Asus PA246Q (photos)

The Editors' Choice Award-winning Asus PA246Q is a professional-class monitor with a satisfying number of features at an affordable price.

There are three distinct reasons to be excited about the Asus PA246Q. One, it's the first monitor we've had the opportunity to calibrate using a new tool; two, it's the first 24-inch-plus monitor with a high-end P-IPS panel we've reviewed that costs less than $500.

Finally, the graphical overlay feature may be the most original monitor option I've encountered in more than three years of writing monitor reviews. Essentially, the feature places one of a number of different grid and photo size options on the screen, allowing for increased precision when tailoring graphics or printing photos.

What sets the PA246Q apart is its price-to-performance-and-features ratio. Rarely do you see a monitor of its size, performance, and feature set at such a relatively low starting price: $500.

Height adjustment of 4 inches is available.

Not the thinnest of profiles, but not bad for a CCFL-based P-IPS panel.

Two USB downstream slots and a multimedia card reader are on the left side.

The base has a radial dial that assists when precise angles are necessary.

Located above the OSD array, the measurement notches may assist in accuracy and precision when designing.

Excellent for designing D&D dungeons, yes, but also useful when consistent asset placement is necessary.

Sizing photos has never been as easy; well, maybe in Photoshop.

Getting an accurate idea of paper size could have its uses.

Six presets are included. We found the sRGB preset to have the best color and contrast balance.

The usual monitor image options are present here.

The deep level of color attribute configuration is impressive.