Getting noticed in the LCD monitor market is getting more difficult. Price and performance are fairly similar across the board, which leaves features as a deciding factor. BenQ has released a new 17-inch model, the BenQ FP791, which has some features that will draw attention.

Most notable is the Digital Photo Frame module that adds slots at the top of the monitor for CompactFlash, SD/MMC, and Smart Media cards. Drop in the card from your digital camera and you can display thumbnails or a slide show without turning on or even connecting to a computer. One nit: Although you can use the display's controls to rotate an individual picture taken in vertical orientation, that rotation doesn't stick when you cycle through the pictures as a slide show.

The monitor also includes speakers with built-in SRS surround sound, a most welcome cut above the tiny, tinny speakers you typically get in a monitor. There are no tone controls, however, and it takes two (not obvious) key presses to mute the speakers, which could be inconvenient when the phone rings.

Engraved icons marking the front panel keys are a bit difficult to see (we've noticed this on many monitors we've tested), but the on-screen menu system is relatively easy to navigate. The bezel extends 2 inches beyond the edge of the panel, unlike the slim bezels that are becoming more common. The stand tilts but has no adjustment for height.

Analog signal auto-sync is triggered by a single key press, which is a good feature. On our tests, it created rock-steady images. Using DisplayMate software (www.displaymate.com) to create test images, we had mixed results with the FP791. Color tracking was good, and there were no visible pixel defects. Dark-gray shade performance was very weak, however, and there was noticeable banding in color ramps, using either analog or digital signals. Brightness uniformity was weak, with lots of light leakage visible at the sides of an all-black screen.

Digital photography buffs who will use the monitor as a digital photo frame when the PC is off may be willing to look past such shortcomings. But if you're looking for the best image quality in a monitor, consider that we've seen a few that are better.