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You are here: Home / 2018 / Archives for August 2018

Archives for August 2018

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers – What’s New For 2018

08/20/2018 By Hakan Can

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers 2018

It wasn’t that long ago when we visited the HARMAN showroom at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. With so many brands under the HARMAN umbrella, there’s much to see and never enough time to see and touch it all. What does JBL have in store for we consumers in 2018? Well, they’re set to introduce no less than four speakers, one new, and three updates to existing models. Let’s take a deep dive into the JBL portable Bluetooth speakers 2018 line-up and find out.

JBL has four new Portable Bluetooth Speakers set for release in 2018

Read:   Here are the JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers set for release in early 2017

The JBL LINK View – Set for release in Summer 2018

Believe it or not, this is not the first time we’ve seen a smart display on a voice-enabled smart speaker. About a year-and-a-half ago, we were introduced to the Clarity smart speaker (see the link below.) Now, we don’t know what became of it, but the JBL LINK View’s resemblance to it is uncanny.

We look forward to reading reviews on the LINK View around the middle of next month soon after it becomes available on September 9th.

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers 2018

JBL LINK View

What is LINK View? It’s a Google Assistant built-in wireless Bluetooth smart speaker with an 8″ touchscreen display, a 5 MP front-facing camera, in a Chromecast integrated IPX4 splash-proof design. It even comes with a trademarked PrivacySwitch™ disabling the camera and microphone. You get all this for just under $250 list price.

According to Lou Schreurs, VP, Connected Home & Luxury Audio BU, General Management, “When we launched the LINK series last year (at IFA 2017) it represented a major milestone for us, as the first voice-activated, multi-room speakers to use Google Assistant and deliver Grammy® award-winning JBL sound. Research shows voice activated speakers are no mere novelty. Sixty percent of owners now consider them a necessity. By continuing to enhance their experience by adding HD display with a touchscreen and a front-facing camera, people will find even more ways to make these speakers an important part of their lives, routines and enjoyment.”

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers 2018

JBL LINK 10, 20, & 300 introduced at IFA 2017

Per Chris Turkstra, Director, Google Assistant, “With smart displays, we’re bringing the Google Assistant to a new class of device that deliver a fully interactive and visual experience. Smart displays can do everything the Google Assistant speakers can, with the additional benefit of a beautiful touchscreen. They make it easy to watch YouTube videos, enjoy personal photos, follow recipes, control smart home devices and more. We’re excited to bring the LINK View to market with JBL and are committed to deliver a helpful, visual Google Assistant experience.”

JBL LINK View Specifications

• 2 x 2″ full range drivers
• Output power: 2 x 10 Watts RMS
• 8-inch high-definition touchscreen
• 5 MP front facing camera
• Google Assistant enabled
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4G and 5G Dual-Band)
• Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity

• Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz
• Power supply: 100 – 240 Volts, 50/60 Hz
• IPX4 splash-proof design
• Chromecast built-in
• Dimensions: 13.07″ x 5.98″ x 3.93″
• Gross weight: 1.9 lbs
• Net weight: 1.3 lbs
• Contents: speaker, power cable, quick start guide, music promo insert card, warranty card

Read:   Clarity Smart Speaker Preview

The JBL Clip 3 Compact, Waterproof  Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Clip 3 is the successor to the wildly popular Clip 2 portable Bluetooth speaker. It’s still an echo- and noise-canceling speaker in an IPX7 waterproof design. Improvements to the Clip 3 consist of a 35% larger lithium-ion battery which now produces up to 10 hours of play time, and a doubling of color choices. The size of the Clip 3 is a bit larger than its predecessor, with a new carabiner design. The list price remains the same at just under $60.

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers 2018

JBL Clip 3

According to Andy Tsui, Vice President & General Manager, Smart Audio, HARMAN, “It’s always exciting when we’re able to bring new generations of customer favorites to life. The JBL Clip 3 showcases a contemporary design that provides the same JBL Signature Sound people love, in the form of a small, compact and portable speaker.”

