First off, let's establish what this is NOT -- it isn't a monitor with "integrated" iPod dock. The base (which has the dock) is essentially an add-on USB hub to the monitor. The cable connections and even the power supply are separate from the monitor. This is not totally bad (you can charge your iPod or USB device while the monitor and computer are turned off), but it can be confusing if you expect to get an integrated unit.
I had read other reviews about how poor the speakers were, but I didn't worry because I had cheap PC speakers that had to be at least 10 years old. Well, sub-woofer or no, the VX1945wm speakers are of the same audio quality. Maybe not that good. Without the subwoofer (it has a separate volume control, so you can turn it down) the quality is worse than the built-in speaker in my Mac!
If you have a Mac, DO NOT USE INCLUDED DRIVERS. First, the installer is for OS9; second, the installer froze my system; third, they are totally unnecessary (OS X can use the monitor out of the box just fine).
The USB connections (although upside down, as noted in another review) work fine and are handy (unless you have a device that assumes it will be put in right-side up). The base power supply provides power to the USB ports (three in front, one in back) and can be turned on and off separately from the monitor.
The iPod dock works as advertised with my 5th gen 80GB iPod. The VX1945wm also comes with other dock adaptors for the other iPod models.
The memory card sockets are on the side of the base and angled back slightly; this makes them hard to get to, and you may have to work by feel and trial & error. I was able to use my CF and SD cards with no problem.
Screen brightness and clarity is outstanding. I have a ViewSonic Professional Series P95f CRT monitor, which was considered upper tier not long ago; I have both attached to my Mac, so I can literally do a side by side comparison on a daily basis. The VX1945wm blows it away. The screen area is slightly shorter, but wider (16:9 rather than 4:3 ratio), so I run it at 1440x900 vs. 1280x1024 for the CRT. Viewing angle is not as good for the LCD, alas, so if you have something on your monitor you want to show someone they need to be right behind you for the best view.
Five stars for the monitor, minus two stars for the speakers, plus one star for the base.
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ViewSonic VX1945wm 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor with Integrated iPod DockProduct Description: Innovative functionality and stunning design come together beautifully with the ViewSonic 19-inch VX1945wm ViewDock LCD Monitor. The display blasts through barriers with its integrated iPod dock and beautiful piano-black, gloss finish. The design features a thin bezel that lets you see more without taking up valuable desktop real estate. Plus, the high neck and floating head design accentuate the visual experience.
The VX1945wm features a full host of multimedia and USB connections--even an iPod dock. View larger. Just as stylish from the rear as from the front. View larger. A slim profile and discreet styling. View larger. Dock your iPod and listen to tunes while you surf the Internet or do your work. The big 19-inch screen and super-fast 5ms video response time help you excel in your games with no blurs, ghosting, or jaggies to slow you down. Meanwhile, the integrated stereo speakers and subwoofer drive incredibly rich stereo sound to your desktop display. On top of all that, the VX1945wm sets new standards in multimedia displays with an eight-in-one card reader, USB connections for your joystick/game control and keyboard/mouse, as well as an integrated microphone and headphone jack.
On top of the VX1945wm's clear, crisp 1440 x 900 resolution, the monitor features Viewsonic's ClearMotiva technology, which enables fast 5ms video response times. Fast response brings new clarity and no annoying ghosting to your HD broadcast-quality videos. The monitor also features Dynamic Structure technology, an innovative liquid crystal composition and pixel matrix system that further accelerate video response for seamless video and intense graphics. Meanwhile, OptiSync digital/analog inputs expand your connectivity. This multi-mode input technology supports both digital (DVI) and analog (VGA) signals for ultimate compatibility with both PCs and Macs, as well as configuration flexibility. You'll also enjoy ultra-high brightness and contrast (300-nit brightness and 700:1 contrast ratio) for rich, detailed images. Additionally, a generous viewing angle (160-degrees horizontal, 160-degrees vertical) make it possible for large groups to enjoy the display, no matter where in the room they're viewing from.
It's also worth noting that this monitor complies with the world's strictest standards of low radiation, safety, ergonomics and power management while saving cost through automatic power saving modes.
What's in the Box LCD display, power cable, 15-pin VGA video cable, DVI cable, Quick Start Guide, and ViewSonic Wizard CD.
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First off you can buy this monitor for around 200.00 in several places, I paid 150.00. The clarity in the monitor is very good BUT if you do your connections with HDMI the Vista sound will not play and there is a crackling sound in the speakers. HP acknowledged there is a firmware issue within the monitor but cd's, tv etc all work fine. If you connect with the conventional speaker wire and vga cable it works just fine. For the money it is a great monitor. I personally like the glossy finish on the screen, some may not
