Zalman is one of the first manufacturer to offer a consumer level 3D monitor. The 21.5 inch ZM-M215W is the smallest unit with a 24 inch version also available and 27 and 32 inch displays to follow. Being the first 3D monitor out there which does not require proprietary technology like NVIDIA GPUs along with the 3D Vision glasses to work, it does carry a hefty price tag. From a 2D monitor's point of view, it has the same specifications of a budget brand name LCD screen with its TN+Film panel and 5 ms response time. But, since the focus lies on 3D, in which the ZM-M215W manages to impress - especially being the first one out the door. That said there is plenty of room to improve. First off, Zalman needs to ditch the frustrating iZ3D driver package and maybe switch over to one of the more user friendly alternatives. Nobody wants to pluck down 300 Euros on a display of this size and then be forced to be pinned down with stupid licence structures from a 3rd party software manufacturer. From a hardware perspective, the 10° vertical viewing angle may be the unit's biggest drawback. Even with gaming support ramping up fast, that is something that needs to be fixed for broad market acceptance. Many will not be willing to give up such a big pie of their viewing angle just to play 3D. Especially if it becomes difficult to enjoy the action when not viewing it within that sweet spot, which may force some to end up playing the game in 2D after all. According to Zalman, this issue will be alleviated somewhat with larger sized model, allowing for a larger vertical viewing angle. The upside of such a display is the fact, that you are not bound by any hardware and that the software can be used by older Windows operating systems, bringing 3D to the likes of Windows XP. You also do not require specific graphic cards or shutter glasses. NVIDIAs 3D Vision Glasses only work with their GPUs and 120 Hz monitors, with the glasses setting you back a good 200 US Dollars and a 120 Hz monitor costing at least 100 US Dollars more than comparable 60 Hz models.
Overall, it is great to see Zalman pushing the format even after a slow start and tough fight for the general public to pick up on 3D up until now. The ZM-M215 is a solid consumer product, with the usual growing pains that come with new technologies. For now the ZM-M215W may stay a niche product due to the big price difference and technical limitations, but Zalman has got their foot in the door of 3D content delivery and it will be interesting to see what the future brings.