APC_Australia_Issue_442_June_2017

thelab » bargain-basement screens
Bargainbasement
screens
Not everyone needs
a high-end monitor, so
for those on a budget
or who just need a
basic screen, we’ve
compared the most
affordable options.
Lindsay Handmer
$200 | WWW.ACER.COM.AU
24 inches; TN panel; 1,920 x 1,080 resolution;
HDMI; DVI; VGA
$285 | WWW.AOCMONITORAP.COM/AU
27-inches; TN panel; 1,920 x 1,080 resolution; HDMI;
DisplayPort; VGA
To help scope out what was
available when it comes to
low-cost screens, this month,
we’ve put 10 models to the test,
with all models priced under $300.
Of course, at this pricepoint, monitors
tend towards simpler models, but
there are plenty of smaller panels
with higher-end features. It’s also
possible to buy quite competent
gaming models, with functionality
such as AMD FreeSync and higher
refresh rates. While many cheaper
screens use basic TN panels, some
step up the quality with VA or even
IPS displays.
Other affordable productivityfocused
monitors include adjustable
stands, or have increased power
efficiency.
While it’s possible to buy affordable
LCDs under 20-inches, 27-inches is
about as big as you will find without
blowing out the budget and going
above $300.
As always, make sure you shop
around for the best price — our sister
site www.getprice.com.au is a great
place to start. But don’t shy away from
big name stores such as JB Hi-Fi or
OfficeWorks either, who often have
some surprisingly great discounts and
special offers.
HOW WE TESTED
Each was tested in a range of scenarios
at its native resolution, including
gaming, productivity, media playback
and web surfing. OSD settings were
adjusted for best image quality.
FreeSync was tested using an AMD
Radeon RX 480.
58 www.apcmag.com
Acer G246HL
A simple 24-inch
monitor.
The G246HL aims to provide plenty
of screen real estate without a high
price tag. The monitor is available as a
24-inch model for $200, or $265 for the
27-inch version. Both use a TN panel,
with the standard 1,920 x 1,080
resolution. It’s also got a 5ms response
time, 60Hz refresh rate, 100 million
to 1 adaptive contrast ratio and a
250cd/m2 brightness.
While the stand itself looks great on
a desk, it only has tilt adjustment — no
height or pivot. As expected from a TN
panel, the viewing angles are a bit
lower than an IPS screen, at 170°
horizontal, and 160° vertical.
Colours are fairly vibrant and a bit
more accurate after some tweaking,
and picture quality is reasonable. The
backlight is quite even, though there
is a touch of light bleed on the edges.
The G246HL has HDMI, DVI and VGA
inputs, but only includes cables for the
latter two. While the Acer G246HL is a
competent monitor, there are better
options for similar amounts of money.
Verdict
The G246HL has practically no bells and
whistles, but is vibrant and fairly cheap.
However, there are better options out there.
AOC G2778VQ
An affordable gaming
monitor.
At 27 inches, the AOC G2778VQ is a
decent step up from a 23-inch screen,
without too much of a price bump. It
features a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, and
has a simple but stylish red and black
colour scheme with internal PSU. The
G2778VQ is aimed at gamers, with a
low 1ms response time and gaming
modes such as FPS, racing and RTS.
It supports AMD FreeSync, and has a
75Hz refresh rate. The screen also has
shadow control, which allows the user
to improve detail in dark areas.
The AOC gives a great image for
gaming, but the TN panel doesn’t have
the colour accuracy or viewing angles
of its IPS brethren. The backlight is
bright (300cd/m2) and quite even, and
overall contrast is decent and colours
vibrant. We experienced no visible
ghosting and FreeSync does an
excellent job.
Round the back, the AOC has HDMI,
DisplayPort and VGA inputs. The
inbuilt 2W speakers are nothing
special, but handy as a backup.
Verdict
With AMD FreeSync on board, plus shadow
control, this monitor will do a good job and for
a fairly good price.