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 10-point multi-touch screen. It is aimed at uses where you tap, swipe and type on screen, such as point-of-sale counters, kiosks, information displays and desks where a second touch screen is handy. Here is what its specs mean and what to confirm before choosing it.

What 10-point touch means in practice

Ten-point touch means the screen can track up to ten contact points at once. That covers pinch-to-zoom, two-handed gestures and an on-screen keyboard where several keys are pressed in quick succession. ASUS positions the monitor for business uses that rely on a virtual keyboard or multi-touch. The touch glass is listed at 1.1 mm thick with a 7H surface hardness and a glare-type surface, so expect some reflections under bright lights.

Touch monitors typically send touch data to the computer over a separate USB cable, in addition to the video cable. The VT229H comes with a USB cable for this, and the computer needs to support touch input in its operating system.

Panel, brightness and viewing angles

The panel is a 21.5-inch (54.6 cm) 16:9 IPS display at 1920 x 1080. ASUS lists 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles, which is typical of IPS: colours and contrast stay fairly consistent when you look from the side. That matters for a touch screen that may be used standing up or shared by two people.

Other listed figures:

• Maximum brightness of 250 cd/m², which suits normal indoor lighting rather than a sunlit window.
• A 1000:1 contrast ratio, with an ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio figure of 100,000,000:1. Dynamic contrast numbers like this are measured differently and are not comparable with the native ratio.
• 16.7 million display colours and a 0.2482 mm pixel pitch.

Eye Care features

ASUS says the monitor uses flicker-free backlighting and a blue light filter as part of its Eye Care technology. Flicker-free backlights hold brightness steady rather than pulsing it, and a blue light filter shifts the colour balance warmer. They are display settings, so you can use them or leave them off to suit the task.

Connections and mounting

The VT229H has HDMI and VGA inputs, which suits both current computers and older equipment. The listing marks the VGA and HDMI cables as optional, so check what is in your box. The frameless design is meant to make side-by-side setups look almost seamless.

For mounting, the screen supports a 100 x 100 mm VESA pattern, which lets you use a wall bracket or monitor arm. The stand tilts from +20° to -5°, a useful range for a touch screen you want angled toward you. It weighs about 7 lb (3.2 kg).

Power

The monitor runs on 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz mains. ASUS lists power use of under 21.9 W when on and under 0.5 W in power-saving or off mode.

Who it suits

It suits shops, reception desks, kiosks, classrooms and workshops that want a touch interface, as well as people who want a second touch screen for a desk. It is less suited to colour-critical work or bright outdoor spaces, given the 250 cd/m² brightness.

What to check before you buy

• Operating system: confirm your computer supports multi-touch over USB.
• Ports: check your computer has HDMI or VGA, and a free USB port for touch.
• Cables: the VGA and HDMI cables are listed as optional.
• Mounting: if you plan to use a bracket, confirm it fits a 100 x 100 mm pattern.
• Lighting: consider glare and the 250 cd/m² brightness for where it will sit.
• Space: allow for the stand depth and room to reach the screen comfortably.

The short version

• A 21.5-inch, 1920 x 1080 IPS monitor with 10-point multi-touch.
• 178° viewing angles, 250 cd/m² brightness and a frameless design.
• HDMI and VGA inputs, with a USB cable for touch.
• VESA 100 x 100 mm mounting and a +20° to -5° tilt.
• Flicker-free backlight and a blue light filter.

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