> In Dell's advertisements, running in the Globe & Mail, we see such as: > "15" E551 Monitor (13.8" v.i.s.)" > "17" E771 Monitor (16.0" v.i.s.)" > > 1) What does "v.i.s." mean?
'v.i.s' is an abbreviation of 'visible'. The term 'viewable' is common. I suspect that somebody abbreviated 'visible' to 'vis'. Then somebody else did not understand what 'vis' was and assumed it was three technical words. > 2) Why are there (apparently) two dimensions given for the same screen? Glass size and viewable size. Glass size has been the traditional measure. Viewable size is clearly more important to the user. LCD screens are always (as far as I know) quoted in terms of viewable size. You should be aware of this when comparing screen sizes. Since many customers are now comparing CRTs with LCDs, Dell is offering the key information in parentheses. > 3) Why not make a CLEAN break from this (apparent) chicanery and provide > honest measurements for the active screen: [eg. 35 cm]? Would we prefer '350 mm'? Dell does not appear to use metric screen size in any country. I understand that this exception is even allowed in the EU on the basis that it is 'not a measure, merely a description'. Or something like that. -- Terry Simpson Human Factors Consultant [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.connected-systems.com Phone: +44 7850 511794
