AOC says its 22-inch 2218Ph LCD monitor has that Mac flair

Hey, at least it's not being secretive about it. AOC has just introduced its new $429.99 2218Ph LCD monitor, which -- among other things -- claims to bring PC users "the element of style Mac users have enjoyed for the last few years." Judging by the image above, we're not too sure what exactly it's getting at, but we are told that it relies on "state-of-the-art metallic workmanship," a polished aluminum cabinet, a zinc multi-flex stand and a piano black finish to wow onlookers. Other specs include a 1,680 x 1,050 native resolution, HDCP-compliant HDMI input, two-millisecond response time, 12,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and that all-important Windows Vista Certified sticker. Whatcha got on that, Cupertino? Full release after the jump.

AOC Sets a New Standard for Excellence in Style and Performance with their High-Def by Design 2218Ph Monitor

Incredibly sleek design and powerful performance, AOC's 2218Ph goes head-to-head with the latest and greatest of today's computer monitors and comes out ahead of the pack

Fremont, CA. July 10, 2008 – AOC announced today the release of their High-Def by Design 2218Ph computer monitor. Setting a new benchmark for combining design and the latest in HD performance, the 2218Ph monitor finally brings PC users the element of style Mac® users have enjoyed for the last few years, but with the twist of improved performance and HDMI capabilities.

State-of-the-art metallic workmanship, piano-black bezel, polished aluminum cabinet and zinc multi-flex stand make up some of the design specifications of the 2218Ph, all surrounding a glossy panel displaying vivid, bright and clear images.

"The 2218Ph brings PC power-users the design and performance they have always wanted from a monitor," said Jerry Chou, Senior Manager of Business Development, IT, for AOC. "Every aspect of the 2218Ph takes consumers performance and style demands into account, from its zinc and aluminum build, to the swivel design that provides flexibility in positioning the monitor on a desk or mounted on a wall. This monitor looks beautiful anywhere in the home or office...even if it's not even turned on," added Chou.

Running head-to-head with Apple® monitors of similar size, AOC's 2218Ph out-performs it's Mac® counterparts in virtually every category thanks to AOC's 40 years of experience in display technology. For gamers who prefer to move away from the PC, the 2218Ph also includes HDMI input, and an ultra-fast 2ms response time allowing consumers to utilize it as an HDTV.

Product specification highlights:
• State-of-the-art metallic workmanship
• Flexi-stand – for placement flexibility
• Ultra-high dynamic contrast ratio (12,000 to 1)
• Illuminating touch-key
• HDMI inputs
• 2ms ultra fast response time
• FRC 8-bit panel (16.2 million colors)
• Glare screen – protects against glare and provides improved color saturation
• HDCP ready – digital content in HD without distortion
• Illuminating touch key
• Windows Vista Certified™

"Our 2218Ph is High-Def by Design in that we have taken into account every visual aspect of the monitor. Whether viewing a movie, photos, or looking at the monitor from behind, any angle is eye catching and designed for today's digital consumer," said Chou.

The 2218Ph features an MSRP of $429.99. Full product specifications and comparison charts are available upon request.

About AOC
AOC is a leader of HD display technology for Monitors and TVs backed by over 40 years of design and manufacturing experience. AOC has earned a reputation for selling user-friendly, technologically advanced displays on the market with every aspect of AOC's business focusing on the development of products that fit seamlessly into consumers' digital lifestyle.

AOC displays are manufactured by TPV, one of the largest display manufacturers in the world. TPV manufactures one out of every four displays globally, including OEM's for some of the largest and most innovative name brands. This extensive manufacturing knowledge and experience translates into AOC staying ahead of the curve with the ever-changing technologies in today's digital world.
To learn more visit www.aoc.com.

[jason @ Jul 10th 2008 12:05AM]

how would a monitor not work with an operating system?

Vista certification for monitors is bogus.