JBL Clip 3 Specifications

• Up to 10-hours of continuous playtime
• Charge time of 3 hours @ 5V, 0.6A
• 1000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
• µUSB cable for easy recharging
• Output power: 3.3 Watts RMS
• IPX7 waterproof design
• Transducer: 1 x 40mm
• Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity
• Frequency response: 120 Hz – 20 kHz

• Dimensions: 5.4″ x 3.8″ x 1.8″
• Weight: 0.49 lb
• Improved durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing
• A2DP V1.2, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.5, HSP V1.2 support
• Available in 10 colors: Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, Fiesta Red, River Teal, Stone Grey, Dusty Pink, Steel White, Forest Green, Mustard Yellow, and Desert Sand
• Contents: speaker, charging cable, safety sheet, quick start guide, warranty card

Read:   Libratone One Click Speaker Review

The JBL GO 2 Bluetooth Portable Speaker

After selling more than 10 million units, the JBL GO portable Bluetooth speaker is succeeded by the new JBL GO 2. The new GO model is still a compact, waterproof speaker but now with up to 5 hours of play time and improved sound quality with JBL Signature Sound. Like the Clip 3, the new GO 2 an echo- and noise-canceling speaker. Both speakers are ideal products to pair with either your smartphone or tablet. The list price remains unchanged at just under $40.

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers 2018

JBL GO 2

According to Andy Tsui, Vice President & General Manager, Smart Audio, HARMAN, “When we first announced the JBL GO we knew it would be a great option for people looking to purchase a quality portable speaker at an affordable price. The JBL GO 2 offers the same low price point with the bonus of an entirely new waterproof design, and richer, clearer sound.”

JBL GO 2 Specifications

• Up to 5-hours of continuous playtime
• Charge time of 2.5 hours @ 5V/0.6A
• 730 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
• µUSB cable for easy recharging
• Output power: 3.1 Watts RMS
• IPX7 waterproof design
• Transducer: 1 x 40mm
• Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity
• Frequency response: 180 Hz – 20 kHz

• Dimensions: 2.80″ x 3.38″ x 1.24″
• Weight: 0.40 lb
• Durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing
• A2DP V1.2, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.5, HSP V1.2 support
• Available in 12 colors: Midnight Black, Deep Sea Blue, Pearl Champagne, Sunkissed Cinnamon, Icecube Cyan, Moss Green, Ash Gray, Seafoam Mint, Slate Navy, Coral Orange, Ruby Red, and Lemonade Yellow
• Contents: speaker, charging cable, safety sheet, quick start guide, warranty card

Read:   BenQ SW240 PhotoVue Monitor Review

The JBL Xtreme 2 Bluetooth Portable Speaker

It’s been two years since the JBL Xtreme portable speaker received its 2016 Honoree CES Innovation Award. But like every successful product, after some time it requires a refresh with new colors and improved specs.

The new JBL Xtreme 2 is nearly identical to its predecessor with one very noticeable change. The 2018 model is now waterproof with an IPX7 rating. The Xtreme 2 is slightly bigger, slightly heavier echo- and noise-canceling speaker with up to 15 hours of play time.

The JBL Connect feature has also been upgraded to Connect+ allowing for over 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers to play the same music from the same source device. You can wireless pair up to two smartphones or tablets. The list price remains unchanged at just under $300.

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers 2018

JBL Xtreme 2

According to Andy Tsui, Vice President & General Manager, Smart Audio, HARMAN, “The JBL Xtreme 2 elevates our entire portables line, setting the tone for greater, more powerful sound. We’re excited to see where our consumers will take the new Xtreme, designed to give the user a truly unique and versatile listening experience, no matter where they go”

JBL Xtreme 2 Specifications

• Up to 15-hours of audio playtime
• Charge time of 3.5 hours @ 5V/1A
• 10000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
• Output power: 2 x 20 Watts RMS (AC)
• IPX7 waterproof design
• Tweeter: 2 x 20mm
• Transducer: 2 x 2.75″ redesigned woofers
• Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity
• Frequency response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz

• Dimensions: 5.35″ x 11.34″ x 5.20″
• Weight: 5.28 lbs
• USB charge out: 5V/2A
• Durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing
• A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2 support
• Available in 3 colors: Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, Forest Green
• Contents: speaker, power adapter, strap, safety sheet, quick start guide, warranty card

Read:   Headphones: Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless Review

JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers 2018 Summary

As you can see with these four new models, JBL continues to update and make improvements to its portable Bluetooth speaker line-up by giving you, the consumer, more of the features you want. These new models can easily be considered among the best wireless portable speakers of 2018.

