DATALUX ML LCD monitor. (Evaluation)
by David English

At first glance it looks like one of the flat-screen desktop computers from "Star Trek: The New Generation." It's much thinner than a regular computer monitor--sort of a notebook computer without the computer. This sleek little screen is actually a stand-alone LCD monitor that comes with its own VGA card; it replaces a standard VGA monitor. You can also buy a model with a built-in compact keyboard: the MKL PC Terminal ($1,175).

Why use a DATALUX instead of a standard cthoderay monitor? Three reasons come to mind. First, this screen takes much less space than a standard monitor, making it a good pick for close areas. The model with the keyboard is especially space-conservative, and you can even hang the screen-only model on the wall. Second, some people are concerned that the low levels of radiation that emanate from standard monitors could be harmful. LCD screens--in both DATALUX monitors and laptop computers--give off virtually no radiation. Third, some people are sensitive to the slight pulsing of standard computer monitors for more than an hour or two at a time (especially monitors with short-persistence phosphors). LCD screens switch their pixels on and off much more slowly than conventional monitors, so people with this problem can work with LCD screens all day without becoming tired.

I've used a DATALUX for about four months and found only one real drawback. The current models support just 16 gray shades, even though most laptop and notebook LCD screens now support either 32 or 64 shades of gray. On the other hand, a DATALUX screen is noticeably brighter than the other passive-matrix LCD screens I've seen.

If you're unable to use a conventional computer monitor because of space or health considerations--and you don't require color--the DATALUX ML LCD Monitor may be just what you're looking for.

DAVID ENGLISH