ASUS MK241H Specifications and Appearance
| ASUS MK241H Specifications | |
| Video Inputs | DVI with HDCP support HDMI Analog (VGA) |
| Panel Type | TN (ACI 24A1) |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.270mm |
| Colors | 16.7 million (6-bit with dithering/interpolation?) 130% color gamut |
| Brightness | 450 cd/m2 |
| Contrast Ratio | Up to 3000:1 (Dynamic) |
| Response Time | 2ms GTG |
| Viewable Size | 24" diagonal |
| Resolution | 1920x1200 |
| Viewing Angle | 170 horizontal/160 vertical |
| Power Consumption | <130W max stated 74W max, 29W min measured |
| Power Savings | <2W |
| Screen Treatment | Matte (non-glossy) |
| Height-Adjustable | No |
| Tilt | Yes - 30 degrees back/5 degrees forward |
| Pivot | No |
| Swivel | No |
| VESA Wall Mounting | 100mm x 100mm |
| Dimensions w/ Base (WxHxD) | 23" x 18" x 9.6" (WxHxD) |
| Weight w/ Stand | 19 lbs. |
| Additional Features | Integrated 1.3MP webcam and mic (USB connection to PC required) |
| Audio | 2 x 2W Speakers Audio in, Line out |
| Limited Warranty | 1-year parts and 3-year labor |
| Price | Online starting at ~$530 |
ASUS claims an impressive 130% color gamut for the MK241H. That seems rather high, and some of you may be wondering how exactly a display can be higher than 100%. The reason is quite simple: color gamut is usually measured against the NTSC standard, which is getting a little long in the tooth. Modern technology is thus able to exceed that standard, though it requires the use of an appropriate color space in order to do so. Naturally, we'll see whether there's any truth in the 130% claim.
Most of the remaining features are typical of an entry-level 24" monitor. The MK241H includes DVI, HDMI, and VGA inputs and it has built-in speakers (that as you might expect don't sound particularly good, but they'll get the job done if all you need is basic audio). In other areas, the ASUS LCD is more spartan. It lacks height, tilt, and pivot functionality; none of these are absolutely necessary, but we appreciate them nonetheless. The MK241H also lacks any USB ports, but it makes up for this by including an integrated webcam and microphone. That last is one of the few things that sets this LCD apart from other offerings.
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The MK241H uses a TN panel, and the biggest drawback to such a panel is the limited viewing angles. TN panels have improved over the years, to the point where many people are no longer bothered by the viewing angle limitation. Still, they are clearly inferior in this area to PVA and IPS panels. Looking at TN panels from below is the worst-case scenario, and in fact they are practically unusable from this angle. However, this should not be a problem for most users unless you tend to work on your computer while lying down.
The MK241H is a reasonably nice looking LCD whose appearance is marred by the presence of many stickers proclaiming the various features it comes with. It's possible to remove most of the stickers with a bit of effort, but we would prefer not to have to look at marketing material every day we use an LCD. Most of the information would make more sense on the packaging material -- though of course it's already there as well. While the LCD does not come with a full-featured base stand, it's not quite as flimsy as some of the cheapest LCDs we've seen on the market are. It is a little odd that ASUS includes a "warranty void if seal damaged" sticker on the stand, however, as anyone wanting to use a VESA wall mount will definitely want to take the stand off.
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Dainas - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
Well, it would not be as much fun as if they had done it 3 months ago. All the sub-$500 'jewels' have been dissapearing from the market. Just as well though, might as well review something that will still be easy to buy +6 months down the road.JarredWalton - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
It shouldn't be too much of a surprise that the cheapest LCDs often have much lower quality. That being the case, most of the manufacturers of cheap LCDs are unwilling to send us review units. Hence, we end up with 24" roundups (and some upcoming 27 and 30" units as well).That said, I think more people should bite the bullet and splurge on a really nice display. I couldn't imagine running an SLI or CrossFire system without at least a 24" monitor, and having upgraded to a 30" LCD 18 months back I've never regretted the decision. I hope to continue to use my 30" LCD for at least another 5 years; try saying that about the rest of a PC. $500 sounds like a lot, but a good display can last through several PC upgrades.
Basilisk - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
I have to agree with the original poster on this sub-thread. There's nothing about these four units that command my interest yet. If you're not shipped the units, I still find it surprising that you don't know folks who've bought the cheaper units -- I do -- or a store manager who might loan them. Whatever, you have your criteria, even if they edge your review towards irrelevance for me."That said, I think more people should bite the bullet and splurge on a really nice display." Well... that's been my strategy in life, but I've now retired and the economic picture has changed; others haven't the coins to spare or a need that justifies the extra bucks. I game, but nothing requiring high speed LCDs; I work with pictures, but nothing that justifies full color gamut monitors. So... what is there beyond elitism to recommend spending an extra $200-$400 for something I won't use? Some might call that an immature purchase decision, not splurging. I'd have loved to see the OfficeMax Soyo 24" monitor -- recurringly sold at $275 -- included so I'd know why NOT to buy it, or to.
Well, I'll probably skip the 24" size and make a 28" my next purchase anyway: at my age, size matters. :) The old orbs are becoming challenged using my 21" CRT and 22" WS LCD on detailed web pages.
strikeback03 - Tuesday, May 6, 2008 - link
For our lab we have bought a few of the Westinghouse 24" monitors Newegg sells for ~350 (After rebate) and for the price I'd assume they use a TN panel, but it has very good viewing angles.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/strikeback0...">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/strikeback0...
Have not had a chance to try color calibration. Seems it's biggest problems are 1) no DVI, and over HDMI it goes to blue screen instead of sleep when the signal is cut; and 2) the controls for the OSD are awful, they are on the side of the monitor so you have to try and look at their tiny labels and look around at the screen to do anything.
Dainas - Thursday, May 1, 2008 - link
Well its partly bullshit, there is a lolair MVA (different take on PVA) that has zero input lag and is lighting fast even among TNs.I can assure you of one thing, the lag in the PVA 2408WFP and LaCie is however definitely not due to the panel. Just as the 3008WFP IPS is as slow as mud next to the 3007WFP IPS due to its built in scalar. But Dell panels were never fast and I'm sure a PVA could be made as fast as the fastest MVAs, which are as fast as TNs as any sane gamer could be concerned.
Dainas - Thursday, May 1, 2008 - link
No edit function, ugh.JarredWalton - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
I'm not at all sure that PVA can be made as fast as TN. If it can, then why do the Gateway LCDs behave so differently? The interface is practically the same and they both use Faroudja video processors. Why would Gateway use one scaler on their S-PVA and a different one on the TN - particularly if the TN scaler appears better?I don't doubt that they can reduce the lag, but you'll notice out of nine LCDs five have lag of 18ms or more and four have virtually no lag; the four without lag are TN and the five with lag are S-PVA. The circumstantial evidence is pretty significant.
Pirks - Thursday, May 1, 2008 - link
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...Dying to see this reviewed!
Puhleeeasseee with sugar on top
Okay? :D
timmiser - Monday, May 5, 2008 - link
This is my monitor I've been using for the past 6 months and I absolutely love it. I bought mine at Costco.com for the same price that most of those 24" were selling for at the time. One thing about is the fact that is has the same resolution as the 24" screens so everything is a bit larger but to me, that is a good thing. I had one 19" Hanns-G monitor prior to this and can agree on the cheapness but this one I feel is of very high quality and no complaints yet.Googer - Friday, May 2, 2008 - link
I have read multiple HANS-G monitor reviews from other hardware sites in the past and the consensus is that HANS-G monitors are cheaply made to match the cheap price tag, typically resulting in a poor review.