· Lowest cost in group
· Easy to use controls

· .28 dot pitch tied for highest in group
· Poor text image display
· Desktop-engulfing 22.1" depth size

We expected a lot from the ADi Microscan 6G when the eval unit was delivered to the Sharky Extreme office, and with good reason. Its smaller 19" sibling (the 6P) won top honors from us in our last monitor shootout, offering the best price/performance out of a group of five 19" competitors.

Unfortunately the larger 21" Microscan 6G wasn't as impressive when compared subjectively to the four other monitors in this roundup. In particular black text on a white background when displayed at the 6G's maximum resolution (1600x1200) was less clear than any other model we looked at, and was particularly fuzzy at the screen's corners.

These results aren't surprising when you take into account that the 6G has a .28 dot pitch rating (fairly high) and that the tube which the 6G uses is a model that's been manufactured by OEM supplier Hitachi for over two years…Hardly a spring chicken by any means…

Another problem we encountered with the Microscan 6G comes in the form of its monstrous size, particularly its insane 22.1" depth measurement. That's two inches longer than any other unit we looked at, and really puts new meaning into the term "large display". Beware the 6G if you're using a desk or table that has less surface area than the USS Enterterprise as it just won't practically fit.

Still, the Microscan 6G did have the lowest street price of all the monitors we tested, and when playing mainstream games like Half-Life and SiN at a resolution of 1024 x 768 the fuzziness didn't greatly detract from the overall experience. Also, the 6G's image manipulation controls were very simple and intuitive to use, even without consulting the fairly well written user's guide.

The ADi Microscan 6G can be considered an option only for those that do a minimum of actual work on their machines, and desire a low cost 21" display that will be used almost solely for games.

We suggest you read on and choose a better 21" alternative…