Focus on Monitors: The BenQ BL3200PT
In every architecture, engineering, and design firm there is a conversation going about hardware. Whether they are open expressions or hushed complaints, comments regarding the selection, performance, and cost of CAD hardware is a matter that is never far from the minds of those in our industry. In fact, the hardware discussion of “what to buy and how much does it cost” is second only to similar discussions about software. And why not? The categories of CAD hardware and software are in constant flux.
Still, with all this discussion, there is one category of hardware that rarely gets much attraction or traction: the monitor. Oh sure, CAD professionals always want bigger monitors and executives rarely want to pay for bigger monitors. Why should new monitors be above the consideration for faster processors and more memory? Because there is something new, that’s why. There is a breed of monitor not only larger and sleeker than other displays, but also specifically designed for the CAD / CAM industry.
Now, there is something worth talking about …
General Impression
At first sight, the BL3200PT from BenQ is impressive. The size of the box leaves no doubt that it is a big piece of equipment. This is one massive container and once you open the carton it is clear that this is also one massive and impressive monitor. Once assembled, the BL3200PT lives up to the initial impression with a presence that would dominate any desk on which it sits. Even sitting on my full-sized drafting table, this monitor demands attention.
The industrial design of the BL3200PT is sleek and efficient with a nice slim bezel. That can be said for a great number of displays today. However, what other displays cannot claim is that they are specifically designed to maximize CAD/CAM performance while minimizing eye strain for CAD professionals.
After just a few days of living with the BL3200PT there was no doubt in my mind that this was a great monitor.
Resolution
The BenQ BL3200PT brings an impressive 32” wide, LED backlit display with a maximum resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 (WQHD) to the table. BenQ’s ZeroFlicker technology ensures that this big, bright screen is free of the standard flicker-related issues that plague so many other LED monitors on the market. This unique technology adds greatly to the comfort level of working with the BL3200PT.
Not only is this massive display impressive to see, it is impressive for CAD professionals to use with a custom-designed, high-contrast CAD / CAM mode. This provides CAD professionals with a mode of display that helps to distinguish design linework easily and clearly. While other monitors claim to have similar performance through the use of specialized displays or custom color profiles, these were one-way solutions. Many users soon learned that “CAD mode” was not optimal for other uses.
CAD professionals using the BL3200PT will appreciate BenQ’s solution to this “single use” dilemma: the OSD Controller. This nifty little kit plugs into the monitor and resembles a hockey puck, but rather than hit this puck, you use it to control the BL3200PT’s display controls. Where other monitors set display controls into the monitor bezel, BenQ has added intuitive display controls to the OSD Controller, putting control in easy reach. This single innovation, combined with its effective and differentiated display modes, make the BL3200PT a top contender for any CAD professional’s wish list.
Plugs and Ports
Power and video connections are located on the back of the monitor. However, rather than the normal backward facing connections along the bottom of the monitor, the BL3200PT places its connections along a side edge. This arrangement makes for quick and easy access to the monitor’s DisplayPort, DVI-D, VGA, and HDMI connections. Along the same side of the monitor is a collection of ports including an SD card reader, USB 3.0, and headphone jack.
Design and Adjustability
The BL3200PT’s stand and overall appearance reflect BenQ’s overall approach to both industrial design and user interaction. The unit’s bezel and footing have a black satin appearance while the vertical member has a brushed aluminum look, with a very convenient location for the OSD Controller at the pivot point. All of this comes together for a very sleek, modern look.
The BL3200PT is not only easy on the eyes with its task-specific display modes, it is also easy on the neck with a wide range of adjustability. The vertical range of movement is nearly 6” and the unit has a full 90 degrees of rotation to set it into a portrait mode. This is a welcome feature for anyone specializing in print document creation or editing, or anyone using the BL3200PT to create an even larger display. Using the BL3200PT as a single panel in a multiple panel display is easily achieved in landscape mode in any range of sight due to the unit’s 90 degrees of horizontal rotation and 25 degrees of vertical tilt. All adjustments are easily achieved without undue effort, but also remain in place once set.
Additional Features
Beyond task-specific display modes and the addition of ZeroFlicker technology, the BL3200PT has some great features that reduce user eye strain. The Low Blue Light technology built into this monitor will easily increase production with a reduction in the high levels of blue light emitted by many modern LCD displays that people often find difficult to work with. A few clicks on the OSD Controller and users can reduce the level of blue light emitted as much as 70 percent! In addition, BenQ has added a light sensor along the lower, front-facing bezel to measure ambient light in the workspace and automatically adjust the display’s brightness to an appropriate level. Other automated features include BenQ’s Smart Reminder, a unique tool to remind the user to take breaks from the display in 20, 40, 60, or 100 minute intervals.
Sound is provided by two 5 watt speakers. Whether watching online videos, listening to streaming music, or rocking the world of Dark Souls, I found the speakers up to the challenge and sounding great.
Price
The BenQ BL3200PT is available now for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $999.
Conclusion
My use of the display reveals that it lives up to its advertising—being pleasant to use and easy on the eyes. Adjustability is effortless and the task-specific “CAD mode” truly does change the display tones such that linework seems to pop off the screen. Even the thinnest, darkest lines are easily distinguishable. I have always been a fan of monitors that rotate from landscape to portrait position and the BL3200PT’s image auto-rotate and cleverly placed connection ports make rotating the screen a breeze.
Whether using the BenQ BL3200PT for CAD work, document editing in Microsoft Word, or gaming, I found that this was a quality modern in both build and performance. The BL3200PT monitor is definitely one that I would recommend to anyone in the CAD field, but also anyone performing any prolonged desktop work or gaming.
I have to admit that when I was first offered the opportunity to review the BenQ BL3200PT I was skeptical. In the past I have reviewed a number of monitors from major players in the display industry in a wide range of forms and price levels. I had my doubts that this “CAD” display, from a lesser known brand, could have anything worthwhile to offer. Having worked with the BL3200PT for several weeks now, I am a convert. BenQ is a brand to watch.
I will be looking to make the BL3200PT a permanent part of my CAD workstation.
PRODUCT INFORMATION:
Rating: 9 out of 10
32” LED-backlit LCD Monitor
Manufacturer: BenQ
Price: $999 (MSRP)
Pros: Excellent image; CAD/CAM specialized mode; easy display control access; easily adjusted
Cons: A bit pricey for hardware class
