NEC MultiSync E231W

Hey guys, this is Eric Franklin from CNET.com and today we're taking a first look at the NEC MultiSync E231W. The NEC looks like a typical NEC monitor. Its circular foot stand keeps it from toppling when at its lowest height. However, it's more easily knocked over when at its highest. Ergonomic options include a 10-degree back tilt, panel swiveling, pivot, and the aforementioned height adjustment. On the back of the display is a built-in carrying space with enough room for even the largest hands to carry the monitor comfortably. At the bottom of the stand is a cord organizer. OSD options consist of Brightness, Contrast, and an Auto Brightness mode. The OSD has six base presets and an additional six color temperature presets. Additionally, the OSD includes a mode that estimates how much the monitor's current power consumption is costing you. Navigating the OSD proved to be mostly painless process, especially using the little joy knob here, as I affectionately refer to it as. The NEC display night time scenes in movies without missing much dark detail. However, color was not as vibrant as on the Samsung PX2370 nor was the picture as sharp. The picture seems to lack an appropriate amount of red as redheaded characters appear like brunettes. In games, color didn't have the same pop as on the PX2370. We tried adjusting the color value separately but couldn't find a setting that was simultaneously accurate and eye popping. The NEC offers an abundance of features for the relatively low price of $300. It's difficult to find a well performing 23-incher with full ergo support but NEC found a way to offer this one at a competitive price. Once again, I'm Eric Franklin and this has been the first look at the NEC MultiSync E231W.