While 22 inches may sound big, nowadays it's really not.

Our initial thought when we took the wraps off of the LCD225WXM: Man, a 22-inch LCD sure is a big display. But then we realized that over the tech ages, the standard screen size has grown. We vividly remember the day when our 17-inch Apple display cost more than $1,000, but nowadays, 19-inch displays are in vogue. But 22-inchers like the LCD225WXM are ready to take their turn. It’s all just a matter of price, and at $390, the LCD225WXM is right in the ballpark, especially when you consider that Apple’s 20-inch Cinema Display is $599.

Plug in the LCD225WXM, and you quickly notice why someone would want to pay a couple hundred dollars more for that pricier display - the LCD225WXM color looks just so-so out of the box. It does look accurate, however, and since the LCD225WXM is designed as a business display, it handles charts, text, and other business graphics nicely. It’s just not home-entertainment center quality - for that, you may want to head up closer to that $600 bar.

We also noticed banding on gradients and a lack of smoothness that will turn off imaging experts. DVD movies look good on the widescreen display. The LCD225WXM has built-in speakers that sound like built-in display speakers - a bit tinny, weak bass, but loud enough to fill a small home office while you’re doing boring filing chores. The display has DVI-D and VGA connectors, and the stand tilts, swivels, and also has height adjustment.

COMPANY: NEC

CONTACT: www.necdisplay.com

PRICE: $389.99

REQUIREMENTS: DVI video connection

Good price for a 22-inch screen. Good for business use.

Flat colors.