Our new round of tests of 22-inch LCD monitors covers twelve models. Although all of them are based on the same matrix type, TN+Film, I can’t reproach the manufacturers for the lack of variety. These monitors differ widely in terms of specs and functionality, and there has also appeared a new sub-type of them, models with a diagonal of 21.6 inches. Running a little ahead, I should confess I absolutely agree with the manufacturers who are promoting these new reduced-size models together with the true 22-inchers because all the difference between them boils down to these four tenths of an inch you can barely notice in practice.
Again, all the 22” monitors we’ve tested in our labs so far are based on TN matrixes. Notwithstanding the reports about the development and release of 22” models with *VA matrixes, we have not seen such monitors yet and cannot confirm or refute this information at the moment.
Testing Methodology
Click the following link for a description of our testing methodology, the equipment we use, and a brief explanation of what the specified and tested parameters of LCD monitors mean: the article is called Presents: LCD Monitors Testing Methodology Indepth. If you feel overwhelmed with the numbers and terms this article abounds in, check out an appropriate section of the mentioned Description for an explanation.
Acer P223W
The letter P traditionally denotes a top (Premium, Professional, etc) model series. Acer’s P series is supposed to combine functionality, quality and appealing exterior design.
Alas, Premium doesn’t mean a *VA or IPS matrix. Like the rest of 22” monitors available in shops today, the Acer P223W is based on a TN matrix. Although the viewing angles are declared to be as wide as 170 degrees, you should keep it in mind that they are measured for TN matrixes in a more relaxed manner than for *VA and IPS and do not look as wide in reality. The vertical viewing angle is especially small: if you look at the screen from below (for example, if you are watching a movie lying on your sofa), the image gets noticeably darker.
The monitor doesn’t have Response Time Compensation (and like with the viewing angles, the low specified value is arrived at by means of a special measurement method that is different from the one employed to measure the response time of RTC-enabled monitors) but has a dynamic contrast mode (that’s why the specified contrast ratio is as high as 2500:1).
The monitor’s front panel is made from black glossy plastic. The coating of the LCD matrix is glossy, too. Such matrixes display a shaper and higher-contrast picture in comparison with matte matrixes, but have one disadvantage as you can see in the photo above: the monitor’s screen reflects the lamps illuminating our laboratory. It’s rather hard to find such a place for this monitor in which it wouldn’t reflect anything in a well-lit room.
The bottom part of the case is shaped like a protruding triangle. The name of the manufacturing firm faces upward rather than forward. This looks original and appealing and doesn’t distract your eyes at work.
The monitor’s stand allows adjusting the tilt of the screen only. The stand can be replaced with a standard VESA mount using the fastening holes on the back panel.
The bottom part of the stand is removed for transportation. According to the user manual, you just have to press the button at the back of the stand for that. In practice, I had to apply an effort to detach the base.
The monitor offers both analog and digital inputs.
The control buttons are placed in the bottom right of the front panel. They are large and easy to press. The light labels are perfectly visible under any kind of lighting. The Power indicator is designed like a large shining bar above the Power button. It is not very bright, but its large size may be distracting.
