Compaq TFT8030

A lot of hype surrounding Thin Film Transistor (TFT) monitors focuses on the fact that they are much thinner and have a larger viewing area than a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor of equivalent screen size. The Compaq TFT is no exception, offering a comfortable 18.1inch edge-to-edge viewing area and a slim, 75mm deep screen, all on a tiny footprint.

This monitor certainly looks nice, with a cool silver casing and a carbon base. Buttons are kept to a minimum and blend nicely into the casing to preserve the sleek look. All connected leads at the back of the unit are kept tidy behind a clip-on panel, helping to create a clutter free desk.

Complete with two VGA, 2 DVI-D and two Video (S-video & Composite) inputs, a native resolution of 1280 x 1024 and a multitude of on-screen display options, this is a monitor for business rather than home use, particularly given the price. If you can afford it, however, it would make a nice addition to any home PC.

TFT colour representation is not quite the same as with CRT monitors, simply due to the different methods of producing colour. And like all TFT screens this one lets itself down with some colours. These problems are concentrated in colours with subtle nuances.

The screen itself can be rotated 160 degrees both horizontally and vertically, although during our use vertical rotation was a little stiff and accompanied by a worrying clicking sound. Its manoeuvrability does allow for a completely comfortable viewing angle though which, in combination with a good desk position, will virtually wipe out any ergonomic problems.

The screen did flicker for a little while after power up, irrespective of which refresh rate was used. This flickering also occurred when brightness was reduced to under halfway, but this cleared itself up within a few days and didn't reappear.

Instructions are non-existent although, to be fair, unless you have never used a monitor before there is little need for them in order to set it up. However, some kind of guidance to the on-screen menu would have been helpful, as trial and error is not the best way of figuring out each one's function.

Contact: Compaq 0845 270 4000
www.compaq.co.uk