Sony SDM-N50

Flatpanel TFT screens are two a penny, but the Sony SDM-N50 is a little different. Not only is it much thinner, and its silver and grey styling will turn a few heads, but it has a whole host of other tricks up its sleeve.

We've said it before and we'll say it again, no company can design products the way Sony can. Sony manages to take a product that's generally thought of as dull, and turn it into a must-have item.

This time the magic design wand has been waved over a flatpanel monitor, and the results are nothing short of staggering. Without a doubt, the SDM-N50 is the most beautiful computer display ever constructed. That might seem like a strong statement, but you only have to look at this revolutionary monitor to see what we mean.

An average TFT display is about 9cm thick, but the SDM-N50 is an amazingly svelte 1.3cm thick. Not only is it thin, but it's easy to position, with the screen mounted on a multi-pivoted stand.

Breaking with the traditional beige plaguing most PC products, Sony has opted for a stylish grey and silver colour scheme, making its new baby even more of a style statement.

However, as thin and desirable as it is, what you see is not all you get. The SDM-N50 works in conjunction with what Sony calls the Media Engine. This square box of tricks sits between your PC and the screen, receives the power, video signal and sound, and transmits it all to the screen via a single cable. Of course, this means that the package isn't as small as you first think, but since the connection cable is two metres long, it's easy for you to position the Media Engine out of the way and just have a single cable running to the screen.

The Media Engine is capable of accepting two VGA inputs, which means you can connect two PCs to it and switch between them using the button on the screen fascia.

The adjustment controls are all located down the righthand side of the display and the layout and usability is excellent. Without even entering the OSD you can adjust brightness, contrast and volume, and switch between input signals. Once you press the menu button you're presented with a comprehensive list of adjustments, including an ambient light sensor and a control to set the width of the stereo sound.

However, the most impressive option under the OSD is the user sensor. The user sensor setting refers to a small movement sensor located under the power button. This sensor will detect when there is no movement in front of the screen and go into power-save mode, then as soon as someone sits in front of the screen it will switch on again. We know this is a gadget, but it's a good one.

The quality of the display itself is first rate. The colours are vibrant and the lighting is even across the surface. You have the option of altering the backlight intensity under the OSD to suit your own preference.

The optimal resolution of the display is 1024 x 768, which is pretty standard for a 15in panel. There are stereo speakers mounted in the base of the stand, while a handy headphone socket nestles next to the main connection cable.

If you're considering buying an LCD flatpanel because of the way they look, this is the one to go for, but be prepared to pay a little extra for the privilege. If the extra expense doesn't put you off, you'll be buying the most beautiful and feature-packed LCD flatpanel on the market.

Contact Sony 0990 424424