ASUS PM17TU LCD
Introduction
Over the course of the last few years, the PC industry has witnessed a major transition away from the world of traditional CRT monitors, towards products based on LCD displays. With the inception of LCD's, there was no denying the handful of advantages LCD's had over their CRT counterparts. Less eye-strain, significantly thinner depth and lighter weight, and improved brightness and contrast are a few of the more common salient features of LCD displays. However, the one Achilles' heel of this new display technology was gaming and general video performance. Here, slow response rates for the panels resulted in "ghosting" where fast-moving characters or scenes would leave "trails" behind them as the individuals pixels could not be refreshed fast enough with new image information. As a result, the hardcore gaming enthusiast or those with digital video needs did not see LCD displays as a viable option for their platforms.
Today however, we find the LCD industry has made great progress in the realms of gaming and motion video. With the launch of the PM17TU 17" display and its 3ms pixel response rate, ASUS is giving the community a high-performance alternative to bulky CRT displays that offers all the advantages of an LCD display, potentially without any hint of ghosting.
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| Panel Type: TFT LCD Glare Panel Size: 17.0" Max. Resolution: SXGA 1280x1024 Pixel Pitch: 0.264mm Brightness (Max.): 500cd/m2 Contrast Ratio (Max.): 600:1 Viewing Angle (H/V): 140o/130o Display Colors: 16.2M Response Time (Typical): 3ms (Grey to Grey) Digital Input: 24-Pin DVI-D Analog Input: 15-Pin D-Sub Audio-in: 3.5mm Mini-jack Built-in 2.5W x 2 Stereo (RMS) VESA Wall Mount 75 x 75mm Dimensions - 390 x 416 x 180 mm Weight- 4.5 kg Voltage Rating: AC: 100 ~ 240V Power Consumption (Power-On): < 48W Power Consumption (Stand-by): < 2W Energy Star, UL/cUL, CB, CE, FCC, CCC, BSMI, Gost-R, C-Tick, VCCI, ISO13406-2 Class II |
The ASUS PM17TU is a sharp-looking 17" LCD display that offers a native resolution of 1280x1024 with a rapid 3ms response rate. Offering both digital and analog inputs, this LCD is able to connect to a PC using either a DVI-D or standard 15-pin D-Sub connector. Looking at the latest prices on Pricegrabber, we find that this new display can be purchased for as low as $282.03 from online vendors. Granted, this display is by no means the bargain of the century. However, with a long list of performance specifications and features, we'll have to consider whether ASUS has been able to justify the high cost of entry with an ideal gaming display.
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The PM17TU comes packaged in a relatively plain and unassuming box that incorporates its own carrying handle. Despite any glossy finish or flashy graphics, the packaging does an exceptional job of protecting the display. Here, we find ample foam padding in the way of two inserts that fully encompass the panel. Although not the most extravagant ways of doing so, the retail box serves well as a method of transporting the panel to and from LAN parties.
ASUS has included both a DVI cable as well as a standard 15-pin D-Sub analog cable in the package. Given the fact that a 6' DVI cable is typically $15 or more, this is a welcomed surprise for those already feeling the pain of the LCD's high initial cost. Rounding out the package we have a rather bland user manual along with the expected power cable to fuel the panel. Perhaps the one surprise we have on hand is the inclusion of an audio cable. Here, the PM17TU's integrated speakers can receive audio directly from the PC to provide respectable sound quality for those without dedicated speakers.
