NEC MultiSync 70GX review

Like all 17in TFT monitors, the NEC has a native resolution of 1280x1024 pixels, but the 70GX has a few extras.

The NEC possesses a digital DVI input, an analogue D-Sub input and a built-in four-port USB 2 hub. Simply connect one cable to your PC's USB 2 port and then you can plug two devices into the underside of the NEC and another two into the sockets positioned on its side.

Another boon is the clear and easy-to-navigate menu system that makes setting the screen up an absolute doddle. Better still, if you're too lazy to even take your hand off your mouse, the supplied NaViSet software lets you adjust the brightness and contrast from within Windows.

As for the MultiSync's image quality, it was quite simply sensational. The incredible vibrancy is in some part due to the glossy coating on the NEC's screen, which did accentuate reflections a tad, but this is a minor complaint. Even our boring blue Windows desktop was transformed from its usual dull familiarity into a scene bursting with brightness, rich accurate colour and impeccably crisp text. Viewing our test photos left our jaw resting on the carpet as we found details evident in photographs that we had never even noticed before.

Thanks to the rapid 4ms response time, movies and games left us similarly stunned. Everything from the deepest, most inky of blacks to the most sparkling of whites was impeccably realised and we couldn't perceive any motion blur at all. Our copy of Sin City looked better than ever, the NEC providing a strikingly detailed image.

The only issue we found was a relatively poor range of viewing angles. Moving vertically off axis quickly made the image look washed out and horizontal viewing angles were also fairly narrow. You won't want to share the 70GX with anyone else though.

The NEC is a monitor to aspire to. If you can't afford it, then keep feeding the piggy bank until you can. Your eyes will love you for it.