BenQ FP241W - CRT replacement

Zelig · Jan 27, 2007, 08:36 PM

I've been looking at the BenQ FP241W as my first option to finally switch over to the LCD world, to replace my Sony G520 CRT.

I can only find this reviews of the monitor. Do any of you guys own or have experience with this monitor?

If anyone knows of any comparable monitors that have are HDCP capable and contain an HDMI port for a similar size and price, I would be interested as well.

[hobo]eclipse · Feb 10, 2007, 01:43 PM

i too am interestd in this monitor, hopefully this will get this post goin again and, we can get some input, if not for the 1:1 scaling issues id be in this monitors corner, reviews seem scarce. also i read somewherethat BenQ's return policy on dead pixel panels are horrble(dont quote me on this), i think it was like 30+ dead pixels before return??? dunno hopefully someone else has some input, i've been juggling this and the Dell 2407 in my head for about a month now. I'd just like the HDMI for future proofing and to currently try out the HD upscaling on the current DVD player we have.

Ima go see wats up in the German Julians thread on his monitor over here.

Zelig · Feb 10, 2007, 01:51 PM

The site where I'm looking at ordering (ncix.com) updates the firmware on all units to fix the 1:1 scaling issue on all units before they ship out. They also offer a 30-day zero dead pixel policy for an extra $40 with the order.

I don't think I'll actually be getting the monitor yet though, I'm going to try to fund a trip to the rockies to go snowboarding instead.

cozumel · Feb 10, 2007, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelig

The site where I'm looking at ordering (ncix.com) updates the firmware on all units to fix the 1:1 scaling issue on all units before they ship out. They also offer a 30-day zero dead pixel policy for an extra $40 with the order.

Is there a list of resellers who have a zero dead pixel policy? I think it's a disgrace that manufacturers can get away with supplying faulty monitors. It's actually put me off an upgrade even though I want to upgrade my LCD to larger screensize, resolution etc etc. What makes monitors so damn special? I'd be happy for the price of all montors to be 10-20% higher and to have a proper guarantee of no faults (or dead/lit pixels)

Sorry...just realized off topic...although the point is that I want to upgrade but don't want a crap (faulty) monitor. I do like the reviews on the Dell 2407 and am tempted myself.

[hobo]eclipse · Feb 10, 2007, 02:25 PM

see thats about where i am, just kinda hesitant to drop that much money and it have issues, be it dead pixels, no 1 to 1, banding, whatever. That HDMI looks so tempting just for future froofing and like i said i,d like to try out standard DVD upconversion through HDMI.

Zelig · Aug 21, 2007, 07:31 PM

Finally got around to getting myself a new monitor, ordered a Dell 2407WFP-HC. It's quite nice, one of the best LCDs I've seen, I can't seem to get the colours tweaked quite as they are on my CRT though...

Dyre Straits · Aug 22, 2007, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelig

Finally got around to getting myself a new monitor, ordered a Dell 2407WFP-HC. It's quite nice, one of the best LCDs I've seen, I can't seem to get the colours tweaked quite as they are on my CRT though...

I'm starting to get the itch to switch, too. BUT, my NEC 21 inch CRT is just soooo great, it's hard to actually get serious about switching.

I'll be very interested to hear how things are going after you've had yours awhile.

Keep us updated, please.

Zelig · Aug 22, 2007, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyre Straits

I'm starting to get the itch to switch, too. BUT, my NEC 21 inch CRT is just soooo great, it's hard to actually get serious about switching.

I'll be very interested to hear how things are going after you've had yours awhile.

Keep us updated, please.

Oh, I kept my Sony CRT. The vertical resolution is the same, and the vertical size is close, so I lined up the top of the screens, and it works real nicely, giving me 3520x1200 of total desktop space.

I don't have a good camera available, but here's a rough pic of my setup.

Lowfat · Aug 22, 2007, 12:32 PM

I am looking at the FP241W or the FP241WZ here right away for my mini. I've heard good things.

Neshi · Aug 26, 2007, 11:49 AM

i'm thinking about buying a bigger screen too.. still got a 17" sitting on my desk. I heard alot good stories about the Samsung 226BW and was thinking about getting that one, or the newer version, the 226CW.
But i heard when switching to a widescreen it's alot getting used to. And that you wont be able to see all thats on your screen in one blink of an eye.

