ASUS VT229H 21.5-inch Touch Monitor: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS VT229H is a 21.5-inch Full HD monitor with a built-in touchscreen. Instead of using only a mouse, you can tap, swipe and draw directly on the display, which suits shared desks, kiosks, classrooms and creative work.

The touchscreen and panel

The VT229H uses an IPS widescreen LCD with LED backlighting. IPS panels typically hold their colour and brightness from wide angles, which matters for a touch monitor, since people often view it from the side or lean over it. The viewing angle is listed at 178 degrees horizontally and vertically.

The native resolution is 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) across a 21.5-inch display area with a 0.2482 mm pixel pitch, and the screen shows 16.7 million colours. Listed brightness is 250 cd/m2, and contrast is 1000:1 (maximum) with 100,000,000:1 in ASCR mode. ASCR is ASUS's dynamic contrast feature, so that very high figure isn't a fixed property of the panel. The listed response time is 5 ms grey to grey, which is typical for office and general use.

Touch needs a USB connection

A touch monitor needs two connections: a video cable for the picture, and a USB cable that sends your touches back to the computer. The VT229H lists VGA and HDMI video inputs, a 3.5mm mini-jack and a USB 2.0 port. The listing doesn't say how many touch points the screen detects, so check ASUS's specifications if you need multi-finger gestures. Also check operating system support for the touch driver you'd use.

Sound

Two 1.5W stereo speakers are built in, which is enough for system sounds, video calls and casual audio without extra desk clutter. The mini-jack lets you connect headphones or external speakers instead.

Stand and positioning

The stand tilts from +20 degrees to -5 degrees. Tilt matters on a touch monitor: leaning the screen back can make tapping more comfortable than a vertical screen, since you're reaching forward. The listing doesn't mention height adjustment or wall mounting, so check the manual before planning a specific installation. The monitor weighs 11.5 lb.

Power

Power consumption is listed at under 21.9W when on and under 0.5W in power saving and off modes. The monitor accepts a wide input voltage range, 50/60Hz. Analog signal frequencies are given as 30 to 83 kHz horizontal and 50 to 75 Hz vertical, and the same for digital. In plain terms, it's a 60Hz-class display.

Who it suits

It suits classrooms, reception desks, point-of-sale set-ups, digital signage, kitchens and home offices where touching the screen is useful, and people who like sketching or annotating directly. Competitive gamers or anyone wanting very high refresh rates will find the 60Hz-class screen limiting.

What to check before you buy

• Computer compatibility: confirm your operating system supports this touch monitor.
• Cables: you'll need both a video cable and the USB touch cable; check what's included.
• Output ports: make sure your computer has HDMI or VGA.
• Touch features: check gesture and multi-touch support if you need them.
• Positioning: only tilt is listed, so check whether the stand suits your desk or a mount.
• Cleaning: touch screens collect fingerprints; follow the manual for cleaning products.

The short version

• 21.5-inch IPS touchscreen monitor at 1920 x 1080.
• 250 cd/m2 brightness, 1000:1 contrast and 5 ms response time.
• HDMI and VGA inputs, one USB 2.0 port and a 3.5mm jack.
• Two 1.5W stereo speakers.
• Tilt stand, +20 to -5 degrees; 11.5 lb.

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