14 DAY TRIAL // BenQ is currently planning to introduce a new line of gaming oriented LCDs ranging from 19" to 24". The panels used in these LCDs are said to be manufactured by AU Optronics (the same producer that supplies Viewsonic with panels) and will be oriented towards enthusiasts especially because they come with very low response times.
The first two monitors, the FP241W and the FP241VW, are 24-inch models and can display 1920 by 1200 pixels (that makes them 1080p capable in case you were thinking of displaying full HD content). The other two monitors are a 22-inch FP222WH that has a native resolution of 1680 by 1050 pixels and the FP94VW 19-inch that can "only" show 1440 by 900 pixels. Because the monitors come with a wide form factor of 16:10 they can be used for games, but also for displaying HD content in its native resolution without any stretching effects.
All four monitors feature HDMI connection along with the usual D-Sub and DVI-D inputs. The 24-inch models will also have S-video, composite and component input because - as I've said - they also target the HD fans. Contrast ratios range from 700:1 to 1000:1 (for the 24" models) while brightness will start at 300 cd/m2 and reach 500cd/m2 (on the 24" panels).
The smallest 19-inch monitor should sell for $300, while the 24-inchers will retail for $1299 and $1499-$1599 depending on the suppliers. We don't know if all the LCDs will have a 2ms response time, but if this proves to be true, Benq will surpass both Dell and Gateway in the race for the fastest 24" LCD. And since AU Optronics panels are very fast, the products should be very successful.