In other words, is a 22" widescreen worth getting, and what would you suggest.

sorry for hijacking the thread, but it seemed a little pointless to open a whole new thread. It fits pretty well in here i thought

Zelig · Aug 26, 2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neshi

In other words, is a 22" widescreen worth getting, and what would you suggest.

Personally, I wouldn't get a 22" inch if you're too concerned about quality. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think all the 22" monitors on the market use the same panels, and are similar in quality. I've got the 22" Dell sitting around, it's great value for the price, and great for general desktop use, but falls short in a few areas for quality.

Personally, I didn't find the switch to widescreen was hard to get used to, although I was already running dual monitors. Brought my total desktop area from 3200x1200 to 3520x1200.

Lowfat · Aug 26, 2007, 08:23 PM

22" screens all have a 1680X1050 TN panel, which TNs aren't the best, but the resolution @ that size is very poor. IMO either go for a 20" or a 24".

Neshi · Aug 28, 2007, 01:31 PM

i find the price jump from 20" to 24" is pretty big.. all i have done till now is look at the 22". But I'll take a closer look at the 24" then.. are here certain brands that should be avoided or things that should be looked at/into when you're looking for a 24"?

ChaosMinionX · Aug 28, 2007, 02:15 PM

I think im going to get a 24" panel pretty soon.

Neshi · Aug 29, 2007, 08:24 AM

Is the Acer, AL2416WB any good?
I really haven't got the faintest idea what i should be looking for...

specs:
Recommended Resolution 1920 x 1200
Viewing Angle 160°(H) / 160°(V)
Pixel Pitch 0.27mm
Display Colors 16.7 Million
Brightness 400 cd/m2 (shop in Holland says it's 500 cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio 1000:1
Response Time 5ms
Panel TFT LCD
Display Type WUXGA

Lowfat · Aug 29, 2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neshi

Is the Acer, AL2416WB any good?
I really haven't got the faintest idea what i should be looking for...

specs:
Recommended Resolution 1920 x 1200
Viewing Angle 160°(H) / 160°(V)
Pixel Pitch 0.27mm
Display Colors 16.7 Million
Brightness 400 cd/m2 (shop in Holland says it's 500 cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio 1000:1
Response Time 5ms
Panel TFT LCD
Display Type WUXGA

both Samsung and Acer have 24" displays with a TN panels now

Pretty sure all other manufacturers haven't stepped that low yet.

And that panel does use a TN panel, that is why is is so considerably cheaper than other displays.

Zelig · Aug 29, 2007, 09:05 PM

Personally, I wouldn't buy the AL2416WB, but monitor quality is pretty subjective, if you can into a store to take a look at it, it might be fine for you.

FWIW, I picked up my Dell 2407WFP-HC for only $600 (CAD), the Acer only looks to be about $80 cheaper.

MrSpock2002 · Aug 29, 2007, 09:45 PM

My two cents. For LCD's HP is the best hands down. Their support, and quality are beyond anything else I've ever dealt with. Trust me go with HP, I promise you will be very happy with it. My second choice would be Samsung.

Zelig · Aug 29, 2007, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSpock2002

My two cents. For LCD's HP is the best hands down. Their support, and quality are beyond anything else I've ever dealt with. Trust me go with HP, I promise you will be very happy with it. My second choice would be Samsung.

Problem with going for specific brands is that many of them don't manufacture their own panels, they get them from a number of different OEMs, and thus have panels of various quality. Even manufacturers who manufacture their own panels have lines of different quality parts.

Going with a specific brand because of support makes sense, but it's best to look at specific models in question regarding quality, there's too little market in high-end quality products for most companies to resist releasing cheaper lower-quality products.

edit: My post wasn't directed speficfically to HP, although it would apply to them as well. I just looked up the 24" HP model, it uses the same panel as the older Dell 24" model used (Samsung LTM240M2) at one point and at a higher price.

MrSpock2002 · Aug 29, 2007, 10:55 PM

Yeah that makes sense. I just know my laptop HD display is amazing!

