But the 90GX2 isn’t fl awless. The
backlight is visible around the perimeter,
especially on a primarily dark screen.
And in DisplayMate we observed subtle
color-tracking errors in grayscales of 64
steps or more (characterized by varying
tints throughout the steps of the scale),
and some compression at the dark end of
scales comprising 128 or more steps. But
these issues are of more concern to a user
whose work requires precise color match-
ing. As we said before, in our experience
with a broad range of content, the 90GX2’s
picture is exceptional.
Like Samsung’s 970P, the 90GX2 fea-
tures a number of color-and-brightness
presets intended to enhance various
types of content—Photo, Movie, Games,
etc. Unlike the 970P, however, you can
switch among these offerings through
the OSD buttons on the monitor’s bezel.
Sadly, the NEC doesn’t have any built-
in mechanism for height adjustment or
screen rotation, although it does offer
four powered USB 2.0 ports (along with
analog and DVI inputs), which we like.
And neat freaks might dig this display’s
cable-management system, which lets
you run your signal, power, and USB
cables discreetly through the monitor’s
neck (which has a detachable back).XEROX XG-91D
Xerox’s XG-91D screen sports a unique
fi nish that straddles the line between
matte and glossy. While the screen
appears to be treated with an anti-glare
coating, a sheer outer layer, which Xerox
dubs XShield Protective glass, makesfor a refl ective surface—not so refl ective
as NEC’s screen, but also not as eye-pop-
ping. In fact, the XG-91D’s image appeared
somewhat muted alongside the other
monitors here. It helped some to turn up
the brightness, but that threw the screen’s
black level out of whack.
Another dubious feature is the moni-
tor’s hard-wired DVI cable—the sole input
besides power. It might ensure that the
cable never gets loose or lost, but it also
means that a bent pin on the $5 cable
could render your display useless. And
we’re always a little disappointed when
a monitor lacks an ergonomic stand. The
XG-91D’s screen can’t be raised, lowered,
or rotated. It tilts forward and back—that’s
all. Buttons on the bezel offer the standard
OSD options.
During testing, the XG-91D delivered
respectable performance in DisplayMate.
The backlight did show through in spots
on a solid screen, and the display’s white
appeared a little dull compared with the
other screens here, but neither issue was
severe. And to its credit, the XG-91D
reproduced smooth, perfectly graduated
grayscales of up to 256 steps. The XG-
91D also handled all types of real-world
content, including several games, without
stumbling. Weighing its various quali-
ties, we’d say it’s a decent LCD, but for
the same money, you can get something
much better.NEC’s 90GX2 glossy, vibrant screen is
known to stop passers-by in their tracks.
$400, http://www.xerox-displays.comXEROX XG-91DVIVID
Decent overall perfor-
mance.
LIVID 7
Hard-wired DVI cable; lacks
ergo stand; muted picture.$500, http://www.necdisplay.comNEC 90GX2LUSTER
Glossy screen is stunning in
the right environment; four
USB ports.
BLUSTER^9
Glossy screen can be a problem in
some environments; lacks height
adjustment; some grayscale issues.In a crowded field, it takes a special
something to attract the attention of
discriminating users, and Xerox’s XG-
91D doesn’t have it.