[Good_Bytes @ Jul 10th 2008 12:37AM]

It means that it will play Blu-ray at 1080p, as Vista is the only Windows that support it (same for HDDVD). Also as Vista prefers new technology, it means that teh video card of the computer that you are using has DVI, and that the display uses DVI port (probably comes with DVI cable)...

It's silly to have such a thing on a display... but we will continue to see such thing until everyone know what a computer is and understand what we (computer enthusiast) would call the basics knowledge.

[Josh Warner @ Jul 10th 2008 1:21AM]

Given the resolution on this thing is not even close to 1920 pixels across, this is not and will never be a 1080p capable monitor. Nice try, but that's not what the Vista stamp means (unless it means "capable of displaying software resized/downsized 1080p content," which would be purely stupid).

I fail to see the point of this resolution - go with a 17-19" screen which is natively 720p capable (1280 pixels wide) or spend a couple extra bucks for a 24" which is truly 1080p capable (1920 pixels wide).

What I really want is a reasonably priced 21-22" panel that is natively 1080p. There is an OEM for this (I forget which), but nothing really mainstream or competitively priced. Yet.

[GatgetMan @ Jul 10th 2008 1:53AM]

"clak" has Mac "flare" but you don't see anyone impressed with him...

[iofthestorm @ Jul 10th 2008 2:42AM]

It basically means it has HDCP support so you can play back protected HD content.

[tiuk @ Jul 10th 2008 10:47AM]

iofthestorm is correct, many LCDs still do not have HDCP support. Since most people don't know what HDCP is, I guess a "Vista" sticker sort of makes sense.

[Tim @ Jul 10th 2008 12:11AM]

So either the screen image is simulated or that upper bezel is on the attack . . .

[Lamp @ Jul 10th 2008 12:35AM]

its a collaboration.

[John @ Jul 10th 2008 12:11AM]

Is anybody else confused?

[Andrew Wong @ Jul 10th 2008 12:56AM]

Are they kidding? This monitor does not cut it in the looks category. It lacks the clean lines of the Apple Design.

[Michael LaFramboise @ Jul 10th 2008 2:02AM]

It makes up for it with the "home button"

[Bradley @ Jul 10th 2008 12:13AM]

Fail on 1,680 x 1,050

[simon @ Jul 10th 2008 12:17AM]

Who makes your current monitor? For that matter who makes your Mac?

[Squid7085 @ Jul 10th 2008 12:18AM]

Or you could just pick up an Apple Cinema Display if you want "Mac Flair" They actually are decent display, and don't use a proprietary ADC connector anymore. :-) Everyone is welcome!

[Erik @ Jul 10th 2008 12:27AM]

Except they've got a 14ms response time, which is just blegh.

Maybe if Apple finally updates them (4 years old? really?), they might be a good suggestion, but as they stand, they just aren't worth $600.

[Cycomachead @ Jul 10th 2008 1:18AM]

The panels have been upgraded many times over those 4 years-which is actually 3.

Besides I won't go near a display with a < 8ms response time. It's about the panel type. The panels Apple uses reproduce colors better and are higher quality.

[David G. @ Jul 10th 2008 2:11AM]

Different panel types for different uses, geez.

[ekwmin @ Jul 10th 2008 12:02PM]

Fast response time is awesome for gaming, but it is a clear indication of a TN panel, which is actually the cheapest LCD panels. Even though they have been getting better, TN panels display inferior image quality, color, and terrible viewing angle. Needless to say Apple's cinema displays are not TN but AMLCD panels. I use the 23" on my mac for graphic design but I use Dell 22" sp2208wfp on my PC for gaming. Comparable monitors from various manufacturer's is similar in price to Apple cinema displays. You need to compare apples to apples. That sounded weird.

[Wiigee @ Jul 10th 2008 12:18AM]

huh?

[BT @ Jul 10th 2008 12:21AM]

I would assume with a response time like that it has a crappy TN panel unlike Apple's Cinema Displays. PASS!!

[Cycomachead @ Jul 10th 2008 1:28AM]

BINGO!