Neshi · Aug 30, 2007, 02:23 PM

ah... so cheap screens will usually use TN panels then...
i just looked at some Dell monitors, especially the 2407WFP-HC Zelig mentioned.. but thats almost 975 euros in holland, so thats about $1300... thats abit expensive..

I then checked some HP monitors and found a new one (couldnt find any reviews yet), the W2408 Vivid Color.
this one is 540 euros, which is about $750. which is still alot, but worth the consideration.

another one i found:
Acer, AL2423WB which uses a PVA panel, and only costs 420 euros = $575 -> can do 1920x1200

Jan 27, 2007, 08:36 PM	#1
Zelig DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,168 Rep Power: 54 System Specs	BenQ FP241W - CRT replacement I've been looking at the BenQ FP241W as my first option to finally switch over to the LCD world, to replace my Sony G520 CRT. I can only find this reviews of the monitor. Do any of you guys own or have experience with this monitor? If anyone knows of any comparable monitors that have are HDCP capable and contain an HDMI port for a similar size and price, I would be interested as well. __________________ -- Last edited by Zelig; Jan 27, 2007 at 08:46 PM. Reason: clarification

Feb 10, 2007, 01:43 PM	#2
[hobo]eclipse ...just bummin 'round Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,578 Rep Power: 51 System Specs	i too am interestd in this monitor, hopefully this will get this post goin again and, we can get some input, if not for the 1:1 scaling issues id be in this monitors corner, reviews seem scarce. also i read somewherethat BenQ's return policy on dead pixel panels are horrble(dont quote me on this), i think it was like 30+ dead pixels before return??? dunno hopefully someone else has some input, i've been juggling this and the Dell 2407 in my head for about a month now. I'd just like the HDMI for future proofing and to currently try out the HD upscaling on the current DVD player we have. Ima go see wats up in the German Julians thread on his monitor over here. __________________ seeing the same things over again, repeating the same slogans we don't know where we've been

Feb 10, 2007, 01:51 PM	#3
Zelig DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,168 Rep Power: 54 System Specs	The site where I'm looking at ordering (ncix.com) updates the firmware on all units to fix the 1:1 scaling issue on all units before they ship out. They also offer a 30-day zero dead pixel policy for an extra $40 with the order. I don't think I'll actually be getting the monitor yet though, I'm going to try to fund a trip to the rockies to go snowboarding instead. __________________ --

Feb 10, 2007, 02:25 PM	#5
[hobo]eclipse ...just bummin 'round Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,578 Rep Power: 51 System Specs	see thats about where i am, just kinda hesitant to drop that much money and it have issues, be it dead pixels, no 1 to 1, banding, whatever. That HDMI looks so tempting just for future froofing and like i said i,d like to try out standard DVD upconversion through HDMI. __________________ seeing the same things over again, repeating the same slogans we don't know where we've been

Aug 21, 2007, 07:31 PM	#6
Zelig DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,168 Rep Power: 54 System Specs	Finally got around to getting myself a new monitor, ordered a Dell 2407WFP-HC. It's quite nice, one of the best LCDs I've seen, I can't seem to get the colours tweaked quite as they are on my CRT though... __________________ --

Aug 22, 2007, 12:32 PM	#9
Lowfat Xtreme Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Grande Prairie, AB, Can Posts: 3,951 Rep Power: 61	I am looking at the FP241W or the FP241WZ here right away for my mini. I've heard good things. __________________ i7 920 on phase change * EX58-UD5 * 6GB @ 1600MHz * HD4550 * X25-M RAID0 * Enermax Revo 85+ 1050W * Silverstone FT01BW Q8200 @ 3GHz * P5Q Pro* 4GB @ 878MHz * 9500GT * Auzen Prelude * 30GB Vertex * 11.5TB * Seasonic 420 M12-II * Silverstone LC17B * LG GGC-H20L

Aug 26, 2007, 11:49 AM	#10
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: at home Posts: 1,860 Rep Power: 56 System Specs	i'm thinking about buying a bigger screen too.. still got a 17" sitting on my desk. I heard alot good stories about the Samsung 226BW and was thinking about getting that one, or the newer version, the 226CW. But i heard when switching to a widescreen it's alot getting used to. And that you wont be able to see all thats on your screen in one blink of an eye. In other words, is a 22" widescreen worth getting, and what would you suggest. sorry for hijacking the thread, but it seemed a little pointless to open a whole new thread. It fits pretty well in here i thought __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? The only guarantee in life is failure, to achieve success you have to take risks.

