BenQ FP241W - CRT replacement

Zelig

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neshi

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lowfat

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

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

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

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

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

Neshi

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