What's new from: Cornea, Samsung, AG Neovo, HP, Hitachi, NEC, AOC, LG

Cornea Systems

Cornea, one of the largest suppliers of TFT flat-panel technology worldwide, has recently set up shop in Australia. It is launching with its 17-inch, black TFT MP704 and will be introducing 15-inch and 19-inch models in September. The screens are manufactured in Seoul and are supported by a three-year warranty (including parts, labour and backlight). The 17-inch MP704 has a recommended resolution of 1280x1024 at 75Hz and consumes 36 watts of power in a typical operating environment.

It retails for $1,399.

Cornea: (02) 9431 5366. www.corneatech.com.au.

Samsung

Samsung's 24-inch 240T TFT monitor, perhaps best known for its World Cup appearance, is aimed at the absolute high-end user, either business user or PC enthusiast. Measuring 620x483x228mm, it comes in a sleek silver colouring, takes input from digital, analog or S-Video, and supports Windows, Mac and Sun Microsystems OSes. It runs at 80 watts (max), has a horizontal frequency of 93KHz and a vertical frequency of 56-85Hz. It sports an extra-wide viewing angle of 160 degrees, 1920x1200 active native resolution and responds to remote control (OSD and input selection).

It retails for $9,680 and is distributed by Altech Computers (02 9748 2233; www.altech.com.au).www.samsung.com.au.

AG Neovo

AG Neovo's sexy, slim, long-life LCD TFT flat-panel screens boast a world-first optic glass protective layer, which protects the TFT membrane and enhances image quality. The S-19 (19-inch) is the latest release in the range. It features VGA, composite and S-Video input. The top-of-the-range models support DVI digital standard as well as priority switching between concurrent media: data, video, PC, and Internet applications.

The S-19 retails for $4,598.

Camcom International (02) 9418 8888; www.camcom-international.com. www.neovo.com.

Hewlett-Packard

The TFT 5015 15-inch monitor is the most affordable flat panel in HP's range. It is ideally suited to mainstream, small business and home office users. It retails for $995.

At the top of the range is HP's TFT 8030 18-inch display. Its performance features makes it ideally suited for high-end financial, healthcare and mainstream business users. A sleek, restyled, carbon-and-silver coloured casing provides an ideal design match for the new line of Compaq Evo hardware products, as well as all current and legacy products.

It retails for $3,150.

Hewlett-Packard: 131 347. www.hp.com.au.

Hitachi

Hitachi's CML152XW is a general purpose 15-inch TFT LCD monitor, ideal for workstations not requiring speakers in the display. It has a handle on the back for added convenience, a keylock function to prevent accidental changes to settings, a Kensington Security Port and VESA 75mm wall mount compliance. It retails for $999.

The next step up is the CML153XW, a versatile 15-inch flat panel with a viewable image size equivalent to that of a 16-inch CRT monitor. Featuring a slim-line, space-saving design with built-in speakers, volume control dial and headphone socket, it also boasts low power consumption of only 25 watts. It retails for $1,199.

At the top of the range is the CML181SXW, an 18-inch S-IPS LCD monitor with speakers, ideal for professional graphics applications. It features Hitachi's Super In-Plane Switching (S-IPS) LCD panel for greater viewing angle (170 degrees) and superior colour consistency.

It retails for $2,999.

Hitachi Australia: (02) 9888 4100. www.hitachi.com.au.

NEC

NEC's new 17-inch MultiSync LCD1700V is designed for home and office users with plug-and-play for Windows operating systems and the option of black or white casing. It measures 434x437x220mm (WxHxD) and weighs 6.2kg for a minimal desktop footprint. Power requirement is 41 watts in operation, with a maximum resolution of 1280x1024 at 75Hz, and a viewing angle of 140 degrees horizontally and 125 degrees vertically.

The LCD1700V comes with a Kensington lock and VESA mounting wall arm, and retails for $1,995 (inc GST), backed by a three-year warranty including backlight.

NEC Australia: 131 632. www.nec.com.au.

AOC

AOC's 17-inch LM-700 LCD display can be placed at eye level with the flat screen providing minimal glare and distortion. It is ideal for business and graphics applications, offering 1280x1024 resolution. A slim-line version of the 17-inch will be available in August as well as an 18-inch display. AOC monitors are produced by TPV and support Windows, OS2 and MAC OS.

The 15-inch retails for $799, the 17-inch for $1,399, and the 18-inch for $1,699. AOC is distributed in Australia by Morning Star Computers.

AOC/TPV Technology: (02) 9570 2081. www.aocmonitor.com.

LG Electronics

LG's L1810B LCD monitor is an 18.1-inch screen with a thin-frame design. The Active Matrix (TFT) display has a resolution of 1280x024 at 75Hz which ensures image clarity and a wide viewing angle for any digital presentation.

It is targeted at the corporate market, supports both PC and Mac, and retails for $2,999.

LG Electronics: (02) 9684 8000. www.lge.com.au.