Pros: Low price, great display, great adjustability
Cons: For once I can't think of any!
The bottom line: Probably as good or better then most brand name units for significantly cheaper.
I have used quite a few flat panel monitors over the past few years and I have to say the Dell 1707FP 17 incher is one of my favorites.

I have been using this monitor at work for eight hours! everyday for the past few weeks. In addition I’ve used its predecessor, the 1704FPT extensively. Several of the large computer labs at my university have had these monitors for the last two years. During this time, I have typically spent from one to five hours almost everyday using these monitor in the computer labs. I am almost positive that the 1707FP and 1704FPT displays are identical internally while differences lie in external appearance, so I will draw a lot on my experiences with the older monitor.

The 1707FP is a 17 inch LCD flat panel monitor, with digital DVI and analog VGA connections. While the 1704FPT used in my university computer labs feature a semispherical base, the newer monitor has an L shaped base. The newer version also has a smoother texture bezel, and larger flat buttons while the older version has a grainy texture bezel and smaller round buttons. In my opinion the newer monitor looks cleaner, more modern and overall better, although the older monitor looks good as well. The monitor also features two USB ports on the side, which can be useful. Overall I think the 1707FP is one of the most attractive monitors I’ve seen.

The 1707FP tilts from about five degrees down to twenty degrees up, turns about forty-five degrees side to side, rotates from landscape to portrait view and is height adjustable about five inches. It is extremely easy to adjust. This range of adjustability should make the 1707FP usable for anyone in almost any mounting position.

In terms of display this monitor is one of the best that I’ve used. Most noticeably, the monitor’s brightness and display of colors across the entire spectrum are really good. I’m perfectly happy with my Samsung (512N) monitor’s display quality but I can definitely notice that the 1707FP display just looks slightly yet significantly more vibrant. I’ve also noticed that the contrast on this monitor is slightly better then my Samsung monitor, as well as the horizontal and vertical viewing range. With the 1707FP, a peer can stand upright and still view the screen aimed at a normal sitting level, something that is not possible with my monitor.

Unfortunately, this is not my personal monitor so I have not played games or watched movies on it. At work I do web development mostly in Visual Studio and the 1280 x 1024 resolution is great for this. At school I use the 1704FPT with various development software as well as surfing the web, and that monitor has been great for its purpose as well. Looking at the specs (which are about the same as comparable name brand monitors) I would think that the Dell would be a decent performer for games and video. I’ve also only used the 1707FP with an analog connection, although I’ve used a similar 19 inch version of this monitor (1904FP) in another computer lab with DVI input and honestly I can’t tell the difference with using standard applications.

If the 1707FP is anything like its predecessor (which I image it will be) it will be a very reliable and durable unit. I have used dozens of 1704FPT’s and I have never noticed any dead pixels or damaged screens on any of these monitors. I’ve adjusted dozens of these two-year old monitors (which has very similar adjustments to the 1707FP) and the standard adjustments still work like new, with a slight exception. The only problem I’ve noticed with a few of the monitors is that the rotation is slightly off, so that the monitor can’t be set conventionally; instead it is a few degrees crooked. However I feel that this problem is due to abuse, since these monitors are used almost 24/7. Who uses their monitor in portrait mode anyway? I’ve also noticed that the 1707FP rotates much more firmly, so Dell may have fixed this problem.

Considering this monitor is significantly cheaper then most name brand name units, I definitely think it is an exceptional buy. Even if it was comparably priced I would still recommend it as I feel that it is as good if not better then most name brand units. I also feel the same about the Dell E153FP 15 inch LCD monitor my Mother has. Overall, I’ve been very impressed with these Dell monitors.