Thank You for realizing. Note the 16.2 million colors vs. the 16.7m on Apple's displays. The difference is the 16.2 is actually only 262,000 using software to blur things together.

Besides it needs a higher PPI. it should be 1920x1200. Plus I bet it has more than one cable and doesn't have a firewire and usb hub. Sure the cinema displays aren't cheap but you get alot.

[tiuk @ Jul 10th 2008 10:48AM]

Last time I checked (which was probably about a year ago, so it might have changed), the only 22" panels on the market were TN.

[jason @ Jul 10th 2008 12:20AM]

lol, these comments are severely messed up.

I checked this page like 3 min ago, and there were 5 comments, and now all i see is my comment.

and it still says "comments: 0"

who did engadget get to code their system? a blind monkey?

[David G. @ Jul 10th 2008 2:17AM]

I know, I was just trying to be the second person to reply to Squid7805 (well really Erik) and now it appears as if I'm a hour late to making a point. WTF Engadget.

[caleb @ Jul 10th 2008 12:30AM]

That's a pretty good contrast ratio.

[Tubalcain @ Jul 10th 2008 1:06AM]

I think only when you get into 24 inches and beyond territory you get 1920 X 1080 standard. I have yet to see a 20 or 22 inch go past 1680 X 1050.

[NathanG @ Jul 10th 2008 12:31AM]

1680x1050? My 20 inch has that. Wouldn't a good quality 22 inch have a higher resolution?

[Nate @ Jul 10th 2008 12:33AM]

Sorry didn't know about Bradley's comment. There were "no" comments when I commented.. Dang comment system.

[tiuk @ Jul 10th 2008 10:52AM]

The difference is in the pixel density. The basic effect is on a 20" monitor you'll have the same resolution but everything will be a bit "smaller". It's like if you have a 17" LCD and a 19" LCD, both run at 1280x1024. If you drag a window from the 17" to the 19", even though you didn't resize it, it will appear larger on the 19".

[Chris @ Jul 10th 2008 1:17AM]

So they claim it "brings mac style to pcs" but the display picture shows it running on a mac.

[Ben graff @ Jul 10th 2008 2:03AM]

I love how if you look at the top of the screen you can see half the mac os x tiger menubar is missing! XD
Also, its tiger because its not transparent like leopard,but it has spot light unlike the previous mac os xes.

[mackid105 @ Jul 10th 2008 2:29AM]

you know if you're gonna photoshop together an image to use for your company can you at least have the so-called mastermind putting the image together have a picture that fits the screen and doesnt cut off the picture. Pay me what you paid that person i'll get you a better pic

[Adderz @ Jul 10th 2008 3:17AM]

God that thing is hideous. It seriously cant be that hard to make a nice looking box.

Add that together with the lacluster tech specs.

Youve got a fail.

Running this "PC" monitor on a mac...thats going to get all the PC fanbois on side isnt it. It just alienated its target audience.

[loosely_coupled @ Jul 10th 2008 4:22AM]

"the 2218Ph monitor finally brings PC users the element of style Mac® users have enjoyed for the last few years"

HAHAHA. This monitor is so pathetic in the style department. Most of Dell's off-the-shelf units look better than this POS.

[John Russell @ Jul 10th 2008 4:49AM]

But that sticker gives it that "Mac flair!"

[theycallmeMartin @ Jul 10th 2008 6:40AM]

There's something wrong with the specs... FRC 8bit ? dont think so.

Why would you even use FRC on a 8bit display ? and if you would, you would deffinetly get more than 16.2 million colors.

Nope, bogus, its a 6bit TN panel with FRC

[lsd_kid @ Jul 11th 2008 8:17AM]

Big yawn if this is indeed uses a TN panel. When will a 22" display well suited for CS3 be available? Seems like a gaping hole in the market!

[GJunco @ Jul 15th 2008 6:27PM]

This is great, everyone says this is weak for not having 1920 resolution and 1080p capable...but have you ever put a 22" display with 720p next to a 1080p display and seen a difference? There is virtually NO DIFFERENCE unless you start getting up above 40".