ViewSonic 22-inch LED Monitor Reviewed

It is easy to see why LEDs have essentially taken over both the TV and computer monitor market. In their advertising campaign, ViewSonic has chosen to highlight one of the main advantages of LED technology: greater energy efficiency. LEDs are essentially LCDs, but use light-emitting diodes, rather than standard cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), as backlighting. LEDs run cooler than CCFLS and consequently waste less electrical energy as heat energy. Furthermore, LEDs require less space for cooling and can therefore be packaged in lighter, sleeker housing. With that in mind, lets take a look at ViewSonic's highly popular 22-inch monitor, the VX2250WM.

ViewSonic claims that the LED-backlighting enables the VX2250WM to use about 40% less energy than the average 22-inch LCD monitor. Although you probably won't see a noticeable drop in your monthly electricity bill (unless you use dozens of monitors, such as at a school), this is a huge difference for a single appliance. If you are used to using a standard LCD monitor – particularly if that monitor is 22+ inches – you will notice other pleasant changes as well, such as less noise and heat. Because it uses less energy, produces less heat, and runs more efficiently, they are also expected to have longer operating lives.

Like many new monitors, the ViewSonic VX2250WMoffers a full hd 1080p resolution, which is great for running graphic-intensive applications, blu-ray movies, and the latest video games. Although it's a minor complaint (and not an issue at all for some), we were a little annoyed that  ViewSonic decided to brag about this feature by placing an "LED 1080p" logo on the bottom-left portion of the frame. Functionally, of course, it makes no difference, but it's a bit unnecessary.

A slightly more serious criticism of the VX2250WM is the device's built-in speakers, which are among the least impressive of any monitor we've come across in recent memory. Few people actually use the built-in speakers, so it's a good chance this will have little or no impact on whether you choose this particular display or look elsewhere. For even the casual computer user, we highly recommend investing in a $20+ pair of speakers, especially if you buy one of the new ViewSonic LEDs.

Despite these small blunders, the VX2250WM does have a lot going for it. It has a bright, clear LED display with a dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1. Other than the HD labeling, the monitor is quite pleasing aesthetically, with a sleek black finish. The whole monitor is very light-weight, surprisingly so when compared with equivalent LCDs. The stand gets the job done, and is enough to hold up the light-weight monitor. It does, however, have a cheaper, more plastic feel to it than some other stands and may wobble a bit on unstable desk tops.

There are better monitors out there. If you do graphic-intensive work where color and tone are critical, then the VX2250WM may not be for you. For the casual user, however, the VX2250WM – particularly when selling for around $170 – is a good buy and certainly a major upgrade to most older LCDs.