Mobility made easy with HP notebooksViewSonic VX2245wm ViewDock
Manufacturer: ViewSonic Corp. Part number: VX2245WM
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- Product brief
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The iPod dock doesn't fully deliver on its potential, and the design is a little clunky, but the Viewsonic VX2245wm ViewDock still delivers some attractive features with decent performance for those willing to pay extra.
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CNET editors' review
ViewSonic VX2245wm ViewDock
price range: $449.99
The iPod dock doesn't fully deliver on its potential, and the design is a little clunky, but the Viewsonic VX2245wm ViewDock still delivers some attractive features with decent performance for those willing to pay extra.
The good: Relatively attractive design; iPod dock for charging your iPod and playing music through iTunes; four USB ports and an eight-in-one media card reader; built-in speakers; decent performance; headphone jack, volume knob, and mic on stand.
The bad: Can't play music and movies from iPod without using a computer; front-panel controls are hard to use; two AC cables, two audio cables, and one USB cable needed to connect the iPod dock.
The bottom line: The iPod dock doesn't fully deliver on its potential, and the design is a little clunky, but the Viewsonic VX2245wm ViewDock still delivers some attractive features with decent performance for those willing to pay extra.
Design
The aesthetic appeal of the Viewsonic VX2245wm ViewDock's design is largely dependent on how much you like having an iPod docked right below your screen. Opinion of CNET editors was largely split, with some thinking the iPod would be distracting and others liking the integrated dock. The bezel is glossy black, as well as most of the stand. Right down the center of the stand is a silver stripe where the iPod dock is.
Connecting the monitor to make the iPod dock work is a little more trouble than you'd expect. The first bump you'll run into is that the stand itself needs a separate power cord--that's a pain if, like us, your power strip could always use one more outlet. Next, you'll need to connect two separate audio cables--one essentially connecting the stand to the monitor, and the other linking the monitor to the computer. We can understand running the cord from the monitor to the computer, but it seems like Viewsonic could have designed the dock so it didn't need to connect to itself. Lastly, you'll need to make the USB connect from the display to computer, which is standard for any monitor with USB and media card readers.
Aside from some of the quirks with the dock itself, we like the three USB ports located on the front of the stand. They're convenient if the ports on your PC aren't easy to reach, and the same goes for the eight-in-one media card reader. On the other hand, we really didn't like the front-panel controls, because they're set into the panel and force you to use your fingernail to press them. With our stubby nails, this made configuring the display harder than it should have been. There's also a volume knob on the front, as well as a tiny microphone.
Manufacturer's specs
- Resolution: 1,680x1,050 pixels
- Dot pitch: 0.28mm
- Pixel-response rate: 5ms
- Contrast ratio: 700:1
- Viewing angle: 170 degrees horizontal /160 degrees vertical
- Connectivity: DVI, VGA, and USB
- Other features: iPod dock, volume control, built-in speakers, headphone jack; eight-in-one media card reader, four USB ports
- Not HDCP compliant
- Included cables: VGA and DVI, plus two audio cables
As we said before, the iPod dock doesn't live up to its full potential. When the VX2245wm was first announced, we imagined it might have offered the ability to just pop in your iPod and listen to music or watch a movie without using a computer. This isn't the case--instead, it's really just like any other iPod dock, except that it's physically attached to the monitor. It can't play music through the speakers by itself--like an iPod speaker system can--so you could essentially duplicate its functionality with the USB/Dock connecter that comes with new iPods and iTunes. Of course, it wouldn't be as stylish or have the convenience of a dedicated dock, but it is a whole lot cheaper.
The built-in speakers are fine for listening to a quick YouTube clip, but anyone expecting more will be disappointed. There's also a "subwoofer" located in the stand, which adds a little extra bass response, but not anything like you'd expect from a real dedicated sub. Like all built-in monitor speakers, don't expect them to rock out your home office.
Performance
For the price, the performance of the Viewsonic VX2245wm is perfectly acceptable for the vast majority of everyday tasks. We didn't have any gripes while Web browsing, using a word processor, or performing similar tasks. We were a little let down for video games and DVD playback, as we felt the picture wasn't quite as sharp as we would have liked, and the video looked grainy. Of course, this is also a factor of watching a standard-definition DVD on a 22-inch monitor from about a foot away--you're going to notice flaws that you wouldn't if you were watching your TV from your couch. The VX2245wm had an overall score of 72 on CNET Labs' DisplayMate benchmarks, a few notches higher than the Viewsonic VX2235wm ($350), which received a 69.
