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The Viewsonic has a 400:1 contrast ratio and a 16ms response time. The latter means that you shouldn’t have any smearing problems when watching movies or playing games, although we have to say that we can’t really detect any problems with screens sporting 20ms or even 25ms response times.

The image produced is crisp and clear, and we had no problem using the VP201s for general applications, games or watching video. Firing up DisplayMate did highlight some of this screen’s weak points though. Looking at the intensity scale tests showed that the Viewsonic had trouble producing smooth graduation from high to low intensity. The result showed significant banding in the greyscale tests, and slightly less evident, but nonetheless still present, banding in the 256 intensity colour ramp test. On the plus side, the colour scales were pretty much perfect, with each colour fading uniformly and tailing off at the very end of the scale. The colour purity tests were also very clean.

It is however important to remember that monitors are subjective things, and just because DisplayMate highlights issues, it doesn’t mean that you would notice them in real world use. In fact, this group test has taken a very long time to write, since we have used each and every one of these monitors on our desks for some time, to get a true feel for them, and in day to day use, the VP201s was a joy.

Now, considering the design and features of this screen we fully expected the price to be correspondingly high. However, the price of £718.99 was definitely a pleasant surprise. It’s true that the image quality under DisplayMate wasn’t as good as some of the other screens on test, but you are getting a beautifully designed and feature packed screen at a very reasonable price.

Verdict

From a design and ergonomic point of view, none of the other monitors on test can touch the VP201s, although the Samsung definitely tries hard. It’s a shame that this screen doesn’t have the same image quality as the VP211b, but it is cheaper and has a lower response time for those that are concerned about such things. If your main use for a screen is image editing, the smoother tonal gradations offered by the Samsung or the Iiyama might suit better. But if you’re looking for a screen for general Windows work, and want ultimate adjustability and extra features like a USB 2.0 hub, you’ll be very happy with the VP201s.

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