Benq FP591

A high-performing, feature-rich 15in monitor.

Benq's FP951 LCD is a 15in model with a native resolution of 1,024 x 768. The thin matt-black bezel projects outward from the curvaceous silver chassis that houses the stereo speakers.

Below this is the control panel with six touch-sensitive buttons. The two in the middle give direct access to the luminance settings covering brightness, contrast and overall brightness intensity.

The button to the far left gives information on the current resolution and video signal, and can also be used to auto-adjust the picture when using the test screen on the driver CD-Rom.

The remaining buttons cover power and on-screen display (OSD) navigation.

The FP591 has both a D-Sub port for receiving a standard analogue video signal, as well as a DVI port and cable for a cleaner digital signal - but only if your graphics card is DVI-enabled.

The ports are switchable, but only within the intuitive OSD.

We were impressed with the FP591's brightness and contrast. Greyscale was clearly defined and colours were pure and rich. However, we did notice a slight compression at the high-intensity end of our colour scales.

Furthermore, the fast 16ms response time reduced ghosting and flicker in our test DVD movie, and the emulated 3D surround sound is one of the best we've heard on an LCD.

For £399, Benq has included its Digital Photo Frame, a USB memory card reader fitted into the top of the unit. It's compatible with Compact Flash, Smartmedia and MMC formats and lets you view digital pictures on the FP951 in full-screen mode or as a slideshow.

The FP591 performs well, and is a stylish, feature-rich LCD, and although it's a 15incher, the price is about right.

Contact: Dabs.com
www.dabs.com

Specifications:

• 15in LCD
• 1,024 x 768 native res
• D-Sub and DVI inputs
• 40.2 x 39.2 x 18.3cm (w x h x d)
• 5.8kg
• 500 cd/sq m
• 450:1 contrast ratio
• Horizontal/vertical viewing angles: 160/150 degrees