The value of the Viewdock will largely depend on how much you value its styling and its limited iPod functionality. If you have no problem continuing to use a separate iPod dock and monitor, you'll probably better off going for the cheaper VX2235wm, which offers much of the same performance. If you like the all-in-one design and you appreciate an iPod dock on your monitor, as well as the additional connectivity options, then the Viewsonic VX2245wm might be a good fit. Even still, it might be worthwhile to hold out for the next-generation of the ViewDock, which could offer tighter integration between the display and your iPod without the extra wires in the back.
Viewsonic backs the VX2245wm with the industry standard three-year warranty on parts, labor, and the backlight, and there is also an option to buy an extended warranty. ViewSonic's support site has an e-mail support form, a knowledge portal, white papers, and driver downloads. Toll-free phone support is available 24/7, but you must go through Virtual Support Assistant to get the number.
Performance graphs
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Product brief
Intro: The Viewsonic VX2245WM is a 22 in, flat panel computer monitor.Compared to other flat panel monitors on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $400.It has a built-in 8-in-1 card reader, set of stereo speakers, microphone, subwoofer, ViewDock, and USB hub.This display features a 1680x1050 native resolution.Weighs 13.7 lbs.
Noteworthy Features: Has 1680x1050 resolution.This is higher than the average monitor on the market today, but is to be expected for a monitor of this price.Reduce the clutter on your desk from external speakers by using this monitor's built-in speakers.Its wide viewing angle (170 degrees) is useful whenever the screen is being viewed by more than one person at the same time.Accepts DVI input, which allows for greater signal clarity than traditional VGA.
Weaker Features: None noted, given available product data.
Suitability: A flat panel monitor, suited for those who want a high-end display for movies, presentations, or design work.The 5 ms response time of this screen makes it ideal for fast-moving games and for watching movies.
Value: Given its relatively inexpensive price, this monitor has great features for the money.However, if you were to judge strictly by the viewable screen size, you would see that the average price of flat panel monitors with comparable viewable size is quite a bit less -- in fact around $325.
Suggestions: (1) Before purchasing an LCD monitor, consider visiting your local store for a live demo to ensure that its overall image quality, color, and sharpness meets your expectation.(2) You can use the built-in USB hub to connect peripherals such as mice and keyboards, or a flash card reader.(4) For more help in deciding if this is the right monitor for you, visit the buying guide for monitors at CNET Reviews.
User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 12 reviews
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Poor value
by ddancona on June 22, 2007
Pros: Sharp image, good response time
Cons: Pricey gimmicks, uneven backlighting, awkward controls
Summary: This same screen is available for $30-50 less without the marginally useful extras.
The speakers are downright lousy, and the addition of a puny 3-watt subwoofer to speakers of this ...Summary: This same screen is available for $30-50 less without the marginally useful extras.
The speakers are downright lousy, and the addition of a puny 3-watt subwoofer to speakers of this quality is a bad joke. The volume control only affects the subwoofer; to change the volume on the speakers you must use the on-screen display, accessed via the monitor control buttons.
The vaunted iPod dock isn't, really: it doesn't work independent of your computer. You have to connect the monitor to the computer via USB, and then back again by sound cable.
If you do that, you'll be sharing the USB connection with the monitor's USB ports; they and it are the slower 1.1, not current 2.0.
The screen itself is okay. The image quality, sharpness and response time are good, but the backlighting is uneven--brighter in the middle than at the sides.
The controls are poor. There is no software adjustment, so you have to use the buttons on the monitor, which are small, flimsy and not very precise.
The monitor is finished in "piano black" (shiny black plastic) and "chrome" (duller grey plastic). The former shows every fingerprint and dust speck, the latter is a source of distracting reflections.
The pedestal is an inferior black plastic. It scratches easily, and that will happen quickly if you use all those ports.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Save your money and the headache
by farseer911 on January 6, 2008
Pros: Bright and big thats it
Cons: Warranty Bogus
Summary: While out of the Box the colors were acceptable for the average user, it does need color calibration. But beware. IF YOU USE A DEVICE THAT ATTACHES TO YOUR MONITOR ...
