Asus rocks out with PG191 19-inch gaming monitor

When it comes to gaming monitors, performance is everything, so Asus was off to a good start by endowing its new 19-inch PG191 LCD with a zippy 2-millisecond response time. However, we're not sure that it was also a good idea to build two speakers and a subwoofer into this unit; although they do lend the monitor a rather, um, distinctive look, it would seem that most consumers who are really into their gaming already own a set of dedicated speakers -- and probably a 5.1 or 6.1 setup -- which perform better than the ones Asus is offering here. Also, part of the package is a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera, which may indicate that the company is actually targeting wannabe-gamers with this model -- folks who envy the rockstar lifestyle portrayed by Fatal1ty and friends, but who have yet to begin accessorizing their own PCs. Rounding out the specs are your standard 1,280 x 1,024 resolution, 800:1 contrast ratio, and 320cd/m2 brightness, along with a DVI port, in-game video capture software, and special audio/video settings designed to enhance gameplay. No word yet on pricing or availability, but if the speakers and camera add too much loot to the bottom line, we can't imagine that many real gamers will be interested.

[Meltz @ Jul 12th 2006 2:06PM]

you know, i would have to second that. I, for one, wouldn't be caught dead using speakers built-in to a monitor for gaming! That's just ridiculous.

[DB @ Jul 12th 2006 2:12PM]

Perfect for dorms were space is limited.

[lolersticks @ Jul 12th 2006 2:16PM]

Say "Bye Bye" to any and all LCD mounts/arms that you currently own or planned on owning.

[Loban @ Jul 12th 2006 2:23PM]

Aside from those with limited space, no real gamer would ever buy this monitor. Oh, and if you didn't build you own PC, you're not a real gamer.

[morcheeba @ Jul 12th 2006 2:25PM]

That's a nice looking stand... minus the speaker, of course.

With the VESA standard mount, I'm surprised there isn't more of a market for high-quality great-looking stands. I'd prefer a beautifully machined aluminum base over the plastic one I've got.

I found some functional stands - for multiple monitor setups or to swing a monitor out of the way easily, but didn't see any designed for looks.

[Disco D @ Jul 12th 2006 2:42PM]

Wouldn't the screen shake when the subwoofer woofed?
Stick that 2ms into something better

[Anuj @ Jul 12th 2006 2:48PM]

Hey 2 millisecond lag unbeleivable this has to be good
& looks "kewl" to

[Glupidio @ Jul 12th 2006 2:50PM]

Definitely more portable, but I'd rather use headphones if I'm away from home. I can't imagine who might want to use this.

[Tom Reinke @ Jul 12th 2006 2:52PM]

Looks? I think its all about the functionality. If this monitor can actually perform well then why shouldn't gamers buy it? It saves space and cords by bundling the webcam and speakers into the whole monitor package so the next time you have to haul it around places you don't drop things and have messy cord setups.

I agree that its kinda overhaul to have those things in it, but then again it is a convieniance.

[cycomachead @ Jul 12th 2006 2:59PM]

it's nice looking- but really I think the being able to move the display is more important
I agree someone should amke a nice good lookingstand

[AbbydonKrafts @ Jul 12th 2006 3:12PM]

It may be "convenient" to have those all together, but it adds overhead to the price. If you are going to invest in a nice LCD screen, you'd also want to be able to set up surround sound speakers in their correct positions - including behind you. And a built-in camera? I'm tired of seeing that. Even laptops have it. An external cam is probably cheaper than having it built into the monitor. It's also easier to replace if it goes bad. I hate devices that try to do more than they are supposed to do. It's overkill.

[d_mented @ Jul 12th 2006 3:21PM]

". I hate devices that try to do more than they are supposed to do. It's overkill."


ahem, ps3 anyone?

[James @ Jul 12th 2006 3:23PM]

Built in speakers.. ".. standard 1,280 x 1,024 resolution, 800:1 contrast ratio, and 320cd/m2 brightness, along with a DVI port, in-game video capture software, and special audio/video settings designed to enhance gameplay.."

Is just horrible. I bought 3 Dell 17" 1704FPV (the original -- better ones before they got the cheapy FPT ones), which is 1280x1024, 1000:1 contrast, 500cd/m2, dvi, etc. The only thing that sounds nice is the in-game video capture software, but you can get that for $10 if you look hard enough. Yet my dell monitor will prob be cheaper than this.

I would say the 2ms response time is NICE though, esp for a 19" monitor. My dell has 8ms response time, and is only 17", but nevertheless, I would never buy a monitor with speakers in it... ever. Regardless of having it for gaming-only computer, or anything. Heck, I hate the fact that I can't get a large HDTV WITHOUT speakers. My sound system is so much better, I simply don't need them. I just HOPE they don't start doing this with monitors. People don't want speakers to come with their monitors, you already ruined TVs, don't let them get the monitors as well!!!!

[d3 @ Jul 12th 2006 3:26PM]

Have there been any monitors claiming 2ms that actually achieve that result? Crank up the overdrive to create impressive numbers and they actually make the picture worse.

I'd like to see tom's hardware test this one and see if it bests the viewsonic VX922.

[Franssu @ Jul 12th 2006 6:51PM]

Why this silliness in escalating brightness numbers ? All LCDs are way too bright. The specs for studio-grade video is 80 cd/m2. 320 cd/m2 if way over the top.
On the other side, if this thing is really capable of the 800:1 CR, the blacks should look nice when the backlight is set to reasonable levels.

[Ali ISIK @ Jul 12th 2006 7:33PM]

> Wouldn't the screen shake when the subwoofer woofed?

But it doesn't woof, silly. It only subwoofs. Woof.

[bleh i'm just a name @ Jul 12th 2006 7:52PM]

I was expecting a gaming flatscreen with gaming resolution eg: 1600x1200 or higher. 1280 is too phat for me sorry but on the plus side I really like the stand though.

[balagan @ Jul 12th 2006 8:05PM]

An idea! Maybe good maybe bad. What if you were to create a slot in the monitor so the Video Cards would install in the monitor itself rather than in the PC and a special PCI-X or VGA card would act as an extender for the connections using a special cable. Would this reduce the cooling requirements?

[Ypocaramel @ Jul 12th 2006 9:16PM]

If the 1.3MP camera works as a webcam it'd be pretty handy. On a desktop it's not as big a deal as it would be on a laptop - on a laptop intergration is important to let you carry the camera around with extra stuff - but still it's less cable clutter.

[Ypocaramel @ Jul 12th 2006 9:19PM]

Er, that was badly written. I meant, on a laptop it's nice to have the camera built into the body so when you carry the laptop around it's one less 'thing' to worry about, but on a desktop it's not as big of a deal because you aren't move it about, SFFs excluded.

[Meltz @ Jul 13th 2006 1:35AM]

amen to Loban
i dont think hardcore gamers really care about convience, either.

as for limited space in dorms? i personally don't care about limited space - im gonna pack my dorm next year with speakers!