Hitachi CML152 15" LCD Monitor

Review by Harry Lam on 08.29.03
Monitor provided by Monitors Direct/Hitachi, Price: $315.00

Pictures/ Thoughts:

The monitor comes with everything that you will need to make it productive right away: cables, a driver disk, and a stand. The Hitachi CML 152 is also wallmountable and has a detachable base to aide in the placement of the monitor when used in a wall mounted configuration.

The Hitachi CML152 has a standard rectangular design and is colored the standard beige/white. A choice of different color or some style design might have helped the appeal of this monitor, however, in its price range such extras are usually not found.  As for the screen itself, I notice that the screen attracts a considerable amount of dust.  Dust aside, fingerprints and other stains were not an issue with this monitor.  Unlike other LCD monitors that I've tested, there were no dead pixels on the Hitachi CML152, proof of the build quality.

The Hitachi CML152 has very simple to use controls, and there were no problems using the on screen display (OSD). There was a decrease in picture quality in DOS modes, but that was remedied when "Graphical Text" mode is enabled in OSD.

The CML152 has a very convenient and unique feature to it.  The AC adapter/transformer is integrated directly into the monitor, eliminating the need for a special adapter or "power brick."  The monitor can be used with any standard computer power cable.

The CML152 features a "handle" on the back of the monitor, but in my own testing carrying the monitor by the bottom was much easier. Those who attend LAN games and wish to carry the LCD with them will find this feature very useful, making an otherwise difficult to transport item a little bit easier. The LCD is a bit on the heavy side due to the integrated AC adapter, but its still easy enough to lift with out a strain.