ViewSonic G90f 19 inch CRT Monitor

First a small comment about the reviews here:

When considering this monitor for purchase, epinions.com is one place I looked for information. After making this purchase and comparing my thoughts to other reviewers something became obvious. In my opinion many reviewers over rate the products they are reviewing. I'm not sure why, but I would certainly say the reviews are not objective.

Now for my review:
Model: G90f-2

I'm not certain what the -2 represents or changes to the model it represents. I can assure this is not a remanufactured monitor (you may ask this question later). I emailed Viewsonic's Technical support regarding the -2, over 3 weeks later I gave up on receiving any sort of response.

What to expect: This monitor uses shadow mask technology. It arrived with a driver CD-ROM, a power cord, and a quick installation guide. These are basics I guess which should be expected with a monitor.

The size of this monitor is nice. Like many other 19" monitors of today, it's length, width, and height are very close to older 17" monitors. The 18.0" viewable area is very nice, and does seem to make use of the 19" tube.

The monitor was packaged well, which oddly leads to my first problem. There are several small surface imperfections that are barely perceptible, like small needles scratched the screen. It appears that during packaging or handling the tube must have brushed against something. I am not being overly demanding, as I only plan to keep this monitor for a year or so. Several friends have advised that these small scratches warrant a return or exchange. Other than that, the physical condition of the monitor is good.

Performance: I am certainly not dazzled with this monitor. The picture is good, but not fantastic.

I will briefly address the features as listed on Viewsonic's website.

Maximum resolution and refresh rates:
The nice thing is this monitor will display 1600x1200@75Hz flicker free. In that mode the picture is still very clear but simply too small for my eyes. Viewsonic's own website states this monitor displays 1600x1200 up to 77Hz, however 77Hz IS NOT an option in my display drivers. 75Hz is the highest refresh rate at 1600x1200 resolution.

I've found my optimum setting to be 1152x864@100Hz. I've also disabled Window's "Font Smoothing" which in my opinion made the text a bit fuzzy. I believe this is due to the shadow mask tube.

PerfectFlat Screen:
Now for the biggest pit fall. This monitor does not use a true flat screen tube. While Viewsonic's "PerfectFlat" does present a flat surface, there are actually two perceptible reflective surfaces. The first being the glass filler surface (the outside surface), the second being the actual picture tube. So be warned, this monitor DOES NOT HAVE A FLAT SCREEN TUBE.

SuperClear Technology:
Comparing my old 17" Samsung 6Ne, the G90f-2's overall picture is better, but the colors of 6Ne we're more accurate. On the G90f text is much sharper, and the picture is brighter as well.

There are splotchy, shadow-like spots in the picture which cannot be adjusted out or fixed by using the built in degausser.

Onview Controls:
Adjustments are plentiful and simple to use. I would have to say that every adjustment needed to correct geometry is included in the OSD.

ARAG Screen Treatment:
This screen treatment is less effective than that on my 6 year old 17" Samsung 6Ne. With the G90f-2 off and a light source in the room I can see my own reflection clearly.

Where did I purchase:
I found a local retailer that placed a special order for this monitor at a reasonable price of $275.00US.

Another local retailer stocked this monitor, but they were still asking $350.00US for it. I didn't get a chance to inspect the unit on display, because the day I was there the PC their G90f was hooked to wasn't working. I would not have purchased this monitor had I seen what I now own.

For what the G90f's full retail is, there are better monitors available.