LCD monitor
Price to be announced

Love it or hate it, art is an acquired taste. I am willing to bet there will be those who cannot appreciate art on these two BenQ FP785+ limited edition LCD monitors.

Both 17-inch monitors are adorned with 18th century masterpieces - one of an imperial guard on horseback; the other LCD of the calyx (the outer whorl) of a flower.

My colleague felt that the "horseman" version was "hideous". She preferred the other floral-themed version. I disagreed.

Opinions aside, the two paintings are the work of Italian missionary-turned-Imperial Court painter, Giuseppe Castiglione who arrived in China in 1715. He lived there for 51 years where he gained recognition as a painter by three Qing dynasty emperors - Kiang-hsi, Yongzheng and Qianlong.

Today, the original artworks are with the National Palace Museum in Taiwanwhich authorised the use of the paintings for the BenQ monitors. Only 1,300 units of each design have been made.

Pity that that you cannot appreciate either painting as you work on screen:the full reproduction adorns the back of the monitor, with only the continuation of the motif on the front bezel. The LCD has stable circular ring base. Should you need to move it, the base folds neatly into a semi-circle and doubles as a handle.

At the back, a removable casing hides the unsightly tangle of wires. The monitor supports both the traditional VGA input and the newer DVI standard. Other than that, the monitor?s performance is surprisingly ordinary.

It works best at a resolution of 1,280 x1,024. Its brightness level is 300 nits, and its contrast ratio is 700:1 and response time, 6m/s. These middle-of-the-pack specs mean that the monitor is suitable for basic office work.

These average and general-purpose specifications would not turn on anyone looking for a powerful LCD. But fans of Castiglione and those who appreciate classical Chinese art may find reason to get this limited edition LCD.

FINAL SAY

An average performing monitor given a special touch of art and history.