Announcing New HP LCDs
Yesterday HP launched three new Value LCD monitors, the S2031, S2231 and S2331 coming in at 20” 21.5” and 23” respectively. These are essentially entry-level models with average specifications and connectivity. All models feature 16:9 anti-glare displays with a 72% color gamut. They have a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 15,000:1 (not that we care about dynamic contrast… it's a feature best left disabled in our opinion). Response time is 5ms, like the vast majority of TN panels.
Connectivity comes in the form of VGA and DVI-D (with HDCP), with no other extra ports like USB, audio, or HDMI. Given that there are no speakers built into the casing, the lack of HDMI isn't a huge drawback, and you can always use an HDMI-to-DVI cable if you need HDMI connectivity. The larger S2231 and S2331 have 1920x1080 Full HD (1080p) panels, which will make the most of any high definition content you want to view. The S2031 drops the resolution down to HD+ (1600x900) and has a slightly higher dot pitch.
HP also states that these new models have an environmental conscience as they utilize recyclable plastics and packaging. The S2031 features a two-lamp panel, which means it contains 50 percent less Mercury than the conventional four-lamp panels on the larger models. However, this means it has a maximum brightness of 250nits compared to 300nits on the larger models. This isn't a huge problem, as we recommend a brightness setting of 150~200nits for most users.
Aesthetically, the new LCDs feature relatively attractive glossy black bezels and tilt adjusting stands; all three also support 100x100mm VESA mounts. As long as you keep your fingerprints (and dust) away from the exterior, the displays will look quite nice. These LCDs will be available from select retailers on May 16 and from HP Home & Home Office from May 26. Recommended pricing starts at $150 for the S2031, $190 for the S2231 and $220 for the S2331, which is reasonable for the specifications.
While it’s difficult to get excited over these entry-level LCDs, the S2231 looks tempting with its 1080p resolution and good brightness coming in under $200. However, there are still cheaper alternatives out there with similar or slightly better specifications. Dell currently has their 23” 1080p ST2310 on sale for $169, and you can find a large number of 23" 1080p LCDs at Newegg and other vendors starting at $185, with various rebates on some models. Street prices on the HP LCDs may be slightly lower than the announced pricing, but we recommend looking at warranties as well. We've had a few LCDs fail at 12-24 months, so models with 3-year standard warranties might be a better investment.
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numberoneoppa - Monday, May 17, 2010 - link
I'm still waiting for some of these companies to come out with reasonably priced LED-backlit desktop monitors (high resolution, please).They make it seem like Apple is the only company with the technology to do these things.
gdansk - Monday, May 17, 2010 - link
ASUS makes some LED backlit monitors, in 1920x1080 resolution. Check out the Asus MS238H.numberoneoppa - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
I guess I haven't checked recently. Thanks. (Still a disappointing resolution, though. :P)MrBrownSound - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
Maybe you should rephrase your original question. Just like you I want a reasonably priced LED high res monitor, with a small bezel and is not completely ugly. Your right about the apple monitors but I don't have a grand to drop on a monitor. : (TimberWolf1128 - Thursday, May 20, 2010 - link
check out the samsung XL2370.Wolfpup - Sunday, May 30, 2010 - link
Dell has a 22 and 24" one since mid 2010. I've had the 22" one for a year, and it's good for a TN panel. I'd much rather it be IPS, but oh well.Hrel - Monday, May 17, 2010 - link
I had never heard of MAG before, so I was really hesitant to buy this, but the price was too tempting. Andantech, do you think you guys could get your hands one one of these things and put it through the ringer?I just got a MAG monitor from newegg for 200 bucks. It's an LED LCD. 23.6" 1080p, 1000:1 contrast, I don't remember the dynamic contrast as I don't care. It's got VGA and HDMI in ports, with an audio out port which is nice. It uses rediculously little power.The stand only has tilt but that's all I need or want. It looks really nice, especially for a TN panel... once you've calibrated it. The presets aren't bad, and most people probably won't notice; but calibrating these things was my job for a while so I obsess over it. All in all I thought it was a really good deal, even with free shipping. It's more than that now, but it'll go on sale again at some point, I used a code from neweggs news letter.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
vailr - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
LG also offers several LED backlit monitors:20": http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...
Other screen sizes @Newegg: 22", 23", 24"
vailr - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
I'd also like to see Apple update and re-release their older 20" Cinema Display monitor, to include LED back lighting.Not everyone has the desk space for a 23" or bigger Apple monitor.And what about Dell? Their thin bezel monitor designs are fine, but where are some Dell branded LED backlit versions?
effingee - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - link
"...you can find a large number of 23" 1080p LCDs at Newegg..."Search Results
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