BenQ G2222HDL LED monitor

We've seen a number of very competent 18.5-19in flat-panels at below $200 in recent months. The BenQ G2222HDL aims to deliver a more comfortably sized 21.5in screen for a comparatively cheap $249 price tag. Not dissimilar to the older BenQ G2220HD, the G2222HDL brings it up to date with LED backlight technology. Amongst improvements offered by LEDs, power consumption is down – whereas the G2220HD sometimes hit 42 watts, the G2222HDL tops out at just 28W.

This screen is a good bit chunkier than BenQ’s smaller BenQ V920 which measured just 14mm at its slimmest; the BenQ G2222HDL is an almost bulbous 24mm. It's still reasonably stylish though, with delicately curved corners and an attractively shiny coat - albeit lacking the gloss of the V920’s casing. The base is slender if lacking the petite charm of the V920.

There isn't much room for fancy features. A simple pair of connections for DVI and VGA have to suffice - there's no dedicated HDMI. Neither can the BenQ G2222HDL screen's stand rotate or adjust for height.

The range of menu options is varied, and you have lots of potential to alter colour. Screen modes work well, even if a dedicated button for these would make the BenQ G2222HDL more versatile.

As with the V920, Senseye is included in the BenQ G2222HDL, and this feature can work through the different settings and create the ideal image for your needs. Once again we found that Senseye sometimes toned down the colour a little too much, so usually preferred to turn this off.

The 21.5in screen has a decent resolution of 1920x1080. That’s one reason for paying extra and getting a 21.5in (rather than an 18.5in) screen. The display is TN, so you should expect egregious viewing angles – true to form, the BenQ G2222HDL’s image starts to deteriorate the second you move your head.

You might want to ignore the enhanced '5,000,000:1' contrast ratio but the BenQ G2222HDL packs surprisingly rich colour. Most shades are nicely differentiated, and the focus is clear and consistent. This can’t compete with the higher quality but smaller-screened Samsung F2080, but for the price, the G2222HDL offers a very pleasing image.