Summary: While out of the Box the colors were acceptable for the average user, it does need color calibration. But beware. IF YOU USE A DEVICE THAT ATTACHES TO YOUR MONITOR SCREEN TO CALIBRATE, YOU VOID YOUR WARRANTY. I had a brand new one out of the box. color calibrated it. the coating started coming off with an "approved brand" cleaner. The brands website carried the approval of viewsonic and was non ammonia or alcohol based. I contacted viewsonic, they said that they only recommend cleaning their screens with approved cleaners, yet they do not endorse any products to clean their screens, and thus cleaning constitutes customer abuse. Also attaching color calibration devices also constitutes customer abuse and voids the warranty. Then they attach this information to the serial number and if you call again they hang up on you saying that this issue was gone over with you and is settled 'click'.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This monitor is 99% absolutely perfect for me!
by PhragMunkee on June 22, 2007
Pros: iPod dock, USB panel, speakers, and wide
Cons: Not very adjustable
Summary: This monitor is absolutely perfect for what I wanted -- widescreen, an extra USB hub, built-in speakers (for on-the-go sound at LAN parties), and an iPod dock. The price at ...
Summary: This monitor is absolutely perfect for what I wanted -- widescreen, an extra USB hub, built-in speakers (for on-the-go sound at LAN parties), and an iPod dock. The price at the time was very competitive with other monitors with fewer features. And it's ViewSonic, a brand I have always trusted in monitors.
The only thing I don't like about the monitor is its size. I know it has to be a little larger to accommodate speakers, but an adjustable-height stand would have been nice. It leans forward and back, but doesn't go up and down.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I love it!
by estimator1 on January 4, 2007
Pros: Beautiful display screen, bright, clear, no dead pixels! The iPod dock is great.
Cons: The speakers are just OK! Classical music sounds a little flat. You have to get used to the widescreen.
Summary: I recommend this monitor. It's a little expensive but it's worth it. I have several other Viewsonic monitors (my old 19" and the wife's 20" & for ...
Summary: I recommend this monitor. It's a little expensive but it's worth it. I have several other Viewsonic monitors (my old 19" and the wife's 20" & for the kids) and they're all very good. My main gripe? The sound is only OK with the iPod. We have a Bose soundock which sounds incredible. Viewsonic and Bose should get together, I'd buy that system.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Terrific product - upgrade if your LCD is over a year old.
by markforsyth on December 30, 2006
Pros: Crisp and clear, convenient iPod docking, USB ports and card reader
Cons: No height, angle or swivel adjustments like some others have - no big deal.
Summary: I am really impressed with this upgrade from my 19" LCD. I use it for home office, internet and video editing. The older technology offered great pictures but text resolution, ...
Summary: I am really impressed with this upgrade from my 19" LCD. I use it for home office, internet and video editing. The older technology offered great pictures but text resolution, etc used in business apps left much to be desired, where CRTs offered better overall clarity at the time when I went LCD. This Viewsonic installed extremely easily - truly plug & play, and I really cannot tell the difference in business apps from my 20" CRT that I use at work.
The screen dimensions are perfect for my work station; I did not want the wide screen format because I do work on this PC and watch movies on my TVs. It is perfect for overall computer use typical in a home environment: business apps, e-mail and lots of internet browsing and video playing. It is wide enough, however; to watch 16x9 movies which I use a lot for editing my HD home video.
I rarely play graphics intensive games on this computer, so I cannot comment from a gamer?s perspective. I also have not tried the speakers ? I doubt if those little guys can compete with the speaker system I already have, so did not plug then in. I appreciate the built-in microphone but have yet to try it.
The iPod doc, USB ports and card reader have eliminated some cables from my work area and I really like that. My computer is under the desk like I?m sure so many are, so the desktop access to these increasingly used interfaces is a convenience to me.