Do you have any thoughts or comments on these JBL portable Bluetooth speakers of 2018? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the JBL Bluetooth speakers page to see their latest products. To learn more about warranties, click this link.

FTC Disclosure: This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a product ambassador for Harman or JBL.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of © 2017-2018 Harman International Industries, Inc.

Read:   Here are the JBL Bluetooth Headphones set for release in early 2017

Filed Under: Speakers Tagged With: CES2018, JBL Clip 3, JBL GO 2, JBL LINK View, JBL portable bluetooth speakers, JBL Xtreme 2, wireless bluetooth speakers 08/21/2018

HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset Review

08/10/2018 By Hakan Can

HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset review

It’s been nearly a year since its introduction at Gamescon and people are still talking about the HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset. Released in September 2017, the Cloud Alpha is a cross-platform headset compatible with the big three: Xbox, PS4, and PC. Is this HyperX headset an improvement over its earlier Cloud models? More importantly, how does it hold up to our testing? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset review.

HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset review

Key Features

• Highly comfortable fit
• Attractive black/red matte finish
• 50mm drivers, dual chamber design

• Stereo sound
• TeamSpeak and Discord Certified
• List price of $99

Read:   HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review

HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset Review

Per the Press Release

According to Tyler Needles, global audio business manager at HyperX, “The new HyperX Cloud Alpha is the first gaming headset to include our dual chamber technology to deliver unrivaled sound quality. Designed and tested in the HyperX labs, Cloud Alpha delivers the best possible audio performance, comfort, and build quality for the ultimate competitive advantage and will be used by top eSports pros globally.”

We’re fans of the brand so when the opportunity to review the gaming headset arose, we accepted.

Design, Features, and Fit

Except for its slightly larger size and some design tweaks, the Cloud Alpha headset looks very similar to its sibling, the Cloud II.

This newer gaming headset comes in two color options: a black matte finish with either gold or red accents. The gold and red aren’t that bright but somewhat muted.

The ear cups pivot up and down to fit a variety of head shapes. They don’t swivel as this motion is performed with the aluminum frame. Unfortunately, when you twist the frame, you hear an unpleasant crinkling sound.

The headband is rather thick and has the same type of memory foam which incorporates the ear cups. The gold or red stitching is well done with no thread out of place on the received sample.

HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset review

Next up is the flexible noise-canceling microphone. There’s no right way to say this, so we’ll just come out and say the mic is kinda cheap. More on the mic in the next section.

Wrapping up the design are two braided cords. One has an inline controller for volume and mute, the other plugs into a computer.

Read:   HyperX Cloud II Headset Review

Cloud Alpha Headset Specifications

• Ear coupling: Circumaural, closed back
• Frequency range: 13 Hz – 27 kHz
• Cable lengths: 1.3 & 2 Meters
• Driver diameter: 50 mm w/neodymium magnets
• Impedance: 65 Ω
• Sound Pressure Level: 98 dB/mW at 1 kHz
• Weight: 298 Grams

• Driver type: Custom dynamic
• Microphone frequency range: 50 Hz – 18 kHz
• Microphone element: Electret condenser
• Microphone sensitivity: -43 db
• Polar pattern: Noise-cancelling
• Weight w/mic & cable: 336 Grams

Read:   Gaming: HyperX Alloy Elite Keyboard Review

Cloud Alpha Headset – Impressions and Performance

The Cloud Alpha is one amazingly comfortable headset. Yet on the flip side, the microphone feels a bit cheap. Being a plug-in type, it has the feel of an airline microphone. Additionally, the actual microphone control is less than par as well. It’s a bit hard to locate all of the individual spin dials, and the microphone control is a bit ambiguous. For a high-tier headset, these cheap elements lead to a level of disappointment. Plus the set up was a pain too.

When playing YouTube videos, the audio was clear with good sound quality. I found that the headset worked perfectly fine, thus no downside here.

