LCD, David vs. Goliath: Iolair vs. Dell (page 9: Conclusion)

Conclusion

For the lazier readers that skipped over the previous pages :

The Dell 2408WFP : not good! Except for office use, its look, ergonomics, finishing touches and materials. In short, it’s (still) as superb but totally failed our gaming tests.

The Iolair MB24W (and all MB24Ws sold under various brands, preferably with DVI) : good. It’s a very nice surprise and rather unexpected to find an MVA panel for this price with such reactivity and more or less good colors as they were easy to correct (at least in our case and let’s hope you get the same panel series). Either way, note that the MB24W is theoretically an MVA screen. In France, we received the assurance that it only exists in this technology. On the other hand, in England we can also find the occasional TN under this name. You will have to make a case by case verification. If the announced viewing angles are 178 or 180°, then it’s an MVA. If they are only 160 or 170°, it's a TN and it’s significantly less attractive. The monitor will be less reactive and the lower viewing angle quickly darkens like on all TNs.

So in the end, is the Iolair a good alternative to the Iiyama B2403BS and its white clone, the Belinea o.display 24 4.1? And does MVA technology " trample" over TN as we can sometimes read on forums ?

Yes, you can opt for the Iolair if you are looking for a reactive large screen for the best possible price. Also, if you are allergic to the fact that TNs are subject to a lower viewing angle that darkens.

Nevertheless, Iiyama and Belinea screens hold several non-negligible advantages and have our preference overall. First of all, construction is an entirely different affair as the plastic used is of much higher quality and assembly is more precise and better fitted. The base is superior and, for example, it’s vertically adjustable and pivots. Next, they produce a much deeper black. And finally, they consume half the energy.