APC_Australia_Issue_442_June_2017

Monitor specs
at a glance
A quick rundown of all the
important numbers and
features you need to know
when buying a monitor.
$230 | WWW.ASUS.COM/AU
23-inches; AH-IPS panel; 1,920 x 1,080 resolution;
dual HDMI; VGA
ASUS VX239H
Affordable, yet well
equipped.
For as little as $230, the 23-inch ASUS
VX239H is well suited as an everyday
monitor. For those who want the extra
quality, it uses an AH-IPS panel, with a
1,920 x 1,080 resolution, wide 178°
viewing angles, 80 million to 1 smart
contrast ratio and an ultra-low blue
light production backlight.
The VX239H looks great on the desk,
with thin (but not quite frameless)
bezels and a minimalistic stand with
basic tilt adjustment. We did not
experience any ghosting at all, thanks
to the 5ms response time, and while
not really aimed at gamers, the
monitor does have gamer modes.
The monitor is quite bright (250cd/
m2), with an even backlight and
vibrant, accurate colours. The screen
has dual HDMI and VGA inputs, with
the former MHL compatible for
connecting (and charging) mobile
devices. Frustratingly, only an VGA
cable is included (not HDMI), and the
speakers are expectably tinny.
$150 | WWW.BENQ.COM.AU
21.5 inches; VA panel; 1,920 x 1,080 resolution;
DVI; VGA
BenQ
GW2270H
A compact option.
Measuring in at 21.5 inches, the little
BenQ GW2270H is great for smaller
desks or as a second screen. It costs just
$150, despite using a higher-quality VA
panel with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution.
Sure, it’s not quite IPS territory, but
the GW2270H offers true 8-bit colour
and wide 178° viewing angles. VA
panels also give great contrast, and the
BenQ screen exploits that with a high
3,000:1 native contrast ratio.
The refresh rate is quite good at 5ms
GTG, and we did not experience any
ghosting in normal use, including light
gaming. The screen is rated to display
72% of the NTSC colour gamut, and
gives a noticeably better image than a
TN screen. The GW2270H looks great
on a desk, but only has basic tilt
adjustment.
Connectivity falls a little short as
well, with DVI and VGA, but no HDMI or
DisplayPort.
For those who want a larger screen,
an extra $50 gets the GW2470, with the
same specs but a 23.8-inch panel.
Resolution
Don’t accept anything under 1,920 x
1,080, but at the same time, it’s hard
to find higher on a budget.
Inputs
HDMI is best for easy connection,
but sometimes DVI or even legacy
VGA ports are useful for connecting
to older PCs.
Stand
Even the cheapest screens can be
tilted, but for productivity use, look
for height and pivot adjustments.
Panel Type
IPS is the best quality, but VA panels
are almost as good, and are usually
cheaper with better contrast.
Size
24-inch (often 23.5-inch) is the
sweet spot, but a 27-inch screen is
worth considering for those who
game or just sit a bit further back.
Response Time
Gamers should look for the lowest
response time to avoid ghosting,
but for day-to-day tasks, higher is
not a problem.
Refresh Rate
Gamers should look for 75Hz
or higher, but most affordable
monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate.
Gaming
Look for extra technologies
such as game modes, as well as
technologies such as FreeSync
which can help eliminate tearing.
Verdict
For those who need a quality 23-inch screen
with a few handy features, you can’t go wrong
with the VX239H.
Verdict
For just $150, this little screen is a versatile
solution, but its connectivity options and size
won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
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