BenQ FP241W or Dell 2407WFP?

Hi,

I'm looking to get a 24" monitor to go with my new computer (kind of excited to see what it'll look and feel like with one of those 8800 cards). I've done some research here and there and it doesn't seem like there's any particular enthusiasm for any of the available models. Based on reviews alone it seems the BenQ is the better overall display; however, there is the small matter of its pixel mapping problems, which will prove troublesome since I'll be using it for more than just my PC. The next best choice appears to be the Dell.

Is the picture quality worth the higher price and the firmware update? Are there any other worthwhile options out there?

Reviewers like the BenQ over the Dell, also.

Good news... BenQ has announced a firmware update, perhaps as early as next month, which will enable "scaling options and 1:1 pixel mapping". However, current users won't be able to apply the firmware and will probably have to send their monitor in. Suggest you wait a couple of months to be sure the one you buy has the newfirmware already installed....

I think all of the 24" are good, but I don't know whether the Dell has 1:1 pixel mapping, either. MagicBright is Samsung's display presets..... varying levels of contrast and brightness as one might like for viewing internet, video, games, etc. Personally, I like the way Samsung does its MagicBright and MagicTune. They're much better than fussing with an awkward OSD.

As mentioned by other, people prefer the BenQ over the Dell. The BenQ uses a real 8-bit LCD panel. However, there are conflicting opinions about whether the Dell uses a 6-bit or 8-bit panel, and I have been researching this issue for months.

One opinion I've read is that the Dell does use an 8-bit panel, but in order to obtain fast response times, the firmware used treats it as a 6-bit panel. Others state that Samsung is the source of the confusion because their specification do not clearly state whether the panel is 6-bit or 8-bit. There are a few other, but I don't remember them.

Basically, I have given up on the Dell and took it off of my list, leaving only the BenQ as a possible monitor upgrade.

The price on both of these monitors are essentially the same, at least in the US. The best price on the Dell that I've seen is $675. The best price for the BenQ is $730 (with free shipping) from Newegg.com. While that's a $55 difference, it should also be noted that Dell will charge sales tax (8.365% in NYC) and may or may not charge shipping depending if there is a special promotion, or if you can sweet talk the sales rep.

One last thing, even though the BenQ FP241W's firmware has been updated as of January 2007, there seems to be plenty of "older" stock left in Newegg's warehouse since people are still getting the November 2006 firmware version.

The BenQ FP241WZ does have the 1:1 aspect ratio correction. But it costs more.