I finally bough an LCD monitor about a week ago. My choice came to this 17-inch monitor from BenQ, the FP71G+S model. Not because it’s the best one actually, but because it’s the cheapest LCD monitor that already provide DVI (Digital Video Interface) input. This low price monitor even offers 8ms response time, compare that to the slightly higher LCDs from LG or Samsung that still has 12ms response time. It measures 17.9 x 16.7 x 4.5 inches and weighs 11.1 pounds, and unfortunately, only comes in silver color. Not quite match with my black PC cases and speaker…

Before I throw my opinion, here are some more technical specification of the FP71G+S LCD monitor. 250cd/m2 brightness, 500:1 contrast ratio, and 160/160 degrees viewing angle. It comes embedded with BenQ’s proprietary Senseye image enhancement technology that allows your visuals to be deeper, richer, and clearer for superior screen performance. Well, this is the first time I use an LCD monitor myself, so I can’t say whether that Senseye thing really gives an enhancement to the image, compared to other monitors.

Eventhough I’m quite satisfied with this LCD monitor, I kinda sad to know that I can’t get a sharp output when I try to connect my PS2 to the FP71G+S via Gagmei external TV tuner using D-Sub input. The image is really blur and hardly noticeble. I guess I should stick to my 14-inch TV for playing GT4.

The price of BenQ FP71G+S LCD monitor, at the time I bought it, is $269. If you don’t really need DVI input, a non-DVI version also available for $249, the FP71G model. Or for a little extra, you can spend $292 and get the FP71E+ model that comes with DVI input and an integrated speakers as well. Again, I’m not saying that BenQ’s LCDs are the best one. But they’re cheap and not dissapointing. So if you don’t have much money like I do, but still want to have an LCD monitor, BenQ is one of your choice.

[ More ]