BenQ is one of the few companies to offer a broad spectrum of decent monitors designed for graphics, video and photography all on a decent budget.
As they launch each new generation, the quality and specifications of the displays seem to leap forward. BenQ monitors are the workhorses of the imaging display world, cheaper than the likes of Eizo and NEC but still able to provide outstanding display quality.
The SW321C is the latest large scale monitors, and it’s a decent bit of kit. The exterior is kept simple with the monitor arriving as the screen, two-part stand and hood.
Assembly takes a few minutes, not including the hood which takes a little more thought. First, there’s the base and upright that twist lock and bolt together before the monitor clips on.
The back of the monitor features a standard monitor mount so if you do want to wall or articulated arm mount then it’s all there ready.
Once the main assembly is complete, it’s time to plugin and power-up.
As ever there are three main cables, one for the display; display port, 2 x HDMI, USB Type-C, then a standard USB Type A, Type B for the computer data connection a Micro B and of course power.
On the side of the monitor, there’s a handy SD card slot and two additional USB Type-A ports.
There’s also the option to use the monitor for audio through a headphone jack.
Like all monitors, these days once plugged in, you’re ready to power-up and get started.
During the set-up process, there were a couple of points that stood out. While my studio space gives me more room than most to move and shift kit around, my desk space is still relatively limited.
Having a hulking 32-inch monitor on the desk would have in the past left me with little if any space. However, the slim design and small base mean that although the screen is a size-up from my present displays, it doesn’t feel like it’s taking up that much additional room.
Another feature that I like about the design is that the stand upright features a handle. This handle makes it easy to move from one desk to another. The stand also features plenty of adjustment and a hole to poke all the cables through to keep things tidy.
Powered on the monitor is recognised, as you’d expect, and a quick delve into the system display settings and the resolution can be adjusted as needed.
BenQ offers their Palette Master Element software which helps you to set-up and maintains the quality of your display.
It’s well worth installing and using over the standard display settings as it enables you to combine the management of the monitor with monitor calibration hardware such as the X-Rite i1Display Studio.
Setting this up doesn’t take long and has full compatibility with a range of devices from X-Rite and DataColor.
This integration is one of the best that I’ve seen and means that keeping on top of monitor calibration is exceptionally easy.
Away from the software and back to the on-device buttons BenQ has gone for physical touch buttons over the touch-sensitive type. BenQ is good at keeping consistency between models, which means that if you already own a BenQ, then you’ll know where all the settings and features can be found.
More importantly, if you need to find where a setting is or how to adjust something, then it’s easy to find that information online, even if it isn’t about the monitor that you are using.
