Planar Helium PCT2785 vs ViewSonic Smart Display VSD231-BKA

The black levels are respectively low at 0.16cd/m², which helps the contrast ratio achieve 1100:1 which is much lower than the advertised 5000:1, but still quite good.

The response time is 12ms, which isn't lightning fast, but it's still quick enough to make the system feel more responsive than cheaper monitors. While not fast enough for high-level gaming, this monitor won't make your system feel slow or unresponsive.

It really does look like a massive tablet with a kickstand - but that's not a bad thing. There's no stand visible, leaving the front looking very clean. The stand can angle anywhere from 15-70 degrees which allows for flexible use, or it can be folded in and used flat on the desk or even mounted using the VESA mounting holes.

This monitor has many peripherals built-in, and unless you use them heavily they will do the job just fine. Unless you feel the need for dedicated hardware, the built-in stereo speakers work well enough, and the webcam and mic are acceptable quality for occasional recreational use (for business calls or other uses where quality is important, you'll want to upgrade to dedicated hardware).

This monitor has all the internals needed to run Android 4.3.1 Jelly Bean (Tegra 4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 8GB of storage). This gives you the flexibility to run Android apps and games, or use it as a display for your computer or laptop. If you have limited desk space, or want a touchscreen on a budget (without the need to buy a computer), the ability to use it without a computer is a very intriguing option.

Built-in are two 2 watt stereo speakers, a 2MP webcam, as well as a microphone. These allow you to use it as a stand-alone Android device for Skype, Google Hangouts or other video chats, or they can be used in place of dedicated hardware when plugged into a computer (although dedicated hardware would provide better quality).

The monitor is help up by a traditional looking stand with a square base. The stand can be raised or lowered slightly (which the other touchscreen monitors in this category can't do), and the display can be tilted 90 degrees so that it can be perfectly vertical, or perfectly horizontal (or anywhere in-between) depending on your set-up preferences.

The contrast ratio is important for having a wide depth of colors available, and the ViewSonic Smart Display doesn't disappoint with a very good 1000:1 contrast ratio. Response time is similarly good, and will display images 5ms after receiving them. This response time is good enough for even high-end gamers, but will also appear to make the entire system a bit more responsive and faster.