14 DAY TRIAL // Since display technology can't easily set monitors apart from each other anymore, other assets need to be incorporated in displays, something that I-O Data seems to agree with.
The company has introduced the LCD-MF235XDBR 23-inch “frameless” LCD monitor. We use inverted commas because there still is some bezel there for all to see.
Still, with an edge width of 9.8 mm left/right and 8.5 mm top, it's almost negligible. It's why the 23-inch display is physically the size of a normal 21.5-inch model.
And with the presence of D-Sub, DVI and two HDMI connectors, it's not hard to imagine the newcomer in AMD Eyefinity or NVIDIA 3D Surround multi-monitor setups.
Sadly, there is a drawback that might put gamers off, especially FPS shooter lovers: the response time is of 14 ms, although there is an overdrive mode that cuts it to 4.6 ms.
Fortunately, the rest of the specifications are up to par with contemporary trend, from the wide viewing angles (178/178 degrees horizontally and vertically) to the resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Speaking of the panel, it's designed on ADS technology, hence the wide angles and, sadly, the troublesome response time.
Moving on, the contrast ratio is of 1000:1 (the same as on most other LCDs) and I-O Data has even tossed in a pair of 1W speakers.
Finally, the I-O Data LCD-MF235XDBR has a blue light reduction function. It won't affect the visible color spectrum, exactly, but will reduce the strain put on the eyes, allowing you to stay in front of the monitor for longer periods without getting tired and feeling like your eyes are like bags of needles. Useful for when you have an overdue project to finish and need all the time you can get.
I-O Data hasn't provided a price for the LCD-MF235XDBR, unfortunately, but that's because sales will only begin in January 2014.