ASUS ML228H 21.5" LED LCD Monitor

I have to say that I have been very impressed with ever Asus product I have own thus far. Initially, I only thought about Asus as a PC (internal) component manufacturer but this has broadened my horizons quite a bit! I'll try to provide a detailed review and curb my enthusiasm as much as possible... The Asus ML228H delivers a bright, crisp picture for much cheaper than the competition and since it is an LED monitor, you have the inherent durability and energy efficiency bundled in as well! As with any technology purchase, I tempered my expectations but I have been pleasantly surprised. The features this monitor comes with FAR exceed the price point. Initially, I was looking to Samsung, LG, and Vizio for an HDTV that I could use as a PC monitor as well.. The prices weren't attractive enough given the specs and, since I was primarily going to use it for my PC, it just didn't make sense. Asus gave me just the solution I needed for less than half the price of the average comparable solution. I have yet to hook up my XBox 360 and see how the HDCP and HDMI fares (an audio out for HDMI is provided so BONUS POINTS to Asus there) but, as a PC monitor, the ML228H over-delivers. Now, I may be a tad bit biased because I love a bright picture. Those that are not really into the LED "fad" will say that brighter does not equate a higher contrast ratio and, by extension, a sharper picture. I beg to differ. Asus bundles in quite a bit of functionality, performance, and flexibility into what is priced as an "entry-level" monitor. With different viewing modes and presets, you can get quick out-of-box functionality or delve deeper by tweaking the different settings. Asus paid careful attention to little details such as OSD (On-Screen Display) transparency settings and color "temperatures" (I prefer the Cool or default User Mode settings for extended sessions). Admittedly, I was apprehensive about the touch-sensitive controls but it really fits in well with the sleek, visually-pleasing design. The controls are actually very sensitive, almost to a fault, but you'll get accustomed to the menu system rather quickly. For the Apple fanatics out there, the white porcelain backdrop makes the high-gloss piano face of the monitor really POP! Now, let's get to some of the more technical aspects of it. The promised 2ms response rate seems to be on point. When playing select games via Steam, it is very responsive and fluid. No ghosting or strange artifacting like you'd see on comparable LED HDTV sets (in spite of an advertised 75 Hz). With a tiny .248mm dot pitch (compared ot the typical 26-28mm dot pitch), this monitor truly supports "Full HD", unlike similar HDTV sets and LCD/LED - this monitor has produces over 10,000 pixels per square inch with razor-sharp accuracy (with a max resolution of 1920x1080)! The tilting swivel stand was easy to assemble and offers easy adjustments on-the-fly - just one of the nice little touches in this model. Now, I mentioned energy efficiency earlier so let's look at that: this monitor is Energy Start compliant (4.0 standard, I believe), and operates at 25W. In Eco Mode and/or with lower brightness, you'll probably have an average runtime cost of about 2 cents an hour in the U.S. (assuming a 10 cent per kWh rate). Really, the only bad thing I could say about this monitor is that, like most LCD/LED monitors and HDTVs, you do get a little "white-wash effect" (color fading) BUT that can be tweaked with a little patience. If you're looking for bang for your buck in a PC monitor with HDMI, DVI, and VGA connectivity, look no further! Asus even bundles in the DVI-to-HTMI cable which usually retails around $30-40. Even at $250-300 this monitor would be well worth it you can get it for under $$$ like I did it's a no-brainer. Overstock delivered this faster than any retailer I have ever ordered a monitor or TV from.. and the package got to me in perfect condition. Yes, this is a rare perfect experience.. I'm in shock. ;o)