During gameplay of Rainbow Six Siege, the gaming headset excelled, great at finding roamers. I found two or three characters running around, and was able to locate them accurately . However, I noticed a significant problem with the mic as my teammates could not hear. The set up for the microphone is incredibly frustrating with plenty of tweaking taking place. Even after adjustment, it still was hard to use.

Fortnite, Attila Total War, Empire at War were a few of the other games I tried out with the HyperX headset.

The headset performed well during all of these games with zero difficulties. Overall it’s fantastic in its function and has terrific stereo sound, which in turn led to plenty of quality gameplay.

HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset review

Read:   Gaming: HyperX Cloud Stinger Headset Review

Final Thoughts

Cloud Alpha Headset Ratings:
• Use: 7/10 – The use of the headset was adequate. It worked fine when used during the playback of music and while watching videos on YouTube. However, the poorly-designed microphone and the “multi part headset” idea was a horrible design choice that led to a lot of glitchy parts. It would have been wiser decision to have designed towards making the headset either PC or gaming console-specific rather than trying to make every player happy. Seeing as the microphone worked only once during a voice call, it’s receiving a low rating.

• Appearance: 7/10 – The aluminum back structure of the headset is decent while the cheap and fluffy microphone gave the headset a low tier look. The addition of a small and terrible looking volume/microphone control help emphasize this lesser look.

• Gaming: 8.5/10 – In solo player mode, the headset was amazing, however during team play, it was not. It worked only once in all team sessions, so it’s not receiving a higher score. I need a fully functional microphone.

• Comfort: 9/10 – It feels fantastic. It fit comfortably and was reasonably easy to adjust. I liked the leatherette surrounding the top. This allowed for comfortable, long gaming sessions.

Overall Rating: 7.8 out of 10

HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset review

Read:   HyperX Cloud Revolver Headset Review

In summary, the HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset comes with 50 mm neodymium drivers, stereo sound, and in-line control.

The Cloud Alpha performed well in some areas like sound quality, and not so well in others like with the microphone as stated above. The multi-platform approach didn’t serve this headset well.

This gaming headset lists for $99.99. There are plenty of HyperX Cloud gaming headsets available with a variety of features, so compare away until you find the right one for you. It’s available for purchase on Amazon (see link below) for $99.99 as well as the HyperX website.

The headset supports Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and numerous mobile and virtual reality devices.

Within each box comes the Cloud Alpha headset, 1.3 and 2-meter cables, a detachable NC microphone, and a soft carry bag.

HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset review

What do you think of this HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the HyperX homepage to see their current line-up of products. The HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset comes with a 2-year warranty. Should you need to reach Customer Support, feel free to call one of these two numbers: 714-435-2639 or 800-435-0640 or check out their Support page.

This review was co-written with Gamer Jack Yang who conducted the actual review. All photographs are the copyrighted property of Kingston or Beantown LLC © 2017-2018.

FTC Disclosure: HyperX provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cloud Alpha gaming headset sample for review purposes. Our writers opinions are 100% their own and are not paid product ambassadors.

Read:   Gaming: HyperX Cloud Stinger Headset Review

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: Cloud Alpha, gaming headphones, gaming headset, HyperX 09/17/2018

BenQ SW240 PhotoVue Monitor Review

08/08/2018 By Hakan Can

BenQ SW240 monitor review

On the last day of May, BenQ introduced their latest PhotoVue photographer monitor to Press and attendees at Photoshop World. This new monitor, the SW240, adds to the PhotoVue family of monitors which we last saw at PhotoPlus Expo. The 24.1″ 1920 x 1200 sized 10-bit display is ideal for hobbyists or those looking at a career in photography. You see, the SW240 covers 95% DCI-P3, 99% of Adobe RGB, and 100% sRGB color space, which makes it the logical choice.  Want to know if this display hit its intended mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this BenQ SW240 monitor review.

