Innovation to monitor: Eizo Nanao is addressing the power-wastage produced by computer screens with the 20-inch EV2023W and 23-inch EV2303W FlexScan monitors, which incorporate its creative EcoView Sense feature. The essence of this innovation is that the monitors automatically switch to electricity- saving sleep mode when nobody is sitting in front of them. This bit of digital magic is achieved with the aid of built-in motion sensors. If no movement is detected within 1.2 meters of the monitor for 40 seconds then the order to power down is given. Moreover, the same sensor automatically restarts the monitor when it next detects motion, so you can walk away from your computer free of guilt over the hidden cost to the environment, and your wallet.

The monitors also have ambient-light sensors that automatically adjust the screen brightness to suit the amount of light available.

Smart electronics aside, the EV2023W and EV2303W are functional in design, rather than arresting, and are intended more for the office than the home. The EV2023W has a 1,600×900-pixel resolution, a 178-degree viewing angle and 3,000:1 contrast ratio. The larger EV2303W sports a higher resolution of 1,920×1,080 pixels, a slightly narrower viewing angle of 160 degrees and 1,000:1 contrast ratio. Each model has one D-Sub (analog) and one DVI-D (digital) input. The lack of HDMI connectivity is indicative of their being for work, not play. The monitors will go on sale May 21 at a price of ¥37,800 for the EV2023 and ¥44,800 for the EV2303.