Lastly, the lack of swivel, tilt and height adjustments was virtually unnoticed by me until I sat down to do this review. The built-in height and straight forward configuration work just fine for me. I think the nice large screen size eliminates the need for height adjustment and who swivels or tilts their monitors anyway, once a comfortable position is achieved? In fairness to those who are not typically sized persons like me, I suppose some may want to adjust it.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nice picture but burned out pixels
by alanglennon on May 20, 2007
Pros: HUGE screen; Nice colors; Very bright
Cons: Burned out pixel on 2 different monitors
Summary: I bought this model from Costco, which had it on sale for $299. "A Great Deal", I thought for the size. Well, after 2 days with the first one, I ...
Summary: I bought this model from Costco, which had it on sale for $299. "A Great Deal", I thought for the size. Well, after 2 days with the first one, I noticed a blue pixel near the top and promptly returned it and got a second one. The second one had a green pixel also near the top center of the display.
I was very disappointed as I have been using Viewsonic monitors for at least 10 years and have never seen such shoddy quality from them before. I guess it's on to trying the Sony's next. I would love to try the Dell models, but the return would be a real pain if I run into the same problems. -
Absolutely Amazing LCD
by windows_xp_hacker on April 18, 2007
Pros: Great Image Quality, iPod Dock, USB ports, Card Reader
Cons: Speakers, Microphone
Summary: I got this as a birthday present. I loved it from the moment I saw it. The only issue is playing music through the iPod dock. I don't know ...
Summary: I got this as a birthday present. I loved it from the moment I saw it. The only issue is playing music through the iPod dock. I don't know if I messed up the wires or what, but if you eject your iPod and just begin playing music off the iPod, it is extremely quiet, even with the volume up all the way on the speakers.
I have issues with the microphone. As soon as I plug it in my sound card, it blows my sound card. I then have to un-install the sound card software and then remove the sound card and place it in another PCI slot to get it to work again.
Otherwise, this is an amazing monitor with bright colors. The sound quality could be vamped up a little though. -
Behold the awesomeness.......!
by sladeledu on April 12, 2007
Pros: Immaculate image clarity,huge screen estate,brilliant colors & dashing sexy design.
Cons: the darn buttons ,no height adjustment & some movie formats are grainy.
Summary: This monitor is just AWESOME(x100).Its bigger than expected,huge screen estate I must say and the piano black design is beautiful.
The setup was seamless,I just had ...Summary: This monitor is just AWESOME(x100).Its bigger than expected,huge screen estate I must say and the piano black design is beautiful.
The setup was seamless,I just had to adjust the resolution.With everything set,I enabled Dream Scene on Vista and "WOW" was the first thing I said.The colors are brilliant & crisp and the refresh rate is FAST.
After installing the latest Vista drivers for the monitor & also my nvidia card,I immediately put this baby to test,I fired up some games,played FEAR,UT & NFS - MW and there was absolutely NO ghosting and playing these games on this monitor is a wonderful experience.I played some movies and there was some noticeable graining in some movie formats.
Images appear vibrant & lively.
The Ipod dock,USB ports,card reader & speakers are icing on the cake.
Overall this monitor is a good buy for those who need that "extra" from their PCs.Very good one indeed. -
It's the best LCD you have ever seen!!
by emeka_cze on April 5, 2007
Pros: The best what can you see!!
Cons: Very good LCD,the best!!!
Summary: It's very good idea from ViewSonic to create this best LCD!!
Summary: It's very good idea from ViewSonic to create this best LCD!!
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Great picture for the money and nice functionality
by mburton2002 on March 22, 2007
Pros: Beautiful picture, fast refresh rate, lots of easily accessible gee-whiz stuff up front.
Cons: Lots of speaker feedback, USB ports upside down, low USB ports make it tricky to easily get my thumb drive in and out, power button is tricky and display setup buttons don't have a nice feel to them.
Summary: I almost returned this monitor. Then I started shopping for other 22" monitors and saw that for $350, this was a great deal (even without all the stuff up front). ...
Summary: I almost returned this monitor. Then I started shopping for other 22" monitors and saw that for $350, this was a great deal (even without all the stuff up front). I plan on using it as a monitor and some USB ports...that's all. Here's why:
The base of the monitor and the screen are two separate entities each requiring their own power source. The power button to the base stand is incredibly tricky. I almost have to push it really fast to trick it into sticking into place...weird...essential though if I want to use the 3 up-front and back USB 2.0 ports. The 3 up front ports are located too low. I have the monitor sitting on my desk (as it is designed to) and almost need to lay my thumb drive on the desk and slide it into the (upside down) USB port. Luckily I have a glass desk, so things slide easily and there is just enough room underneath once plugged in that I can see the reflection of the 'busy' light on my USB drive.
