Computer Monitor Reviews: Acer G245Hbmid Olympic Edition 24" Widescreen LCD Display Review

I won't get into specs and details - you can check those out elsewhere.I will probably just talk more about aesthetics here for the most part.I just wanted to say that I spent about a month or so researching monitors, seemingly day and night.I'm sure some of you know what I mean.My budget meant that I had to stay around the TN panel $200-$300 range.I really wanted 24" also as it ws a good step up for me from my 22" Samsung.I finally chose this Acer.

I actually had the 24" Asus VW246H and the Asus VW 266H sitting on my desk next to this one - those are the three I narrowed it down to.For me there was no doubt: the Acer won hands down.Now, that said, some of that was personal preference because there is a significant difference between them.The Asus models have a matte screen while the Acer has a somewhat glossy screen.While there is always more glare with gloss, for me it is not much of a problem.And the upside is that the colors really POP!After tweaking and adjusting the settings, the color on the Acer was clearly the better of the three and actually looked best out of the box - I didn't even have to adjust the Acer to beat the Asus models.I should say too, that I was not using a professional calibration unit or anything, but just going with my eyes.

Some people may prefer the matte finish screen.I used to.I think that having used an iMac as one of my computers for the last year has caused me to be more used to glossy screens.And not having a window or bright light source in front of my monitor helps a ton.

Two more things I like about this model are the thin bezels (except the lower one which has a kinda of Darth Vader thing going on) and the - for the most part - matte bezel.Many monitors today have a shiny gloss bezel and I don't care for that personally.This model actually has a thin glossy trim on the inner 1/3 of the bezel, the other 2/3 being matte, but it is not very noticeable and actually adds a little style without looking cheap, IMO.I said that the lower bezel looked a little Darth Vadery, but I am overstating it.I had seen the cheaper Acer models (ie. Acer X223WDbd and similar) and feared it would look like that. However, the "cut-outs" on the lower bezel are not nearly as defined on this monitor and I am very happy with it.Of course, if you plan on turning this monitor into portrait mode, then you might need to take the angled lower bezel into consideration. The bezel is also relatively thin which I wanted for a multiple monitor set-up.I don't like the look of the fatter, thicker, ornamented bezels when set side by side (one reason many of the Samsungs and LGs didn't make it on my final short list.)

I don't tend to put much emphasis on the stand and adjustments available on monitors like these.Most people who have done much research at this level realize that your not usually going to get to raise and lower the screen or flip it around 180 degrees.I generally ignore it when a reviewer takes stars away for a lack of adjustments (on monitors like these).You are not paying for adjustments at this level.Never-the-less, as you have probably guessed, it has a little bit of tilt to it, and that's it.It didn't concern me as I immediately put it on an Ergotron NeoFlex LCD mount which I bought here at Amazon through [...].For the record, I am VERY happy with the NeoFlex.The MX Desk mount would have arguably been better, but it is also MUCH more expensive and the NeoFlex does everything I need with no problem.And for anyone wondering about putting a 24" monitor on the NeoFlex - since they say it is for monitors up to 22" - this Acer is nice and lightweight and has NO PROBLEM on the stand.But that is for another review.

Negatives?Well, the on screen display could use some work, but that is fairly typical also at these levels.That's no excuse - just saying I was not surprised and not worried about it.The auto-set features are decent, and I thought they were better than the Asus auto-sets, but of course a good calibration tool (or a good eye) can usually do you best.The buttons themselves will take a little getting used to as they are positioned under the bezel and are not labeled.After a little playing around though I got used to it and it's all good.

Um.....has a VESA mount, which I had to have - and which not all monitors do have today.Not a single bad pixel I am happy to report.The Asus only had one but it was a red one just up and left of center - right at eye height and I couldn't turn the thing on without seeing it staring at me.

