BenQ FP241W 24-incher reviewed

The folks at bit-tech.net recently took some time to sit down and stare at BenQ's new FP241W 24-inch widescreen LCD to see how it stacks up against the competition, coming away mightily impressed with the monitor in most respects. Specs-wise, the FP241W hits all the right marks, with the de facto 1920 x 1200 resolution, 6ms response time, 500cd/m² brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and an ample supply of inputs (both video and USB), not the least of which is an HDMI port -- something its biggest competitor lacks. Of course, specs alone aren't exactly a hard and fast way to judge a monitor, but bit-tech finds the BenQ lives up to them, performing well in both gaming and regular desktop use and, in their opinion, beating Dell's more popular option in just about every respect. About the only faults they found were a few problems with adjusting the monitor (you'll have to live with it about three inches off your desk), a lack of memory card reader, and a relatively plain design -- although given some of some of the monitors we've seen, we're content with BenQ playing it safe.

[DM @ Nov 7th 2006 8:42PM]

CRT monitors, still better than LCD monitors.

[tc @ Nov 7th 2006 8:45PM]

yeesh, 670 pound price tag.

[manfesto @ Nov 7th 2006 9:08PM]

Newegg has said monitor for $799.

The 24" Dell is listed on Dell's website as $719.

The Apple 23" Cinema Display is $999 ($899 academic discount).

I'd say that it is quite reasonably priced - cheaper than the Apple Cinema Display, and though more expensive than the Dell, it has better picture and HDMI in.

[Galley @ Nov 7th 2006 9:16PM]

$800 is a sweet price, especially if it has HDMI. The big question, however, is "does it accept a 1080P signal?

[manfesto @ Nov 7th 2006 9:28PM]

http://www.benq.com/press/News.cfm?id=1343&cat=0

Yes, it does accept 1080p.

[kansei @ Nov 7th 2006 9:43PM]

I'm sorry but they seriously complained about it not having a memory card reader? tell me you're joking.

Hooray for the HDMI input.

[zverg @ Nov 7th 2006 9:44PM]

If only the Wii had HDMI out *cries* oh well. component it is :D

[SethK @ Nov 7th 2006 10:21PM]

This monitor can't adjust the aspect ratio of external inputs. This means 16:9 content is slightly stretched to 16:10, and 4:3 content via any of the analog inputs is really stretched to 16:10. Those planning to use it exclusively as a computer monitor (especially with an Nvidia card which can force aspect ratio when using 4:3 resolutions on a widescreen monitor with black bars on the side) won't miss this feature.
Other than the stand (you can replace it with an aftermarket stand if it really bothers you) this is an excellent monitor. Input lag and blur are lower than the Dell and Apple monitors. Keep an eye out for reviews of the new Gateway 24" if any of the benq shortcomings bother you.

[VP2290b LOVE IT @ Nov 8th 2006 2:32AM]

I have a 22" 3840x2400 resolution. Viewsonic VP2290b is great!

[EdZ @ Nov 8th 2006 3:08AM]

HDMI and DVI with HDCP (What the 2407WFP has) are the same thing. The only difference is the shape of the socket (and the audio lines, which aren't used in this case).

[Gadget Extremist @ Nov 8th 2006 5:15AM]

This monitor is also reported to have some heat issues. If the enviromental conditions are correct, it will fail to stay on uless you have an aircondtioner blowing on it. And since it consumes 94 watts, it should not be much of a surprise. BenQ has made the Netburst of monitors.

(almost as much as my 110watt 21" CRT)

[Gadget Extremist @ Nov 8th 2006 5:17AM]

QUOTE:
"I have a 22" 3840x2400 resolution. Viewsonic VP2290b is great!"

I guess a 50ms response time is great?

[Dae @ Nov 8th 2006 8:37AM]

i just purchase the dell 24 incher last month for $679 (US). Im VERY happy with my LCD. it makes my crappy machine look good. Something like a new paint job, rims and body kit on a 1993 honda civic with one burnt out spark plug.

[ryan @ Nov 8th 2006 11:46AM]

What did you intend with your use of "de facto"? It doesn't make a bit of sense in that sentence. Perhaps you were looking for "Obligatory".

[Jeff Foster @ Nov 8th 2006 2:00PM]

Complaining about the lack of a card reader? that's retarded.

Maybe complaining about no USB ports or something USEFUL, but doesn't just about everything else you can possibly plug into your computer have a card reader? how many do you need?

[ozi @ Nov 9th 2006 9:30PM]

benq has a iso class 3 dead pixel policy
buyer beware.

[cmb @ Dec 3rd 2006 11:59PM]

I couldn't find any reference on BenQ site to dead pixel warranty (iso class 2 = 5 dead pixel max, class 3 = 50 dead pixel max). However NewEgg sells the monitor with an 8 dead pixel return policy so check with your retailer or contact BenQ.