And yet another advantage of LCDs (this is the last, I swear!) is their low power usage. The CPD-L181 uses a maximum of 46W, which is far less than the 140W Sony's 19" CRT using CPD-G400 uses. Not only does this save money in the long run, it also cuts pollution.
Power Consumption
- Normal (max): 46W
- Suspend (max): < 15W
- Active Off (max): < 1W
Power
- Input Supply: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
Not all is perfect for the CPD-L181. Capable of displaying 24-bit color, it's better than your average LCD and comparable to an average CRT, but does not come close to Sony's CRTs and other high-end graphics monitors. If you're happy with an inexpensive monitor, the CPD-L181 will not disappoint, but if you're used to the best or need the best color, the CPD-L181 is not for you. To soften the blow, it does include the ability to change the color temperature, which is especially important under florescent lighting.
When you're into gaming, vibrant color is extremely importance. Because of this, I prefer my Sony 400PS 19" CRT over the CPD-L181 for Quake III Arena and other graphically intensive games. However, for everything else, from watching DVDs to writing this very article, the CPD-L181 is just awesome.
The contrast and brightness are excellent. With a listed luminance of 200cd/m2 and a contrast ratio of 300:1, the CPD-L181 is brighter and has just as much contrast as Apple's Cinema Display. However, the numbers don't tell everything. At higher brightness and contrast settings, the CPD-L181's image washes out and worsens while the Apple LCD's image remains vibrant.
LCD Performance
- Luminance: 200cd/m2
- Contrast Ratio: 300:1
- Display Colors: 16.77 million
- H. Viewing: 140°
- V. Viewing: 110°
The CPD-L181 has a 140° horizontal viewing angle and a 110° vertical viewing angle. This is less than many competing LCDs, less than Sony's own CPD-L181A, and less than any CRT monitor. For comparison, Apple's 22" Cinema Display has 160° vertical and horizontal viewing angles. To make matters worse, the ideal non-distorted viewing angle is also far narrower than we like. If you move your viewing angle more than four or five inches off center, the image color and contrast change drastically. We don't recommend the CPD-L181 for anyone who has to move around a lot when working at their desk or use their monitor for presentations, but when you're facing it head on, the image is great.
|