The 17in Multiscan E200 is based on an improved version of the famous Trinitron tube. The FD Trinitron is designed to provide a truly flat display. Sony claims to have achieved this flatness by adding a slight inner curve to the phosphor area, which compensates for the optical illusion.

The E200 is impressive. Picture contrast is excellent, and images remain clear even at the very edges of the display. The picture still appears slightly concave, but the effect is nowhere near as pronounced as in other screens.

The monitor features a comprehensive on-screen display for setting up elements such as brightness and contrast, and adjusting picture geometry. Most of the menus and options are self explanatory, but if you do get stuck there's a help section.

Instead of the usual buttons or wheels, the E200 features what Sony calls a Display Mouse. This works like an upside-down joystick and proved extremely fiddly. It made setting up the monitor difficult because it is easy to overshoot options and can make your arm ache during long adjustments.

Control niggles aside, the screen offers a flicker-free top resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels at 81Hz, and 1024 x 768 at a rock-solid 107Hz refresh.

Contact Sony 01932 816000