Product Review: Dell W2600 26" LCD-TV

The On-Screen Display is easy to use. Main category options are input select, picture, audio, PIP/POP PBP, size, parental control, closed caption, sleep timer, and setup. Each category has a number of subtopics, and can be shown in English, French, and Spanish.

Resizing the picture is easy with the remote by pressing the 'size' button. Choose from five sizes: wide, full, standard, zoom, and 4:3. The downside is there is only one zoom option, and the edge of the screen appears curved when in the wide mode.

Adjusting the appearance of the picture is easy by pressing the 'pict' button. Choose from movies, sports, weak signal, multimedia, and personal settings. Each has a different color tone. Weak signal barely strengthens the picture if at all.

Along with a built-in dual NTSC tuner, the W2600 features picture-in picture (PIP), picture-outside-picture (POP), and picture-by-picture (PBP). PIP has a smaller window inside the main frame. POP is an interesting function as it resizes your screen, and you choose if you want 1, 3, or 12 windows to surround the main frame. PBP resizes the screen into two equal-size windows.

The W2600 has many other common features like parental control, SAP, and closed caption.

Display Type: TFT Active Matrix (Color TFT LCD)
HDTV Capable w/ external tuner
Screen size: 26 inches
Viewable Area: 22.3" x 13.38"
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 capable
Native Resolution: 1280x768 (WXGA)
Video Display Capabilities: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 576i (Europe), 576p (Europe)
Depth: 4.2" (no stand), 8.2" (with stand)
Height: 16.6" (no stand), 19.8" (with stand)
Width: 32.7" (with or without stand)
Weight: With Stand: 43 lbs, Without Stand: 37 lbs
Image Max H-View Angle: ± 85°
Image Max V-View Angle: ± 85°
Audio Output: 2 x 15 Watts (Stereo) (Total: 30 Watts)
Compliant Standards: VESA® (100 mm x 200 mm)
Connectivity Technology: Cable
Dimensions (WxDxH): 32.7" x 4.2" x 16.6" (Display only), 32.7" x 8.2" x 19.8" (Display and stand)
Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Capable (Widescreen)
Image Brightness: 450 cd/m² (typical)
Image Contrast Ratio: 500:1 (typical)
Response Time: 25ms
Input Device: Remote Control
Max Resolution: 1280x768 Pixels (WXGA)
Input Connections:: DVI-HDCP (15-pin D-sub), coaxial(2), Composite Video(2), Component Video(2), S-Video(2), RCA audio(2), Headphone (1)
Output: Composite(1), RCA audio(1), Headphone (1)
Speaker(s): Integrated, 2-way Stereo (Tweeter and Mid Range)
Compatibility: PC

Dell's W2600 26" flat panel LCD-TV exceeded any expectations I had before receiving it. I like the design, remote control, and simplicity in operating it. It's refreshing to watch a television that has the technology to be effective for years to come, but doesn't beat the design-horse by adding a ton of extras most people never use.

Over the ten days I reviewed it, I tried to find things I didn't like about it. Other than a couple of minor picture issues regarding weak signals, PC video card compatibility, and video game display, the W2600 passed my test with flying colors. The only reason I didn't give it a 5-star rating is because of some negative online feedback from Dell owners regarding poor customer service, and it lacked some features, like a built-in HDTV tuner, easy-to-read connections on the back panel, and a card reader, though it has a ready-to-go slot on the side for those who want to install one.

With a price just over $1000, I recommend this television for anyone wanting a high-quality flat panel LCD in the bedroom or small living room. I would like to say this set is great for a room of any size, but at 26", let's be realistic. However, Dell makes 42" LCD flat panels, which might be an option for some.