BenQ E2200HD and E2400HD - 1080P FullHD LCDs
by Jarred Walton on November 4, 2008 5:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Displays
BenQ E2200HD Overview
At first blush, the E2200HD looks no different from any other modern LCD. It's a bit shorter due to the change in aspect ratio, but that's not something most people would immediately notice. One thing that a lot of users will almost certainly appreciate, however, is that BenQ sticks with a matte panel, so you won't have to worry about irritating reflections. The casing does have a glossy black finish that collects fingerprints, but as long as you keep the panel away from grimy fingers that shouldn't be a problem.
The E2200HD is reasonably attractive, but at least one area may cause a few complaints. That area is the base stand, which is about as barebones as they come. You can tilt the display back (and slightly forward)… and that's about it. Not everyone needs a display with height adjustment, rotate, and pivot functionality; if you fall into that category, the base model E2200HD should work fine.
It appears that BenQ is aware that some people won't like the default base stand, so they offer a bundle on their online store where you can get the display and an Ergotron VESA compatible stand for $30 extra. Normal pricing at BenQ's store is a bit higher than what we see online, but they are currently running a $40 promotional code that drops the price to $250, matching what we could find at any other reputable online store. The promotional code works with either the LCD or the LCD and Ergotron bundle. Just add the appropriate item to your cart and apply code "E2200HD" to receive the $40 discount. We don't have any information on how long this code will be active, however.
Besides the spartan base stand, the E2200HD also lacks any other extra features like built-in USB ports. It does include speakers, which function with either the HDMI input or with a separate audio input cable. Audio quality from the built-in speakers is at best okay -- not something we would recommend for watching movies or playing games if you can avoid it. There's also a headphone jack on the left side.
Video input options consist of VGA, HDMI, and DVI. However, in another cost cutting measure BenQ only includes a VGA cable and audio cable, as well as the power cable and a driver CD. This in our opinion is a huge error; while VGA does work fine, the vast majority of people have switched over to DVI and BenQ would do a lot better to include a DVI cable rather than the VGA cable -- or they could be like many other manufacturers and give users both. If you already have an extra cable around the house, this probably doesn't matter, but otherwise plan on an extra $10 investment at the time of purchase.
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shithead3656 - Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - link
Very nice revie. I only read the e2200hd review bcoz i plan to buy that model once my 17" CRT goes BOOOOM. xDAnyways, I wish you guys can review the Samsung 2233SW(which is benq's E2200's rival)(Guys, i know the samsung has no speakers and HDMI, but usually monitor speaker ain't good and you can buy HDMI>DVI converter). But im my contrie, Samsung 2233SW is steadily going up in price, so bcoz of that I'm also looking at Samsung 2033SW. I will be waiting. And you guys at anandtech ROCK!
swordenium - Friday, May 1, 2009 - link
Go for the 2233SW!! or preferably Its older bro 2243SWX which has more features and includes a DVI cable!!! Both Asus Vh226H and Benq E2200HD are gr8 monitors for price yet Image quality and colors(too unnatural Benq) leaves a lot to be desired!!!! so so......but Samsung 2233SW (reviewed by techtree and pcworld)and 2243SWX are accurate in colors!!! and have awesome IQ!!! Just it lacks HDMI input! which I dont care!! DVIs handle HD resolutions well!! of course, u have a hdmi to dvi converter!!tofool - Monday, February 23, 2009 - link
how do you remove the base stand as pictured in the article?Jalamari - Monday, February 23, 2009 - link
hi i had some trouble with the base stand too but got it finaly.the screws holding stand are behind the small silver plastic piece where the monitors tilts, it has 4 clips on top and bottom so you should be able to remove it by squeezing the plastic from top and bottom and pulling it away from monitor if its too tight try to help it with flat screwdriver
virtuoso5 - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Is it true that this display does not work good with 720p signals?I wanted to buy this to connect also the Playstation 3 and most games are 720p (the console makes no upscaling to 1080).
zzzxtreme - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
I just tested connecting my laptop to a 32" Samsung 720p LCD TV through VGA. LCD TV's brightness are typically from 450nits-500nits.It is freaking beautiful. You get all the quality panels and chipsets.
The days of monitors are over.
Benyss - Sunday, November 30, 2008 - link
Please HELP. Benq 2400HD ror PS3? Yes or No? Thanks.Tonyjr - Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - link
They further dropped the price of E2200HD for "early black friday" $209 promo code "E2200HD".Cashmoney995 - Monday, November 10, 2008 - link
The best thing that I have going on in my APT is my cheap 12$ VGA clone box I got from monoprice. I currently have my 16:10 1680x1050 display cloned to my Samsung 50 inch LED DLP tv in my living room. Added in a wireless kb and mouse and I can access the same computer in my office in my living room. Ahh the beauty. EXCEPT that 1680x1050 has some weird cut offs on the DLP. With a real 1080P monitor I can clone my desktop perfectly on the tv.nubie - Wednesday, November 5, 2008 - link
I am looking for a real 1080p display for about this price as a TV, but the lack of 1080i or 720p support is kind of a deal killer.I am just assuming 1080i isn't supported, but what do I know?
If you have a tuner/DVD player that will support 1080p output then I would love to use this screen. Pixel splitting is a pet peeve of mine and I love the crispness of a 1:1 source and display ratio.