AOC 2436VH 24-Inch LCD Monitor (Glossy)

I bought two of these from Officemax and they are totally different. One is great, the viewing angle is good and the blacks are nice and dark. This one has an Energy Star sticker on the top left, and included an HDMI cable in the box. The MFD date, (found on the box and back of the monitor) is A510. The other one is lacking the energy star sticker and has an SRS sticker on it. This one did not include an HDMI cable, but did include a USB cable and microphone cable. This monitor is horrible. The viewing angle is terrible and the blacks are "gray". The MFD on it is AB14. I have been to a lot of Best Buy's and Officemax, and most of the floor models are the good ones and all the stocked ones are the bad ones. I have seen other MFD numbers, but it seems like all the bad ones have a "B" in the number. So, it's hard to rate this monitor because it really depends on which one you get.

Pros: Crisp, clear colors. Nice for games. Inexpensive for a 24 inch monitor - I never saw any other brand for under $200.

Cons: As another review mentioned, the viewing angle is not as advertised. Put up a solid color as the background, and it will look like a gradient. The effect isn't really noticeable except for when there's a solid gradient visible, but it's rather disappointing. My old Dell 2007FP (came with an old desktop about 6 year ago - I'm using it in a dual monitor setup) doesn't show a gradient even if I stand up or crouch on the floor and look at it. I'm an amateur photographer, and I'll live with it, but no one who does photog or imaging for money should get this. The general user will probably be satisfied with it.

Adjustment menu consists of nearly-indecipherable symbols with no explanation. There is no proper settings guide either online or in the box.

I've pretty much thought that a 'monitor is a monitor'--until I set up this one. Absolutely horrible picture quality. Unless you're sitting absolutely straight in front of it, the colors are way off, esp. blacks. I have to make a 4-hour drive and take a 15% restocking fee to return it, but there's no way I can keep it.