BenQ FP202W 20-inch LCD monitor
Date Published: 2/21/08
The BenQ FP202W is a bargain of sorts. Although its list price is $399, you can find it at some online vendors for $300 or less, which is a very reasonable price for a 20-inch widescreen LCD display. The reason we qualify "bargain" with "of sorts" is because, with the exception of its generous screen real estate and fast response time, this display doesn't offer much for the money.
The FP202W is easy to set up. The package includes both DVI and VGA cables, and a built-in power supply helps reduce clutter. The display is lightweight (about 12.6 pounds), with a stable base.
The 20-1/10-inch viewable area gives you plenty of room to work simultaneously in multiple applications. A native resolution of 1,680X1,050 helps keep text sharp, even at small font sizes, but it provides a more limited viewable area than the standard resolution of 1,600X1,200. Overall image quality is only fair, with average color fidelity and contrast. The 8-millisecond pixel response time virtually eliminates ghosting and blurring in fast-moving images, and we didn't notice any ghosting when watching DVD or playing our favorite 3-D games.
Adjustment options are limited. The display tilts 2 degrees forward and up to 20 degrees backward. There are no height, pivot, or swivel adjustment options. The FP202W is VESA-compatible, so you can add a wall or arm mount for additional adjustability or to save desktop space.
Display controls are located on the right side of the display, which gives the front bezel a clean look but makes operation awkward. The buttons are easy enough to reach, but you can't see which button you're pressing unless you peer around the side. With practice, you may be able to hit the right button the first time every time, but there's just no good reason to make access this clumsy.
The BenQ FP202W is a reasonable widescreen LCD display for gamers and movie fans on a budget, but it proves to be a poor choice if color fidelity and image quality are critical.
Pros: Low price, fast response time, multiple inputs, package includes DVI and VGA cables, generous workspace
Cons: Limited adjustment options, awkward location of display controls, no USB ports, disappointing image quality, no speakers
Warranty
3 years parts and labor


