Viewsonic VX2240w: Average is as average does

Monitors with dynamic contrast ratios are all the rage now. We've seen some corkers from LG, and have now got our hands on an offering from Viewsonic -- the 22-inch VX2240w.

The specs make for good reading: the 4,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio should mean darker blacks and lighter lights. The 2ms grey-to-grey response time should mean little or no blurring in fast-moving films and games, and the 1,680x1,050-pixel resolution will give you plenty of desktop real estate.

But somehow it's underwhelming. It doesn't have as high a contrast level as we expected, and was nowhere near as impressive as the LG Flatron L226WTQ, which sports a 5,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The Viewsonic's colour gamut seems off the pace too -- images weren't recreated with the same amount of colourific gusto as the LG.

The VX2240w retails for approximately £200, which is decent value for a 22-inch display. It would be great if it was a little cheaper, but as it stands we can't really recommend it over the LG. -Rory Reid