TFT LCD monitors are increasingly becoming an attractive option. Prices are falling, and there are some great monitors around. The AG Neovo S-15V is a sub-$2,000 15in display with distinctive styling. There are cheaper LCD TFTs available, but few can match the quality and design of the Neovo S-15V.

The screen is covered by a patented, multi-layered glass panel, which acts to protect the fragile LCD from damage in the rough and tumble of everyday use.

Its scratch-proof, but has a tendency to pick up fingerprints and other smudges. The screen features an impressive 75 viewing angle, but is limited to XGA 1,024 x 768-pixel resolution at 70Hz, which limits the scope of the screen for some high-end applications. For those who dont need higher resolutions this is not too much of an issue, and it helps to keep the cost of the screen down. There is also the option to add touch screens or replacement glass panels with a minimum of fuss.

The monitor is designed to be wall mounted. The input and output cabling connectors recess flush with the back of the display, which is a little awkward to fiddle with, but absolutely necessary if the product is to be mounted on the wall.

Input is via a15-pin VGA cable. Alternatively, S-Video and composite signals are also acceptable. A smart controller prioritises the signal so that you can have it attached to multiple sources and toggle between them. The OSD has a basic suite of adjustments, which are more than adequate for everyday use.

PC Authority tested the S-15V using the latest version of DisplayMate Multimedia Edition (www.displaymate.com). The S-15V performed exceptionally well in all the tests, especially the geometry tests, in which the screen was almost flawless. The monitor coped admirably with desktop tasks, but there was a small amount of motion blur when watching DVDs or playing games.

The AG Neovo S-15V is definitely a thoroughbred of the TFT world. Its styling and design combine to make an inexpensive, durable and highly functional screen. For day-to-day desktop use, or for kiosk or other public display, the S-15V is more than capable of taking whatever is thrown at it, and the upgrade path of adding touch screens means that it can continue being competitive for the foreseeable future.