Speaker problems: You plug a handy line audio out/mic in (two connections) cable from the back of your desktop into (one) 3.5mm plug in the back of the base stand. Then you plug another audio cable from the base stand to the back of the monitor. This allows the audio signal from your computer to go to the base stand, the mic function from the monitor to flow to your computer, and your iPod music signal to go from the base stand (with the other signal) ultimately to the monitor where the weak speakers butcher your music.
My plan was to have my regular 2.1 channel system hooked up from my computer AND have the signal from the iPod to the monitor still in place in case I wanted to listen to music without turning on the PC. This gave me a lot of feedback through all of the speakers. Something else to note is that if your iPod is always plugged into the charging dock, it will also register as another drive on your computer. Sooo...that's how you'll have to disconnect it come time to grab your iPod and run off to the gym while the computer is still on. Handy to have it always plugged in because it's always charged and always synched (when iTunes is open), but kind of a pain to always have to "safely remove USB mass storage device".
Overall, GREAT picture, lots of features, but could use a few tweaks here and there. I haven't seen anything out there that rivals this LCD's value.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ViewSonic Corp.
- Part number: VX2245WM
General
- Display Type Flat panel display / TFT active matrix
- TFT Technology TN
- Built-in Devices Subwoofer, 8-in-1 card reader, Stereo speakers, USB hub, ViewDock, Microphone
- Width 20.6 in
- Depth 8.3 in
- Height 19.4 in
- Weight 13.7 lbs
- Enclosure Color Gloss piano black, Matte black
Display
- Diagonal Size 22 in - Widescreen
- Dot Pitch / Pixel Pitch 0.282 mm
- Max Resolution 1680 x 1050
- Color Support Up to 16.2 million colors
- Max Sync Rate (V x H) 85 Hz x 82 KHz
- Video Bandwidth 150 MHz
- Response Time 5 ms
- Controls / Adjustments Input select, Contrast, Mute, Color temperature, Brightness, H/V position, H-size, Sharpness
- Display Positions Adjustments Tilt
- Display Screen Coating Anti-glare
- Backlight Life 40,000 hour(s)
- Signal Input DVI-D, VGA
- Features OptiSync, ViewMatch, SRGB color management, ClearMotiv
Image
- Image Color Temperature 6500K, Adjustable, 9300K, 7500K, 5400K
- Display (projector) image aspect ratio 16:10
- Image brightness 280 cd/m2
- Image Contrast Ratio 700:1
- Max horizontal view angle 170
- Max vertical view angle 160
Video Input
- Analog video signal RGB
- Digital video standard Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
Audio Output
- Type Speakers with subwoofer - Stereo - Integrated
- Sound Output Mode:Output Power / Channel 2.5 Watt
Input Device
- Input device type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x Hi-Speed USB upstream - 4 pin USB Type B, 1 x DVI-D - 24 pin digital DVI, 4 x Hi-Speed USB downstream - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Audio line-in - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Power
- Power device form factor Internal
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
- Operational power consumption 62 Watt
- Operational power consumption (standby) 1 Watt
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable, 1 x VGA cable, 1 x DVI cable, 1 x Audio cable
- Flat Panel Mount Interface 100 x 100 mm
- Features Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately), Wall mountable
Software / System Requirements
- Software type ViewSonic Wizard
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & support type 3 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - LCD panel - 3 years, Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 3 years
Environmental Parameters
- Min operating temperature 41 ?F
- Max operating temperature 95 ?F
- Operating humidity range 20 - 80%
Compliances
- Compliant Standards PSB, CUL, C-Tick, UL, CE, GOST, CCC, CB, WEEE, TUV Ergo, NOM, BSMI, RoHS, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, MPR II, SASO, ISO 13406-2, FCC Class B certified
Manufacturer info
- ViewSonic Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse ViewSonic Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.viewsonic.com/
- Address:
381 Brea Canyon Rd.
Walnut, CA 91789 - Phone: 909-444-8888
- Email: vstech@viewsonic.com
- Fax: 909-468-1202