Once again, this is a touch-screen monitor
with all the flaws of its device class. An infra-red touch-screen system
combines with a TN panel of only reasonable quality to create a two-point
touch-screen monitor that won't work properly with Windows 8. It is thus
obsolete from the moment you buy it. However, if you go into the purchase well
aware of those facts, how does it hold up?
Well, the ViewSonic TD2220 does at least
hold the dubious distinction of being the cheapest touch-screen monitor we can
find, so if you're content with a screen using this kind of outdated
technology, it's probably the one to go for.
ViewSonic
TD2220
The touch-screen is responsive for its
device class, and although the TN panel gives narrower viewing angles than on
similarly priced monitors, being worse quality, it isn't awful by any stretch.
A bigger concern is actually the lack of an HDMI port, which would have made
all the difference. It's tough to recommend any modern screen that doesn't have
one - only the price makes up for it. You do get DVI and VGA, as well as three
USB ports and audio input for the decidedly average speakers.
Notably, whatever ViewSonic used to protect
the screen from fingerprints isn't working very well. Most touch-screen
monitors have found a reasonable solution to this, but the ViewSonic TD2220
seems to have nothing more than a normal unprotected screen, meaning it's
quickly covered with fingerprints. Not very appealing to look at, and difficult
to clean. It's not much use having a touch-screen you don't like to touch.
Still, if it's a budget touchscreen you
want, there's certainly no reason to pay any more than $320. No similar monitor
is substantially better - merely substantially more expensive. You could
definitely give it a try for
The IPS panel means the Acer T232HL's
visuals are vivid and sharp, while the capacitive touch-screen makes it
incredibly responsive and as smooth an experience as you'll find on any device.
Although IPS panels do traditionally show ghosting when used for high
frame-rate activities (such as gaming) there's no evidence of it here.
Although substantially more costly than
non-touch 23" monitors or infra-red touchscreens, this is the model you
should really consider entry level for touch-screen devices. It looks great,
feels great, and even at almost $640 it shouldn't empty the coffers. It could
be better, but you certainly wouldn't be satisfied with anything worse.
Windows 7, although we wouldn't recommend
trying to use it with Windows 8. Even at $320, though, we wouldn't recommend it
at all.
Even
at $320, though, we wouldn't recommend it at all
Specifications
·
22"(21.5"; viewable) touch enabled LED
monitor with Dual Optical Touch and Windows 8 compatible to provide excellent
touch control experience
·
1920x1080 Full HD resolution to support imaging
intensive commercial applications, video and image editing and entertainment
·
8H scratch resistant surface hardness helps
ensure consistent high quality touch experience
·
Stereo speakers with SRS Premium Sound for
crystal clear sound performance
·
Digital (DVI) and Analog (VGA) inputs for
multiple media sources and USB hub for excellent connectivity
·
ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver certified for up to
50%* energy saving with LED backlight
·
VESA mountable design, holes ready for full
ergonomics and comfort
·
Backed by ViewSonic’s 3-year limited warranty
and highest grade panel with one of the best pixel performance policy in the
industry
·
Kensington lock slot for optional security
AcerT232HL
Now, this is more like it. Having waded our
way through low-priced infra-red touchscreens that feel like last decade's
hardware (sometimes because they were), we finally reach the serious
touch-screens. The Acer T232HL is a 23" capacitive touchscreen with ten points
of touch detection, an impressive IPS panel and completely bezel-free
edge-to-edge screen. If you think you need a touch-screen, this is the first
one worth considering.
AcerT232HL
Its sleek, expensive-looking design makes
the Acer T232HL look more like a TV than a monitor. The stand has been
engineered to position the screen just above desk height and has a wide rear
arm to steady the monitor when it gets pressed. This is visible through a
small, clear-plastic lip at the base of the monitor and can be folded flat when
not in use. It looks brilliant and performs well.
There are some things that present a
problem during normal use, though. The reflective glass turns into a black
mirror when areas of the screen go dark, which is a problem on any capacitive
touch-device, but more so when you can't just manually tilt it a few degrees
like you would with a smartphone or tablet.
Extras include the now-standard built-in
speakers (of no reasonable quality), and more encouragingly, three USB 3.0
downstream ports in addition to one upstream port. Inputs include HDMI, VGA and
DVI.
The IPS panel means the Acer T232HL's
visuals are vivid and sharp, while the capacitive touch-screen makes it
incredibly responsive and as smooth an experience as you'll find on any device.
Although IPS panels do traditionally show ghosting when used for high
frame-rate activities (such as gaming) there's no evidence of it here.
Although substantially more costly than
non-touch 23" monitors or infra-red touchscreens, this is the model you
should really consider entry level for touch-screen devices. It looks great,
feels great, and even at almost $640 it shouldn't empty the coffers. It could
be better, but you certainly wouldn't be satisfied with anything worse.
It
looks great, feels great, and even at almost $640 it shouldn't empty the
coffers
Specifications
·
Video Inputs: HDMI, DVI, D-sub
·
Panel Type: IPS
·
Pixel Pitch: 0.265 mm
·
Colors: 16.7 million
·
Brightness: 250 nits
·
Contrast Ratio : 1000:1 Typical
·
Response Time: 5ms GTG
·
Viewable Size : 23"
·
Resolution: 1920x1080
·
Viewing Angle (H/V): 178/178
·
Backlight: LED
·
Power Consumption (operation): 25 Watts
·
Power Consumption (standby): 0.5 Watts
·
Screen Treatment: Glossy
·
Height-Adjustable: No
·
Tilt: Yes, 8-60 degrees
·
Pivot: No
·
Swivel: No
·
VESA Wall Mounting: Yes, 100mm
·
Dimensions w/ Base (WxHxD): 21.5" x
17.9" x 1.9"
·
Weight: 12.6 lbs.
·
Additional Features: 10-point Touch, 3 Port USB
3.0 Hub, Stereo Speakers
·
Limited Warranty: 3 Years
·
Accessories: DVI cable, HDMI cable, D-sub cable,
3.5mm cable, USB cable
·
Price: $500 (2/05/2013)
