When it comes to LCD monitors "Benq" is not a brand I come across often, in fact it only caught my eye because of the usual model number "G2222HDL." This was enough to poke my interest and since I was looking for a new monitor to replace my aging existing one, I decided after doing some online research (and realising the modest price tag) to embrace the whim and buy it.

On the technical side of things the monitor's LCD display panel is widescreen offering 21.5" of viewing with an aspect ratio of 16.9. Its maximum resolution is 1920 x 1080 however there are plenty of other smaller settings should you desire (mine's currently set at 1360x768) which for what I do I find ideal. It's fully compliant with HD and can playback at 1080p. It has DVI as well as the older VGA connectors, and is compatible with all versions of Windows (however the driver disk is only compatible with Windows XP and above, anything lower will likely need a different driver downloaded).

I like the actual look and design of the monitor. It's modern, streamlined, minimalist in appearance with a black gloss finish. The stand is pretty small but is also reasonably well built considering the price and can easily support the monitor.

The only drawback of the stand is that while it allows you to move on the X and Y axis, it is pretty limited in how much it allows you adjust the monitor. None the less it is still allows all you need by typical use.

The display quality is crystal clear, vibrant and very sharp. Colours are displayed as they should be with black and whites being the correct shade. Reading text is also easy but I did have to reduce the brightness slightly when reading on screen, to keep my eyes happy. There are predefined settings that you can use to change the profile on the monitor, for example if you're playing games or watching a DVD, but so far I haven't needed to change the settings.

There are a few more limitations with the monitor. There are no HDMI connectors (so stop reading now if this is something you need on a monitor), and there are no build-in speakers (but do we really need them?) The monitor has manual buttons on the lower left side of the panel. These aren't great, being pretty sensitive and small, and it is a bit difficult trying to work out what button (or combination of buttons) does what (it does take some practice.)

None the less for a budget monitor I couldn't be happier, granted it has a few flaws, but it looks good on my desk and works well. I doubt that it could be outdone by any other monitor in the same price bracket, obviously the more expensive monitors would be better, however if you're looking for a decent LCD that won't break the bank look no further.

You can buy this monitor from Amazon.co.uk for £108.76 (correct at time of buying and reviewing).

(I'm a reviewer on Amazon, and some my reviews are copied from there to dooyoo. Please feel free to check out my Amazon profile under my real name of Mr Andrew M Kerr.)