Benq FP202W

Benq’s FP202W is great if you want to combine high-resolution desktop work with widescreen video and gaming.

Using a 1,680 x 1,050 pixel TN panel, the FP202W achieves high image quality and a fast response time of 8ms.

Unlike many TN-based panels, the FP202W also manages wide viewing angles before succumbing to noticeable image degradation. Furthermore, colour gradations are remarkably smooth.

Benq claims 16.7 million colour capability, rather than the usual 16.2 million available from TN panels.

On the outside, the FP202W is tidy and minimalist, with a very thin, black bezel. However, the supplied stand only offers a tilt adjustment, which causes the display to sit rather low.

It also scrapes unpleasantly against the desk if you try to twist the monitor left and right. For a 20in panel the FP202W is extremely compact and should fit comfortably on most desks.

Part of what makes the FP202W look so smart is the way all the control buttons are tucked out of sight on the right-hand edge of the panel.

This keeps things tidy, but it makes using them while looking at the screen rather tricky, particularly for left-handed users. This is compounded by the fact that the buttons are labelled only by tiny embossed markings, which would be hard to read even if they were at the front.

Once you’ve gained access to the on-screen menu and memorised the button positions, you’ll find it very clear and easy to navigate, although the provided options are quite basic.

Configuration presets adjust display parameters for standard, movie and photo modes – curiously, there are two movie modes, one purely for landscape-specific videos.

Although the controls and stand aren’t the best, and the specification is basic, the FP202W offers good image quality and a neat, stylish design.