Setup/calibration of a new monitor without a hardware calibrator?

[nails666]

So now I've got my lovely new BenQ XL2730Z and I want to get it setup picture wise as well as I can but I don't have any proper hardware calibration equipment so I was wondering what the best way to go about it is?
Obviously I know I'm not going to get a full colour calibration but are there any good methods (test patterns, videos, websites maybe) for getting the basics right that I can do myself or is it best to just fiddle with the settings until I get it looking nice?
I know in the owners thread for this monitor several people have posted their settings so I'll give those a try first, just curious how other people go about getting their screens setup?

Thanks,

Ross

 

[nails666]

Thanks for that, yes I'm very eagerly awaiting both yours and PCMs review of this monitor. I've still only had a little time to use it but I'm very impressed so far.

 

[nails666]

Thanks guys, I've gone through those test images now and got it setup as best I can. Had some trouble on the contrast and gamma tests though so I'll definitely be interested to see what settings you come up with in your reviews.