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The BenQ FP231W is an attractive 23-inch LCD monitor that offers a lot of bang for the buck.

It features a variety of connection options, including composite video, S-video, D-sub (analog), DVI-D (digital), audio, and USB ports. If you have multiple computers and need to save some desk space, you can share the FP231W between a pair of PCs or a Mac and a PC. The FP231W can tilt and swivel and the height is adjustable, so you can find just the right angle for comfortable viewing.

The wide format makes the monitor easy to work in multiple applications simultaneously while still being able to see most or all of every open document. An optimal LCD resolution of 1,900X1,200 dpi provides clear images and crisp text, even at small font sizes. The wide viewing angle of 176 degrees helps reduce color shift and image blurring when viewing the display from off-center.

A row of seven control buttons on the right side of the monitor includes Power, Enter (accesses the on-screen display menus), Up (increases the selected adjustment, and also serves as the hot key for the LCD brightness control), Down (decreases the selected adjustment, and also serves as the hot key for contrast), Input (switches the input signal from one computer to another), and Exit (returns to the previous menu or exits the on-screen display).

The seventh button, called iKey, automatically adjusts horizontal and vertical positioning. The on-screen menu is colorful and easy to navigate.

The FP231W has four USB ports, so you can use it a USB hub and free up ports on your computer. One of the four ports is dedicated to webcam use, and its location at the top of the monitor makes it awkward for any other purpose. The FP231W 23-inch LCD monitor’s package includes power, D-sub, and DVI-D cables, a setup card, a user guide, and a CD-ROM with drivers and utilities.

The 16-millisecond response time works to eliminate ghosting in fast-moving images, including video and action games. Image quality and sharpness of the BenQ FP231W are above average, although color fidelity may not quite meet the needs of graphics professionals.

Pro: Above-average image quality. Pleasing collection of features, including multiple input options, tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, as well as picture-in-picture. Includes analog and digital cables.
Con: Color fidelity falls a bit short for high-end graphics work.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

BenQ America Corp.
53 Discovery
Irvine, CA 92618
949-255-9500
http://www.benq.com