Planar Helium PCT2485 review

Although it’s been around for a few years now, the Planar Helium PCT2485 is still a contender in the touch screen monitor market. With its large 24-inch display and full HD ten-point touch screen, this makes it much more comfortable to use compared to other monitors out there. However, it is a power-hungry beast and can look quite chunky. 

Among the best touch screen monitors, the Planar Helium PCT2485 is the only one to come with an integrated webcam and microphone – a must now for those working from home. It’s even got built-in speakers, too (albeit a bit tinny). Pair this with one of the best keyboards and you’re well on your way to having the ideal home setup.

Admittedly, some might find those thick bezels ugly and the Planar Helium PCT2485 won’t be winning any style contests, but you can’t really fault it in terms of function. It’s more than capable, and if you intend to use a touch screen for hours at a time, then this one is by far one of the most comfortable models we’re tried.

Planar Helium PCT2485: Design

• Thick seamless bezel
• Integrated webcam and microphone

The Planar Helium PCT2485 features a thick seamless bezel design similar to the one on the Acer T232HL. Again, bezels have become something of a dirty word since the Planar Helium PCT2485 launched eight years ago and it’s certainly not a great look. On the plus side, it is a seamless bezel, hidden beneath the glass cover for the screen which means you won’t run your fingers into it while using the touch screen, which is usually a constant source of irritation when using touch screen monitors.

The U-shaped stand has a 55 degree tilt angle range, giving you an impressive level of flexibility when it comes to the screen angle. The stand also folds away neatly if you want to lay the monitor flat on your work surface to draw on it.

The Planar Helium PCT2485 is the only touch screen monitor that we tested to come with an integrated webcam and microphone. It’s a full HD webcam too, which is impressive considering when the Planar Helium PCT2485 launched.

Planar Helium PCT2485: Screen quality

• Full HD ten-point touch screen
• Power hungry at 35 watts

The Planar Helium PCT2485 has a 24-inch full HD (1920x1080 pixel) resolution screen with a ten-point touch screen. These are the standard specs that we’ve come to expect from a touch screen monitor and while it doesn’t push the boat out, it does everything you want it to. It’s a bit of a power hungry beast though. The Planar Helium PCT2485 uses a whopping 35 watts, compared to the 20.9 watts that the similarly-sized Acer T232HL.

It’s rather a chunky monitor too. Even though the screen is only 24-inches, the huge bezel means that the Planar Helium PCT2485 is actually 27-inches across, which is a huge footprint on the average home office desk. If you need something on the opposite end of the spectrum, try the diminutive ViewSonic TD2230.

Generally the screen lives up to our expectations, but the slow response time is worth noting. At 14 milliseconds, it’s on the slower end of the spectrum among touch screen monitors and positively ponderous compared to most normal monitors, which can often have a response time of 1 millisecond.

Planar Helium PCT2485: Usability

• Wide bezels mean it's comfortable to use
• Ports are easy to access, but position can bend cables

While we do think that the Planar Helium PCT2485 is one of the most comfortable touch screen monitors on the market, that comfort does come with a few drawbacks. The connection ports sit fairly close to the bottom of the monitor, facing downwards. This means that it’s easy to bend and stress the cables when using the Planar Helium PCT2485 at lower tilt angles.

The wide bezels we moaned about earlier do have one saving grace though - they raise the usable area of the screen off up from the ground, meaning you won’t be scraping your hand along the desk when touching the bottom of the screen. It sounds like a small detail, but these little comfort-focused features really add up during extended use.

The ports are all easy to access though, thanks to the folding U-stand. There is a HDMI and DisplayPort connection, along with a USB hub for connecting peripherals to. There are also built-in speakers so you don’t need to get an extra set unless you’re looking for high quality sound output.

Planar Helium PCT2485: User reviews

Overall, people were impressed with the Planar Helium PCT2485 as an introduction to the touch screen world. They felt that the price was fair for this solid build and that it was easy and comfortable to use. On Amazon you’ll find that this touch screen monitor has an impressive 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, out of 788 global ratings (at the time of writing).

However, the main gripe most users had was about the control ‘buttons’ on the monitor. As they aren’t physical, tactile buttons, but touch-sensitive instead, this meant that it was all too easy to accidentally press them, especially due to their awkward, in-the-way placement (once you found them, that is).

Should you buy the Planar Helium PCT2485?

It might not be the showiest or snazziest touchscreen monitor out there, but the Planar Helium PCT2485 is still pretty respectable. Although its thick bezels might not be to everyone’s taste, it still has a slim, sleek design that’s pleasing and in terms of functionality, it’s got everything you’ll need from a touch screen. Plus, it even comes with a built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers, which most other monitors don’t have. That, combined with some intelligent ergonomic design choices makes the Planar Helium PCT2485 a clear winner in terms of comfort. If you’re after something a bit more specialist, then check out some related product recommendations below. 

If this product isn't for you

The Planar Helium PCT2485 has been around for a few years now, so aesthetically it’s not the coolest or best-looking monitor out there. If you’re after a more modern look that’ll vibe better with your trendy office décor, then consider the stylish Dell P2418HT touch screen monitor with its super-thin bevels and matte screen finish (and, as a bonus, this means reduced glare which is better for your eye health). 

Those on a tight budget should look towards the Planar Helium PCT2235 as a much more affordable touchscreen monitor option. Light and flexible, this is a decent-sized monitor that’ll do the job just fine without hurting your bank balance.

If you’re worried about space, then the compact ViewSonic TD2230 is the one for you. At 21.5 inches and weighing in at just 7.9 pounds, this touch screen monitor won’t take up too much room on your desk and is easy enough to pack up and take with you if you’re ever on the move.