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Product Survey: 23'' to 28'' Full HD LCD monitors >
Acer P243W
Diagonal screen size 24 pouces
Type TN
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Response time 2 ms
Interfaces (HDMI / DVI / VGA / YUV) 1 / 1 / 1 / 0
Options NA
Viewing angles (H/V) 160 ° / 160°
Box: A compatibility problem
Ouch! We encountered a bad surprise in tests: the native resolution of this screen is not always recognized when the monitor is connected via its digital (DVI or HDMI) inputs. On some computers it functions while on others it does not. We tried a first model and then a second that had the same defect. Was this only an issue with monitors on loan? A few visits to various forums proves that the problem is more widespread. Moreover, by trying this monitor with other computers we realized that only connection with NVIDIA cards posed a problem and this even if the graphic card’s driver is up to date.

Acer has since confirmed to us that there is indeed a compatibility issue and according to them it will only affect a single series of this screen. In addition, they added that a firmware update remedies the situation. Unfortunately, this update is only done via a product exchange with their warranty services.

Alexandre Botella / Vincent Alzieu
Test date: 2008-08-18
Acer offers a 24 inch TN 2 ms with HDMI + DVI for a rather low price that is comparable to that of a 22 inch. 

After 22 inch models, it’s now the 24 inch which is in jeopardy from larger screens that aren’t that much more expensive.   To put up a fight, Acer and others haven’t changed the usual recipe but to save a few Euros they have mainly trimmed down the base which loses a bit in terms of flexibility.

22 inch ergonomics

Say goodbye to vertical adjustability and pivoting.  And in fact these ‘’intelligent’’ bases that were common in the first wave of larger sized monitors are becoming more and more rare.

The P243W is no exception.  Its glossy bezel contains a glossy panel (a strange idea although some may like the reflections?) which is mounted on a base that allows a minimum of movement.  On the other hand, this monitor still obtains a second star thanks to its combination of VGA, DVI and HDMI inputs.

Another small detail which may be of importance is that measurements taken during tests show power consumption that is slightly superior to other 24 inch models (57 watts instead of the average of 40 watts at equal brightness settings).

Surely a 2 ms but still modest

Currently, we give all screens with reactive panels a 4 star rating – just like the P243W.  However, the more discerning eye will detect a little more afterglow on this monitor than with other "2 ms" which are supposedly in the same category.  We are somewhat limited by our “whole” star grading system as 4 stars may actually mean a 3.6 to 4.4.  In other words, the P243W is an exact 4.0 stars! Otherwise, those that we describe as particularly fast like some Iiyamas are superior and this can be seen with the naked eye.  Note however that this is the opinion of a demanding user (which we immediately assume after putting on our lab coats).
For gamers that have the latest consoles such as the Playstation 3 or Xbox 360, Acer offers a 1:1 mode so that the image isn’t deformed in games.  Otherwise, you will not have sound as the P243W does not have integrated speakers.

Accurate colors with presettings – what a pleasure!

A big plus for the P243w is that colors are accurate right out of the box.  With an average difference of only 2 between the colors wanted by the graphic card and those actually displayed on the screen, Acer’s 24 inch is amongst the best in its category.

However, there was slight dampener on our enthusiasm: black is at around 0.4 which is largely above what is standard in this area.  Lowering brightness to 46 luckily enables bringing it back to more average value without modifying color rendering.

  

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Accurate colors with presettings

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Contrast after adjustment

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A low price for a 2 ms with HDMI and DVI

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Color homogeneity: average difference is only 3.7%

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Reactivity

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Higher than average energy consumption

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Ergonomics

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No zero dead pixel policy

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TN panel = lower viewing angle darkens

This monitor deserves some attention if you are looking for a large, fast and inexpensive screen with HDMI. Compare it to Iiyama models. Its defect is an occasional compatibility bug with NVIDIA cards.

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