ADI are a leading manufacturer of monitors in Taiwan, and having previously reviewed their monitors are no strangers to our labs. The MicroScan G66 has an innovative short-neck Invar Shadow Mask tube, with advanced anti-reflection, anti-glare and anti-static coating with a low electromagnetic field. Connectivity is via a D-SUB captive cable supplied, with no BNC or USB connections, although USB can be selected as an optional. The Invar Shadow Mask does not suffer a great deal from curvature as we might have expected, in terms of ergonomics the monitor looks good, with a diagonal viewable image area of 18", and a dot pitch size of 0.26mm. The monitor handled our test resolution of 1280 x 1024 at a refresh rate of 85Hz, comfortably, without any visible loss of image quality. The MicroScan G66 is listed as having a Maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200 with a refresh rate of 75Hz, which is standard for a monitor of its class. The MicroScan front panel consists of a built in microphone and access to controls for Brightness, Contrast and Adjust +/- within easy reach, should you need to change any other settings ADI has provided these via it's Easyscreen utility enabling standard Horizontal and Vertical controls, Trapezoid, Tilt, Colour Adjustment, Moiré and a host of other functions, which are all relatively easy to use. The MicroScan G66 has a price tag, which would compete with many 17" monitors, establishing the MicroScan G66 as a strong contender for our Value for Money award.

In our Set-up Display section the MicroScan had problems with the Dark Screen test as we could just about make out images in the background, this is passable but certainly not with distinction, otherwise the MicroScan was excellent particularly in our Colour Scales test which checks for colour intensity. In the Geometry and Distortion section the monitor did not display any obvious signs of problems and passed with relative ease. The monitor had a slight problem in the Screen Regulation test, which it just failed with the same symptoms as the Acer. In our Sharpness and Resolution section the MicroScan G66 had to be fine tuned for Video Bandwidth, Horizontal Line and Fine Focus resolutions, to pass the test. Hence the points awarded reflect adjustments had to be made. In all other sections the MicroScan had no problems and passed the rest of the test in some instances with credits.

The ADI MicroScan G66 has been around for some time, although certain improvements have been made to the monitor, like its short-neck tube, being a real space saver, whilst still retaining it's 18" viewable image area. We particularly like the built in microphone which has now become an ADI trademark this is a nice touch, what really impressed us is how ADI could supply all this and a three year on-site warranty inclusive of parts & labour for £285.00 plus VAT.

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