Benq V2420

The Benq V2420 is a 24in widescreen LCD monitor, priced competitively at about £190. It has an LED backlight and a high resolution but otherwise there’s not much in the way of extras.

The V2420 has just DVI and VGA connectors for attaching it to a computer, and there are no USB ports, a headphone socket or built-in speakers.

The high resolution of 1,900x1,080 pixels means that the monitor can display high-definition video at the correct aspect ratio of 16:9 so it's perfect for watching films.

This is becoming a much more popular monitor shape even though the 16:10 ratio is a little better for pure computer use such as web browsing.

Sadly, the screen cannot be wall mounted. The stand supplied with it allows a little bit of forward and back movement, but no swivel motion or height adjustment. This is disappointing, as it restricts the flexibility of the monitor.

The V2420 is svelte as monitors go, and if you don’t have much desk space but want a big screen the V2420 could be just what you're after.

What helps to keep it thin is the LED backlighting, which uses much less space than older ‘cold cathode’ backlights and requires less power too. Additionally, contrast and brightness tend to be better with LED backlit displays.

Picture quality on the screen was impressive: it was very bright and detail in images was good. High-definition video looked fantastic on the big panel and we were more than happy to sit in front of it for long periods of time.

If you watch a lot of video or television on your PC and are looking for a great HD experience then the V2420 is good, but it's not without flaws.

For a little bit more cash you can get the next model up (the 2420H) which adds an HDMI input as well as a headphone socket which means you can use it more easily for TV and games as well as the computer.

For the money, though, the Benq V2420 is a very impressive monitor with good performance and build quality. Those who want a screen for work might find it too wide, however, and movie watchers would do better going for the next model up.