Benq FP783

If you're thinking of ditching your bulky old CRT monitor, you should consider investing in a flat-panel display. The 17in Benq FP783 is an attractive proposition thanks to its unusual design and a number of accessories that help it stand out from the crowd.

Its most distinctive feature is its curvy x-shaped base. This has the same attractive finish as the screen itself, but it is large in comparison with the bases of other TFT monitors, stretching 25cm from front to back. The Benq FP783 also uses an external power supply; which takes up more desktop space.

The FP783 includes a built-in USB 2 hub. This is a very useful feature, as it allows you to connect up to three devices (such as a digital camera) directly to the monitor instead of fiddling around at the back of your computer. One port is positioned at the top of the monitor and is designed to be used with a webcam, which is supplied as part of the package.

The FP783 can be fitted with a set of optional speakers that clip onto the bottom of the screen. To get any sound out of them, they need to be connected to your computer's sound card. Unfortunately, the audio cable that Benq supplies is rather short, so you'll have to make sure your PC isn't too far from the screen.

We expected the FP783 to have excellent picture quality since it has some impressive specifications and we weren't disappointed. It performed well in most of our tests while running at its native resolution of 1280 x 1024.

It has a wide horizontal viewing angle, so if you watch DVD movies with a group of people, those who aren't directly in front of the screen will still see a good picture. The screen is also very bright, so it's ideally suited for use in well-lit environments.

Our only real issue with the FP783 is its price. At £400, it's expensive, particularly as you can now get 17in screens for around £100 less. The extra features it provides are very handy, but we're not convinced that the inclusion of a webcam and clip-on speakers warrants the extra money.

Contact: Benq 01442 301 000
www.benq.co.uk

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