LG Electronics Flatron 795FT

If you think your monitor is actually flat, you're wrong. All CRT displays are - almost by definition - curved to some degree and it's all down to the shortcomings of the century-old technology that makes them work. But no longer - LG Electronics has come up with a CRT screen that's flatter than a hedgehog at a steamroller convention.

To the casual observer, the Flatron 795FT may look just like any other 17in monitor, but sit in front of it and the difference immediately becomes clear. It's only when you see a truly flat CRT that you realise just how curved other monitors are and as a result, the two-dimensional nature of the Flatron's screen actually takes a little getting used to.

There are several advantages to using a flat CRT, covering a gamut of monitor issues from image accuracy to health. A flat screen is obviously the only way to display an undistorted image and a planar surface is less prone to reflected glare from ambient light. It's perhaps a testament to the Flatron's design that it also conforms to the latest, strictest TCO 99 specification that governs electromagnetic radiation.

Getting the Flatron up and running is straightforward, not least because of the comprehensive set of image controls accessed using feather-touch buttons along the bezel. In fact, 'comprehensive' doesn't begin to describe the tweaks on offer and you can compensate for image distortions we weren't even aware existed.

So what's it like? Apart from a minor, though irresolvable, convergence problem affecting the screen's extremities, the Flatron's image is superb.

Colours are bright, clear and vivid, with crisp contrast.

Though far from the cheapest 17in monitor around, the LG Flatron 795FT is certainly one of the best. If you're at all concerned about displaying only top-quality images on your PC, you should be looking at this monitor.

SPECIFICATIONS

17in flat-screen CRT monitor with 16in viewable diagonal

0.24mm slot pitch

Maximum resolution of 1600x1200 at 75Hz

Four-port USB hub

TCO 99 certified

Dimensions (wxdxh): 414.8x438.8x435mm

Weight: 21kg

£329 (inc VAT)

LG Electronics: 01753 500400

flatron.lge.co.kr

LG ELECTRONICS FLATRON 795FT

Build quality ***

Image quality ****

Features ****

Value for money ***

Overall ****