The BenQ EW2730 is as much LCD TV as
computer monitor, making it a great choice for anyone hoping to turn their PC
into an entertainment center. However, it’s also as good for standard desktop
use as it is for multimedia. Two HDMI inputs, a remote control and extras like
picture-in-picture and noise reduction make it clear that this is a monitor
with entertainment at its heart.
27”
BenQ EW2730
It isn’t perfect - the multitude of inputs
nonetheless lacks a DisplayPort interface, and the stand’s adjustment
capabilities aren’t quite as extensive as most monitors, but the colors are
great, the blacks are dark and strong, and the price is pleasingly low for a
27” screen of this quality – substantially cheaper than IPS panels of the same
size.
You might reasonably ask whether 1920x1080
resolution is too small for a 27” screen, but the way we see it, you’ve traded
resolution for other features, and if multimedia is your plan for this screen,
then higher resolutions aren’t much use anyway. Besides which, it’s that
combination of large screen and low resolution that makes it possible to make a
27” screen a budget choice. Don’t argue with that!
Performance Choice: 27” Philips Brilliance 273P3QPYES
Active 3D requires you to wear powered
glasses which are bulky and relatively expensive
With IPS panels plummeting in price, it can
be tempting to ignore high-end AMVA monitors, but the Philips Brilliance
273P3QPYES packs a substantial enough punch to stop you in your tracks. Rich
colors, huge vertical viewing angles and superb black level are just some of
the benefits on offer.
27”
Philips Brilliance 273P3QPYES
Although there are DVI, DisplayPort and VGA
inputs, the lack of HDMI might prove a turn-off, but the quality of the screen
is enough to make you forget any inconvenience. The screen is clear and bright,
the stand is fully adjustable, and three levels of customizable pixel overdrive
gives you the ability to control what you see on a deeper level than on
bog-standard monitors.
Again, though, the resolution is only
1920x1080, and for a 27” 455monitor this expensive, you could be forgiven for
wanting 2560x1440. It’s also quite bad in terms of design aesthetics, with
cheap and dated-looking grey plastic surrounding the screen. Still, if you’re
after a monitor for high-definition video, this is one of the best, but office
workers and gamers may want to look elsewhere.
IPS Panel Monitors
IPS panels were, for a long time, found
only in the most expensive monitors, but recently, that’s changed. It’s now
possible to find IPS panels in monitors that are reasonably affordable, even if
you may have to lose out on other features (like speakers and USB hubs) to get
one.
IPS panels produce arguably the
highest-quality image, with huge viewing angles (as close to 180º as makes no
difference) and very accurate color reproduction. The downside is that they’re
substantially less vibrant than VA panels, and response times are much higher,
meaning you can get noticeable blurs appearing when a lot of fast-moving images
are on the screen, particularly on dark backgrounds.
IPS panels are particularly popular in
high-end monitors due to their visibly better image, but you will normally find
a price to match this perception. Although there’s no reason you couldn’t use
IPS monitors for gaming and video, they’re not the most appropriate choice, and
are instead considered ideal for those doing design or office work. If you
spend a lot of time staring at Windows, you’ll appreciate the pinpoint line accuracy.
Good for: Designers, office work and
quality enthusiasts.
Bad for: Cheaper models are poor for
gaming, but expensive ones are great all-round.
Budget Choice: 23” AOC i2353Fh
As far as IPS panels go, the AOC i2353Fh is
impressive for the 23” range. Thin and attractively styled, the viewing angles
are wide, the brightness is high and contrast is acceptably good (if not
astounding). Color reproduction isn’t quite as accurate as the best IPS
monitors, but it’s still in a different league to TN panels.
The ultra-thin screen design means there
are a few oddities. Controls and inputs are on the base, and because of this
there isn’t space for a DVI, although you do get a VGA input and two HDMI
ports. The integrated speakers are as good as you’d expect, and the inclusion
of a Vesa 100 mount may be enough to convince some.
23”
AOC i2353Fh
Again, it isn’t particularly astonishing
until you look at the price. It outperforms almost any other IPS monitor at
this price, and looks like it costs twice what it does. Undoubtedly an
excellent choice for IPS buyers on a budget.
