BenQ FP231W

Editors' rating: LCD monitors
We rate LCD monitors on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product with respect to its price. On the product review page and elsewhere on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars, based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below). Each subrating is weighted based on its relative importance. For example, a monitor's features count less than its image quality.

The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:

Design
(20 percent of the total rating)
We look at not only the overall size and appearance of a monitor but its stability, its bezel width, its cable-feed system, its viewing angles, and its range of adjustability options. We also take into account setup as well as ease of use on an ongoing basis. We look for straightforward image adjustment controls, an easily navigable onscreen menu system, comprehensive printed and electronic documentation, as well as good access to inputs and ports.

Features
(20 percent of the total rating)
The number of features an LCD offers for its price is considered in determining this portion of the rating. From multiple video inputs and embedded speakers to a Webcam and USB ports, we consider everything this product delivers to the consumer.

Performance
(50 percent of the total rating)
We consider image quality to be the most important criteria for monitors, so we give it the most weight. Using DisplayMate's video diagnostic utilities, we rate various aspects of a monitor's image quality including sharpness, color and grayscale quality, uniformity, and video quality. We conduct separate tests to determine a monitor's brightness and contrast ratio, and we also perform anecdotal tests to see how a display handles movies and games.

Find out more about how we test LCDs.

Service and support
(10 percent of the total rating)
We assess the company's service and support policies, including the term of the warranty (parts and labor); whether the warranty covers the backlight; whether onsite service is included; and the availability of technical support via phone (toll-free), e-mail, and the Web.

What the numbers mean

9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.

9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.

8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.

7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.

6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.

5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.

4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.

3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.

2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.

1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.

0 - 0.9 = 0 stars