BenQ FP72E

Three TFTs compete for the budget space this month, and they each have different strengths. While the Sony offers the best image quality, the BenQ FP72E has the features (plus a great OSD) to make it a worthy alternative choice.

It took a bit of setting up, as the default colour profiles left us with either a green or red tinge to all images. But thanks to the intuitive graphical OSD and front-mounted buttons, the image looked reasonably good in our test videos and photos after a few manual colour tweaks.

Decent skin tones helped us to overlook the poor detail reproduction in dark areas, but the lack of brightness is the FP72E's main weakness, as it takes the edge off bright scenes and swamps dark scenes in shadow. These faults don't show up in office apps, though, so don't dismiss the BenQ if work is your main priority.

Like Sony and CTX, the FP72E's stand only tilts, and the fixed-height screen really hugs the desk, sitting lower on its base than any other on test. But the design isn't ugly, with a curve to emphasise the pair of 1W speakers. On the rear, you get the choice of DVI or D-SUB inputs (but no DVI cable is included), a standard wall mount and a cable loop, as well as a Kensington lock slot for added security.

If your budget is tight and you demand image quality above features, the Sony SDM-E76D is the obvious choice, especially as it comes with a DVI cable. But if you'd rather have an easy-to-use OSD, the BenQ is a good alternative.

Author: David Bayon