Not wanting to be outdone by LG and their highly affordable IPS monitors which have been given a makeover, ASUS have set their sights restyling somewhat unconventional-looking ML239H. The ‘VS 9′ series includes the 20″ VS209H, 21.5″ VS229H and 23″ VS239H. These models feature a more conventional chassis design (as per existing ASUS TN panel members of the ‘VS’ series) with a thin glossy piano black bezel, tiltable stand and touch sensitive OSD controls and power button. The two larger models feature a 1920 x 1080 resolution whilst the smaller model features the 1600 x 900 resolution which is more common on such a small screen. The basic specifications allow for some flexibility regarding the usage of the monitors and should appeal to the home user; e-IPS panel, WLED backlight, 250 cd/m2 brightness, 14ms typical response time (6ms grey to grey) and a selection of ports including VGA, DVI-D, HDMI and a headphone jack. Although the stand limits the monitor to simple tilt adjustment the monitors can be VESA mounted using a 100x100mm mount.
The monitors are due to be launched in the UK, Europe and US by the end of October. Pricing of the VS209H is still to be confirmed but the VS229H is expected to retail at around £139 ($146 USD) whilst the VS239H should set you back around £159 ($199 USD). Further information on the VS239H (alternatively designated VS239HP) can be found on the ASUS website. Hopefully the performance will match of exceed that of the ML239 which many people choose to avoid because they weren’t comfortable with the ‘adventurous’ aesthetics. Then again; one man’s meat is another man’s poison when it comes to looks.