The breakout box that will be included with the new N1700w display.

Many regular readers who know that I am an avid home theater enthusiast won't be surprised that I couldn't resist the chance to tell you about one of the most impressive things I have seen so far at this year's IDF - the new ViewSonic NextVision N3600w 36" High-Definition LCD-S Digital Monitor. Besides having one of the longest product names in recent memory, this little gem is an absolute powerhouse.

ViewSonic directed traffic for me so that I could takes some pictures of the N3600w. I shot about 25 pictures in an attempt to capture the exceptional image quality from the recorded HD DVHS content that they were pumping into the N3600w. After looking at all of the pictures that I took, no picture can even begin to do the N3600w justice.

The N3600w features rock-solid fixed convergence and a stunning picture. The N3600w has a front panel and side panel, as well as rear input connections for a variety of sources. ViewSonic did not choose to offer the new 1394b connections, but a variety of other options instead. Perhaps the one question that you are asking yourself is "How was the picture quality from a standard VGA source?" The answer: exceptional! The rich contrast between colors and the overall clarity from the PC was great. The N3600w supports VGA resolutions up to 1600x1200 with its 4.19 megapixel images. The unit includes three 1.39 megapixel resolution LCD-S panels. I didn't expect to see such an exceptional high-definition product from a display company, but ViewSonic has done a good job on the set, and if you are in the market for an HD set, the N3600w is sure worth a look.

Look at the front panel input selection on the front of the N3600w. Don't you wish all sets had this kind of support right out of the box?

Before our time was up with ViewSonic they wanted to show us a prototype of their new AirPanel product. The AirPanel is a 3lbs tablet 802.11b device that allows you to access your desktop PC via wireless. It can be best described as a wireless way to extend your PC into other areas of your home. It will be available in both a 15" and 17" version, however details and cost are still sketchy at the moment, but it was an interesting solution that offers many innovative ideas to change the way that you use your PC. It offers the form factor and is convincing in ways that are not found with many other products. Keep an eye out for more details on the AirPanel in the future. The concept/ prototype version that we saw worked pretty well and offered another way to extend the use of your PC beyond what we have seen before.

The 17" ViewSonic AirPanel brings an innovative concept to the table for extending the range and use of your PC throughout your home.