Pros:
• Well-constructed monitor with thin bezel
• Great user experience with menu layout
• Plenty of port connections
• 16:10 Aspect Ratio (1920 x 1200 resolution)
• 10-bit Color Display
• 95% DCI-P3, 99% Adobe RGB, & 100% sRGB Color Space
• On-display Color Mode HotKey
• Factory calibration report

Cons:
• Lacks 4K Resolution capability
• Lacks HDR10 capability
• No USB-C port
• No DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable included

Read:   Headphones: Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless Review

Is PhotoVue for You? BenQ SW240 Monitor Review

BenQ SW240 monitor review
“Beautiful Birds” on the ASUS VN289
BenQ SW240 monitor review
“Beautiful Birds” on the BenQ SW240

Per the Press Release, “As the front runner of the professional monitor industry, BenQ has never slowed down but sought out further improvement for photographers, especially in the respect of the quality of color reproduction, viewing comfort and user convenience. The SW240 is no different; with its 99% Adobe RGB wide color gamut which offers an impressive range of vibrant colors, it’s the perfect piece of professional equipment, where the user can save money against other similar spec models, without a compromise on quality. With the help of BenQ’s Palette Master Element Calibration software, users can tune and maintain the color at its most optimal state and adjust the image processing chip in the monitor without changing the graphics card output data. It keeps the images consistent with its original copies, without being affected by graphic settings.”

SW240 Design, Features, et al

For a 24″ photography monitor, the BenQ SW240 sure seems to pack in a lot of features.

Even though it’s a thin-bezel unit, the SW240 appears no different than most monitors on the outside. But when you plug it in and turn it on for the first time, you’ll see just how different it actually is. It’s all about the colors. No, you’re not tripping on acid, because you didn’t take any acid. The color reproduction is just that good. It’s something very positive to be said about BenQ’s AQCOLOR Technology.

This 10-bit, non-HDR display with 99% Adobe RGB color space sure brings an image to life. If that color mode isn’t your fancy, there’s a hot key which can quickly switch the display to sRGB or Black & White.

Just take a look at each side-by-side comparison of the same “Colorful Birds theme” 8-bit images on the 28″ ASUS VN289 versus the 24″ BenQ SW240. Which ones do you prefer?

BenQ SW240 monitor review
“Beautiful Birds” on the ASUS VN289
BenQ SW240 monitor review
“Beautiful Birds” on the BenQ SW240

Read:   Headphones: Sennheiser IE 80 S Review

I stated “8-bit” as my Nvidia GTX 970 graphics card isn’t capable of displaying a 10-bit image. (A 10-bit image can display 1.08 billion colors.) Can you imagine how much better the photo would be in 10-bit or even HDR for that matter? It’s a shame the SW240 can’t display HDR. Of all the features that I wish were in this monitor but aren’t, HDR is the one I would wish for the most. Regardless, I’d say it’s time to upgrade to a 10-series graphics card.

Now, the SW240 cannot display anything above 1920 x 1200 resolution. I know, this is a bummer, but hear me out. It has a 16:10 aspect ratio to properly display two A4-sized images simultaneously. This is huge for many photographers, and something I didn’t think of early on in this review. If this monitor had 2K or 4K capability, then the price would increase by a couple of hundred dollars or more from its current list price of $399.

Ask yourself the following question: Would you want to spend $600 or more on a 24″ monitor? I’m guessing No.

BenQ SW240 monitor review
“Beautiful Birds” on the ASUS VN289
BenQ SW240 monitor review
“Beautiful Birds” on the BenQ SW240

You may also be wondering why doesn’t the SW240 have HDMI v2.0 or DisplayPort v1.4 connections or HDCP 2.2 specs like its larger siblings, the SW271 and SW320. If the monitor doesn’t have a greater than 1920 x 1200 capability, then the monitor doesn’t need the higher version specifications.

All four PhotoVue monitors come with the Palette Master Element calibration software, but to get it to work, you’ll need one of the following supported calibrators: X-Rite i1 Display Pro, i1 Pro, i1 Pro 2, or the Datacolor Spyder 4 or 5. (A link to the first one is provided at the bottom of this page.) We won’t be delving into the operation of the Palette Master Element software or any calibration tool as we don’t physically have the latter. You can download the 17-page How-To Guide under the Support tab.

On the left and rear of the monitor is a healthy list of ports to connect a computer. See the images and bullet list below.

