PG2401PT LED monitor
BenQ’s latest monitor is one of the loveliest we’ve seen, but is it worth its epic asking price?
BenQ’s latest monitor is one of the loveliest we’ve seen, but its high spec is matched by a steep asking price…
Price £810 Company BenQ Web www.benq.com
From the moment you open the box it’s clear BenQ’s PG2401PT monitor is firmly aimed at pros. Within you’ll find a complete calibration report – someone back at the factory has checked that it’s been set up to within an inch of its life. If that’s not enough, BenQ has even included a hood to keep pesky light and reflections away from whatever artwork you’re working on.
The resolution maxes out at 1,920x1,200 pixels, which is slightly above the previous crop of HD monitors, but not up there with the extremes of 4K and Ultra HD screens. At this 24-inch size it’s arguable that super-high resolutions aren’t needed, and they certainly feel more suited to bigger screens with bigger pixels. The problem is that even though it’s a smidgen above the conventional HD resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels, Windows still can’t quite get its head around it, so you occasionally face a giant cursor and tiny text.
Fortunately, art programs handle the resolutions with more deftness. Photoshop – which is in its element on such a nice monitor – works especially well, as does Painter. BenQ has collaborated with Pantone owner X-Rite to ensure that everything is configured correctly, and that the colours you see on screen will faithfully match what you print. Colour Pickers have never looked more vibrant, and they’re rounded off with plenty of contrast, even on the inkiest of blacks.
The only negative here is the price, which at over £800 is pretty high, even considering its professional qualifications. By way of comparison, Dell’s UltraSharp U2412M 24-incher will set you back just £200, while delivering a decent colour range and the same resolution.
If you’re working in printed media, where accurate colours are crucial, then you have a strong case to justify a purchase. But if you’re just doodling for the web then it’s a hell of a pay out for very little extra visual control.