Anyways, this monitor does not have a ton of reviews (I am the first one here I think).But the reviews I have found have all been very good.In fact, maybe all 5-stars.Newegg and TigerDirect both have some reviews and the consensus seems to be, a little glossy, but awesome otherwise.If you are looking for a fairly priced monitor, 24", 1080p, etc. then this is a good one to add to your list.There are always some lemons and horror stories, but that is true with everything - especially when it comes to monitors.If this one makes your short list, find a place with a good return policy - always wise with monitors - and give it a shot.Amazon has always made it easy to return or exchange items, so I bought it here.Had I been able to find it at a local store I might have gone with them to be even safer, but I couldn't find it anywhere.

Good luck!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer G245Hbmid Olympic Edition 24" Widescreen LCD Display

Product Description:
To celebrate its status as a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement, Acer presents the G245H 24-inch Widescreen LCD. With its sleek, spirited design, excellent performance, and modern functionality, it's a worthy tribute. Accented with the five-ring Olympic logo, the G245H offers full 1080p resolution, built-in speakers, impressive specs like an 80000:1 contrast ratio and 5ms response time, and a host of connectivity options to suit your setup.

Acer G245H Special Edition

High-Definition Performance
Crystal clear visuals come to life in 1080p Full High-Definition resolution and powerful audio pumps out of two built-in speakers, making your HD entertainment experience a thrilling one right at your desk. The impressive 80000:1 contrast ratio enhances picture detail while rapid 5ms response time keeps moving images sharp. With over 40% more viewing area than the 20" version, the G245H bmid LCD brings amazing multimedia to your home with a huge 24" widescreen cinematic view that shows off movies and videos, brings less scrolling to web pages and makes viewing documents side by side easy.

Special Edition for the Olympics
Acer celebrates the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games in style with this unique special edition G245Hbmid LCD.

Olympic logos decorate the base and rear of the monitor, and its sleek profile, classy black bezel, and silver brushed-metal base comprise a modern, stylish design that stands out in any room.
1080p High-Definition Support
The G245Hbmid LCD is designed for Full High-Definition with a stunning 1920x1080 resolution.

Enjoy widely available 16:9 HD digital content without image distortion on the cinematic 24" widescreen LCD with built-in stereo speakers.

The HDMI input with HDCP allows you to view digital movies and copy protected content in high-def. Got a machine with a Blu-Ray disc, or HD downloadable content? Enjoy it the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

Cutting-Edge Technology, Amazing Visuals

The awesome 80000:1 contrast ratio radiates the brightest whites and deepest blacks providing exceptional viewing definition to all your content.

The rapid 5ms response time reduces deviations in transition time, to deliver high-quality moving images for more enjoyable movies.

This 24-inch LCD is also environmentally-friendly, meeting Energy Star standards and reducing energy use.

About the Acer G5H LCD display series
The Acer G5H LCD display series combines a striking new, futuristic design with high-end features.

Available in two screen sizes--24-inch and 20-inch--the series proudly shows thecomposite Olympic logoon the brushed aluminum base and on the rear of the body.

The G5H LCD series is designed to deliver a winning visual experience, withFull HD or HD resolutionsand advanced digital connectivity thanks to HDMI and DVI ports as well as enhanced moving-picture performance and an exceptionally high contrast ratio with ACM for a dramatic improvement of gradation and detail.

G245H Specifications

Product Name

Acer 24" Widescreen LCD

Viewable Area

24" diagonal, 16:9 aspect ratio

Panel Type

LCD Active Matrix TFT

Resolutions

1920 x 1080 (native and maximum)

Brightness

300 cd/m2

Contrast Ratio

80000:1

Response Time

5ms

Viewing Angles

170º Left/Right, 160º Up/Down

Inputs

1xVGA
1xDVI
1xHDMI
1xPC audio

High-Definition Support

1080p

Display Stand

Included (adjustable tilt)

Speakers

2 integrated 2W speakers

Mount

VESA mounting compliant
(100 x 100mm)

Agency Certifications

Energy Star, UL, cUL, FCC Class B, NOM, CE, TUV/GS, VCCI, RoHS, MPRII