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NEC P241W: A High-End Monitor to Fit a Low-End Budget 

Need a high-end monitor to work on graphics and photos?

Have a low-end budget?

Check out the NEC P241W ($749), which offers tons of features you can only find in monitors costing megabucks more.

First off, don't confuse this with the Acer P241W, which costs $400 less and, frankly, doesn't offer the high-end image quality of the NEC model.

This is a professional-grade 24-inch monitor designed to give those that work on digital photographs and illustrations the tools and image quality they need to produce professional quality images. It's also no slouch when it comes to the demands of today's high-end games.

There's no HDMI input port, so streaming HD images from other devices is a no-no as is using it to replace your high-def LCD TV. Also missing were USB 3.0 ports. But it does have DVI connections for two computers, three USB 2.0 ports plus two USB 2.0 out ports so it can be connected to computers via USB cables, and a standard VGA port.

The image is sharper than any other monitor I've played with in this price range, which is probably due to a modification of In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel technology known as e-IPS. This gives you the benefit of getting a high-quality IPS display on a lower-cost monitor.

Developed by NEC and Hosiden, IPS monitors provide better image quality, especially when they are viewed at a wide angle, than lower-end monitors. Developed by LG Display, e-IPS is a less-expensive panel technology which, truthfully, does not offer the high-end image quality of IPS, but integrates most of the features of IPS technology at a lower cost.

The P241W also comes with a Multiprofiler, which allows you to adjust the settings of the monitor to the lighting in the room, increase or decrease brightness and contrast for various tasks and set up picture-in-picture (PIP) so you can view two computers at once.

You can also purchase SpectraView, which gives you more control over the monitor's capabilities.

Other key features include:

  • A 16:10 aspect ratio.
  • Supports internal programmable 14-bit 3D lookup tables (LUTs) for calibration
  • DisplaySync Pro™, which controls two computers with only one keyboard and mouse
  • 1920 x 1200 native resolution.
  • A 1000:1 contrast ratio.
  • A full-pivot, quick-release, adjustable stand.
  • An OSD control panel.
  • A limited four-year warranty with a 48-hour advanced exchange.

Check out the company's website at www.necdisplay.com/p/desktop-monitors/p241w-bk for more information.

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