BenQ SW240 monitor review

BenQ SW240 Monitor Rear Ports Image

Rear Ports:
• AC Power
• DVI-D
• HDMI (v 1.4)
• DisplayPort (v 1.2)
• USB (Upstream)
• Headphone/Speaker

Side Ports:
• Two USB (Downstream)
• SD card slot

If you’re using a dual monitor arrangement, access to the left ports is a breeze. If your setup is like mine, that is the SW240 on the right, then connecting to the side ports requires a couple more steps.

The monitor also comes with a stand and base which can be oriented in both landscape and portrait arrangements. If you’re a fashion or runway photographer, the latter will come in most handy. See Pages 10-11 of the User manual. Add the optional SH240 shading hood to the monitor, and you can better focus on the imagery before you. See Pages 17-21 of the User Manual.

BenQ SW240 monitor review

BenQ SW240 Monitor Left Side Ports Image

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

The SW240 Control Panel

The control panel on this monitor couldn’t be easier to navigate and customize, that is unless it accepted voice commands. I think I may have just given BenQ an idea for a future monitor. Much can be done within the on screen display menu so we’ll leave it to you folks to experiment with. Please see Pages 32-49 of the User Manual for more information.BenQ SW240 monitor review

Specifications (Partial List)

• Screen Size: 24.1 Inches
• Maximum Resolution: 1920 x 1200
• Backlight: LED
• Brightness: 250
• Native Contrast: 1000:1
• Dynamic Contrast: 20 Million:1
• Viewing Angle: 178°/178°
• Response Time: 5 ms (GtG)
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Display Colors: 1.07 Billion
• Color Bit: 10
• Display Area: 20.41″ x 12.75″

• Color Mode: Adobe RGB, sRGB, Rec 709, DCI-P3, B&W, Darkroom, DICOM, Calibration 1-3, Custom 1-2
• Color Temp: 5000°K, 6500°K, 9300°K, User Mode
• Gamma: 1.6 – 2.6
• K Locker: Yes
• Languages: 18 (English, French, etc.)
• HDCP: 1.4
• 3D-LUT: 14 Bits
• Delta E: ≤ 2
• Voltage Rating: 100 – 240 Volts
• Power Consumption: 55 Watts (On)
• Operating Temp: 0°C – 40°C

BenQ SW240 monitor review
“Beautiful Birds” on the ASUS VN289
BenQ SW240 monitor review
“Beautiful Birds” on the BenQ SW240

Read:   Libratone One Click Speaker Review

What’s In The Box?

• Monitor & Stand
• Factory Calibration Report
• Limited Warranty Paperwork
• Registration Card
• Quick Start Guide

• Power Cord
• USB Cable
• DisplayPort to mini-DisplayPort Cable
• DVI-DL Cable
• CD w/Driver and Manuals

Final Thoughts

The BenQ SW240 PhotoVue monitor is a giant leap above the traditional desktop monitor.

This 24.1″ 10-bit color display with its color mode hotkey produces an image in 95% DCI-P3, 99% Adobe RGB, or 100% sRGB color space. That alone is impressive. And the menu is so simple to navigate and customize. Some of you may squawk about the $399 price, but I believe it to be fair.

With all of this said, this PhotoVue monitor from BenQ is a serious contender against high-end graphics monitors from other top brands. Minus the previously stated wished-for features like 4K and HDR, I enjoy using this monitor daily and can easily recommend it to all our readers who wish to learn more about photography.

Just between us, I can’t wait to part ways with the Asus and place another BenQ PhotoVue (or VideoVue) monitor next to it.

What do you think of this BenQ SW240 monitor review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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The BenQ SW240 photographer monitor comes with a three-year limited warranty on backlight, parts, and labor. If you’re looking for the latest SW240 manuals and guides, click the link here. Under the Software Tab, you’ll find the latest SW240 driver and Palette Master Element software. Don’t hesitate to head over to the BenQ News page to see their most recent announcements.

FTC Disclosure: BenQ provided Beantown LLC with one (1) SW240 PhotoVue monitor sample for review purposes. BenQ was not involved in the writing of this review although feedback to questions was provided. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador for the brand.

All photographs minus one are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2018. Side-by-side comparison photos were taken with the Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphone.

Read:   Smartphones: LG V30 Review

Filed Under: For Your Eyes Only, Hardware Tagged With: BenQ, monitor, Photography, PhotoVue, SW240, SW271 08/11/2018

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