Aug 26, 2007, 08:23 PM	#12
Lowfat Xtreme Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Grande Prairie, AB, Can Posts: 3,951 Rep Power: 61	22" screens all have a 1680X1050 TN panel, which TNs aren't the best, but the resolution @ that size is very poor. IMO either go for a 20" or a 24". __________________ i7 920 on phase change * EX58-UD5 * 6GB @ 1600MHz * HD4550 * X25-M RAID0 * Enermax Revo 85+ 1050W * Silverstone FT01BW Q8200 @ 3GHz * P5Q Pro* 4GB @ 878MHz * 9500GT * Auzen Prelude * 30GB Vertex * 11.5TB * Seasonic 420 M12-II * Silverstone LC17B * LG GGC-H20L

Aug 28, 2007, 01:31 PM	#13
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: at home Posts: 1,860 Rep Power: 56 System Specs	i find the price jump from 20" to 24" is pretty big.. all i have done till now is look at the 22". But I'll take a closer look at the 24" then.. are here certain brands that should be avoided or things that should be looked at/into when you're looking for a 24"? __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? The only guarantee in life is failure, to achieve success you have to take risks.

Aug 28, 2007, 02:15 PM	#14
ChaosMinionX USB 3 dot oh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: New York Posts: 2,182 Rep Power: 31 System Specs	I think im going to get a 24" panel pretty soon. __________________ ::Heatware:: How you can help DriverHeaven by using Digg!

Aug 29, 2007, 08:24 AM	#15
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: at home Posts: 1,860 Rep Power: 56 System Specs	Is the Acer, AL2416WB any good? I really haven't got the faintest idea what i should be looking for... specs: Recommended Resolution 1920 x 1200 Viewing Angle 160°(H) / 160°(V) Pixel Pitch 0.27mm Display Colors 16.7 Million Brightness 400 cd/m2 (shop in Holland says it's 500 cd/m2) Contrast Ratio 1000:1 Response Time 5ms Panel TFT LCD Display Type WUXGA __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? The only guarantee in life is failure, to achieve success you have to take risks.

Aug 29, 2007, 09:05 PM	#17
Zelig DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,168 Rep Power: 54 System Specs	Personally, I wouldn't buy the AL2416WB, but monitor quality is pretty subjective, if you can into a store to take a look at it, it might be fine for you. FWIW, I picked up my Dell 2407WFP-HC for only $600 (CAD), the Acer only looks to be about $80 cheaper. __________________ --

Aug 29, 2007, 09:45 PM	#18
MrSpock2002 Because I said so! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Watkins Glen NY Posts: 542 Rep Power: 0	My two cents. For LCD's HP is the best hands down. Their support, and quality are beyond anything else I've ever dealt with. Trust me go with HP, I promise you will be very happy with it. My second choice would be Samsung.

Aug 29, 2007, 10:55 PM	#20
MrSpock2002 Because I said so! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Watkins Glen NY Posts: 542 Rep Power: 0	Yeah that makes sense. I just know my laptop HD display is amazing!

Aug 30, 2007, 02:23 PM	#21
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: at home Posts: 1,860 Rep Power: 56 System Specs	ah... so cheap screens will usually use TN panels then... i just looked at some Dell monitors, especially the 2407WFP-HC Zelig mentioned.. but thats almost 975 euros in holland, so thats about $1300... thats abit expensive.. I then checked some HP monitors and found a new one (couldnt find any reviews yet), the W2408 Vivid Color. this one is 540 euros, which is about $750. which is still alot, but worth the consideration. another one i found: Acer, AL2423WB which uses a PVA panel, and only costs 420 euros = $575 -> can do 1920x1200 __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? The only guarantee in life is failure, to achieve success you have to take risks. Last edited by Neshi; Aug 30, 2007 at 02:38 PM.