Digital Trends

Gateway FPD1930

December 1st, 2003 | by Ian Bell

Introduction

Gateway's FPD1930 19” LCD monitor offers the best of both worlds with its analog and digital video inputs but falls short in the way of extras. The LCD market is a getting very crowded and if manufacturers want to be competitive, they will have to offer more than just oog looks.  Gateway offers this monitor with some of their systems, but you can purchase it separately for $799 via their website.

Design and Features

The design and features of the FPD1930 really offers nothing new compared to similar priced LCD monitors. It is not very sleek looking, the base is pretty bland looking and there are almost no adjustability options to speak of. But thankfully the paint job makes this monitor look better than the old standard-issue beige.

The FPD1930 comes with both analog VGA and digital DVI inputs making this monitor a pretty versatile unit. Just like the latest Samsung LCD monitors we have reviewed, you can have two computers plugged into the FPD1930 at the same time allowing you to switch between the analog and digital inputs at the touch of a button. The FPD1930 is capable of a resolution of 1024x768 at 75Hz as well as the larger 1280x1024, but at 60Hz vertical frequency. Competitiors to the FPD1930 are offering 1280x1024 resolutions at a high refresh rate such as 75Hz. If you plan on using this monitor with the DVI input, every resolution will limit you to a 60Hz refresh rate.

We were disappointed to see that the only movement allowed by the FPD1930 was the ability to tilt the monitor vertically. There are no swivel options forcing you to physically move the FPD1930 in the position you want. One cool feature we liked on the Samsung CD monitors was the ability to pivot the display 90 degrees into portrait mode. We would have liked to have seen this ability on the Gateway FPD1930, but probably due to its curved design was not implemented. The hand-hold located near the top of the monitor allows easy movement should you decide you want to take the monitor to another room. The FPD1930 is compatible with VESA wall mount or arm-mounting hardware.

Gateway offers a 90 day limited warranty on the FPD1930 in which they will either replace the product, repair it, or offer a refund on the purchase price. You can however purchase a 3 year extended warranty for a mere $29 should you decide you want further protection. Other LCD display manufacturers are offering more robust 3 year warranties standard. This is something we would like to have seen Gateway offer as well.