Gateway 22" Widescreen High Definition Monitor (FPD2275W) Product Review

Gateway's 22 inch widescreen monitor is a sight for sore eyes. With a maximum resolution of 1680 x 1050, 700:1 contrast ratio and 5 ms response time, this monitor really shines. The 22 inch flat-panel LCD gives plenty of room to view multiple applications at the same time. Text and graphic display are crisp and the colors are vibrant. The backlight provides an extremely bright display, maybe a little too bright. On screen menus allow easy access for tweaking this monitor to suit your viewing environment. Gateway has included plenty of inputs for this display. Both analog and digital PC inputs are included as well as s-video, component and composite inputs for entertainment use.

Picture in picture display allows you to watch a movie or the news while you continue to work on your computer. I have never found this feature all that appealing but if this is something you're looking for it is included. Another feature of this monitor that I do find useful is the included USB ports. These ports make hooking up an iPod or other USB device extremely convenient. The monitor is wall mountable with the correct hardware which is optional. The included base has a reasonably small footprint and seems to hold the monitor well without fear of tipping. One missing feature of this base unit is the ability to raise or lower the display which is greatly missed. The only physical adjustment with this base unit is tilt. A monitor of this quality deserves a better base.

Gateways 22 inch widescreen monitor is high definition ready. The integrated Faroudja video processor delivers a sharp 720p picture. All these optional inputs make this monitor exceptional for work and play. With a simple menu input you can go from working on an Excel spreadsheet to watching your favorite high definition content.

The fast 5 ms response time makes this monitor ideal for gamers. Gaming on a widescreen monitor gives you a better feeling of immersion. Add this monitor to a fast gaming PC and a nice surround sound system and you'll be in gaming heaven.

If you have not used a widescreen monitor before the experience is slightly different but not all that hard to get used to. After several months of using multiple widescreen monitors I find the 16:9 ratios fits my needs quite well. The extra horizontal resolution gives you the option of more application real estate or having multiple applications open at the same time. Either way, in my opinion widescreen is the way to go. As more and more high definition content and devices come to the market every one will want a widescreen monitor.

One concern mentioned in several of the online forums is the backlight bleed. You might notice the backlight bleeding through the edges of the screen when the display is dark. Some people mentioned this made viewing DVDs or games less than optimal. After I reduced the screen brightness in the setup menu I personally did not find this to be much of a problem but it is still noticeable. When you get this monitor home and set up spend some time watching a DVD to make sure this backlight bleeding is not an issue for you.

In conclusion, I would give this Gateway monitor high marks. The image quality is very good and all the extras included with this monitor make it a great value for $399. The only negative thing I have to say about this monitor relates to the base. I would really like to have the ability to adjust the height and swivel. This is a small complaint and by no means would stop me from buying another of these fine monitors. Gateway has produced a first-rate product with outstanding fit and finish at a reasonable price. If the backlight bleed does not cause you a problem I think you will be more than satisfied to purchase this display.