Asus LS201 review

We like to gesture excitedly at the pretty pictures on our screen as much as the next IT enthusiast, but we struggle to recall a time when a stray finger jab has left more than a slightly annoying smudge. Nevertheless, if you regularly manhandle your monitor, Asus may have the ideal solution: the punch-proof LS201. On a more mundane note, it's supposedly scratch-proof, too.

In essence, it's a 20in TFT with a protective glass layer over the screen. Asus sees home users as the key market, and with the LS201's glossy appearance and glowing base we can see the intention. But it's the sort of durable technology that would surely be more suited to a bog-standard display in an information terminal in a crowded place.

We gave the screen a few hefty whacks and can confirm that it does indeed take its beating without complaint. We've read reports of sharper objects - most notably wedding rings - leaving permanent scratches in the glass layer, so it isn't completely invincible, but with the strength to deflect a hurled controller we can conceivably see frustrated gamers as a potential market for the LS201.

Unfortunately, the standard aspect ratio and 1,400 x 1,050 resolution won't appeal to gamers. Also, while the glass panel isn't as reflective as it may first appear, when looking at a dark image you'll notice that everything it does reflect bears a purple tone, making it hard to watch anything with dark scenes.

Overall quality is high, with an acceptable white level and an impressive black level. We found no flaws in our colour-gradient tests, and the 5ms response time meant fast-moving video showed no signs of blurring. As you'd expect with such a glossy display, edges are incredibly sharp and the colours in our HD video clips were vivid and accurate.

The Asus LS201 offers the choice of DVI or VGA inputs, both of which are discreetly concealed in the base. This furthers its credentials as a safe monitor for public areas, but at £200 we can't see many home users giving it a go.

Author: David Bayon