The importance of a good monitor can't be overstated as a poor one can cause headaches and eye strain. The BenQ FP731 is a great choice for those looking to upgrade their CRT or 15in TFT display.

The downward march of prices for computer products means that this 17in TFT monitor costs less than a 15in model did a year ago. The BenQ is equivalent in viewing size to a 19in CRT monitor and is worth serious consideration if you edit images or play games.

We were impressed by just how big the screen looks. This is caused by the very thin bezel and has the added advantage of looking neater when using multi-monitor set-ups. This might sound extravagant but in our experience, once you've tried it you will never want to go back to just one.

The FP731 suffers from none of the problems that have traditionally been associated with TFT monitors. It is very bright without losing any definition. Games also play well with no 'ghosting' in the image. Running at resolutions other than the native 1,280 x 1,024 can appear rather fuzzy, but this is normal and simply a result of the way TFT monitors work.

There is a set-up manual to guide you through the installation and a driver CD, which ensures that Windows uses the right settings for the monitor. The automatic screen adjustment guarantees an optimum display, while the full-colour, on-screen menu is easy to navigate.

There's no height adjustment option, but you can wall mount the monitor, which saves desk space. Unfortunately, the wall bracket isn't included in the box.

A 17in TFT monitor represents the higher end of consumer monitors, but the BenQ FP731 is a very attractive model, with excellent picture quality. There's no DVI connection, but that has to be expected for a monitor of this price.

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