission and contrast refuses to drop no matter how acute the viewing angle. This may seem like a small point, but with a screen this size you may want to use it for the odd presentation in a meeting, so being able to view the image from almost any angle clearly is pretty important.

Most flat panel displays manage to look pretty stylish on your desk due to the nature of the inherent technology, but the VP211b looks particularly stunning. The screen bezel and stand are finished in matt black which helps to enhance the size of the screen. Logos and model numbers are kept small enough not to detract from the sleek and simple design, showing that ViewSonic is happy to let the product speak for itself.

The stand is almost as impressive as the screen itself. The screen is attached to a telescopic column which can be raised and lowered vertically. This movement is damped and repositioning the screen is surprisingly simple. There is an impressive range of rotational movement as well, in case you want to turn the screen and show something to a colleague. To top things off the VP211b can be rotated into a portrait format. Again the movement is smooth and the unit clicks into place confidently when it reaches its destination.
Amazingly, even with all this movement the cables not only don’t get in the way, they’re not even visible to the user thanks to a set of cable clips running along the rear of the mounting column.

Thankfully ViewSonic bundles a copy of PerfectPortrait pivot software with the VP211b so you can make the most of the screen’s twisting ability. Using the software is simply a matter of clicking the tray icon and deciding which direction and how far you want the image rotated. Not only does the software rotate the image but it also positions all your desktop icons in their original locations in relation to the new orientation.
For anyone who needs to read, write or edit large word documents this screen along with the PerfectPortrait software is fantastic. You can have masses text on the screen at one time without the need to use scroll bars. Even the OSD is automatically rotated to match the orientation of the screen. Of course this may be a niche feature, but it’s a good one nonetheless.

Below the screen area (assuming you’re in landscape mode of course) you’ll find five buttons. One button is the power switch although there is a second “hard” power switch at the rear next to the power socket. The other four buttons control the OSD and input selection. Strangely ViewSonic is still numbering its buttons 1 and 2 instead of naming them Menu and Select. That said, the OSD is pretty intuitive to use without even looking at the what’s written on the buttons. Another great feature is that you can cycle through the inputs without having to go through the OSD. Pressing button 2 will switch through D-SUB, analogue DVI and digital DVI inputs.

At the rear of the screen you’ll find a decent array of connections. For video signals there is an analogue D-SUB and a DVI-I input for digital or analogue connection. There’s also a four port USB 2.0 hub which can come in handy if your PC happens to be located under your desk.

Bundled in the box you’ll find both D-SUB and DVI cables along with a power lead and a USB cable to get the hub connected. A driver CD and the PerfectPortrait software round off a very impressive package.

It’s usually at this point in a review that I have to tell you that all this quality comes at a staggering price that can’t possibly be justified. However, ViewSonic has priced the VP211b at a very reasonable price of £999. Of course £999 is still a lot of money to pay for a monitor, but it wasn’t too long ago that you were paying double that for an 18in panel running a 1,280 x 1,024 resolution. Considering the large screen, fantastic image and great design, the asking price seems like a bit of a bargain to me.

Quite simply, ViewSonic has created a superb desktop display that’s a joy to use and coupled it with a reasonable asking price.

Verdict

The best desktop display that I’ve ever seen. Even though £999 is a lot of money, the VP211b is worth every penny. If you want a great monitor and have the cash, this is most definitely for you.