“The HP w2207 is an excellent 22-inch LCD monitor that is well designed and aesthetically pleasing.”
Avg
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Attractive design; contrast ratio 1000:1; USB 2.0 hub; portrait and landscape screen modes
Against
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Unimpressive 2-watt speakers; somewhat spent
Abstract
Over the years, HP has released several high-quality widescreen LCD monitors for business, home and home use. One of the more tempting options is the w2207 22-inch widescreen LCD with HP’s brilliant “BrightView” display. The W2207 has impressive technical specifications, comes with a built-in USB hub and is well priced at an average $350. Read on to learn more about the HP w2207 and why you might want it for home and office use.
Features and design
The HP w2207 22-inch wide LCD monitor is quite attractive with its black and silver body and adjustable screen. The most aesthetically pleasing aspect of the w2207 is the glossy display that uses HP’s “BrightView” technology to help make photos and movies pop with vibrant colors. Having a desktop monitor with a great low-glare screen is great for people who work with Photoshop, iPhoto, CAD, or other programs that require constant attention to the screen at close range. It’s also great for watching DVDs and browsing the web.
Vital statistics The HP w2207 LCD display has a native screen resolution of 1680 x 1050, which is very popular and offers plenty of screen space for images, video, and even spreadsheets.
The w2207’s 1000:1 contrast ratio is impressive. Comparably priced LCDs often have a contrast ratio of 800:1, which is good for many uses, but why limit yourself when the w2207 offers better contrast for the same price? Blacks look deeper, whites lose their yellowish hue and shine white, and colors gain new life.
The W2207 has a fast response time of 5ms. Some LCDs are slow up to 20ms, some up to 2ms. The W2207 is certainly in the better/best range. The brightness of the screen on the HP w2207 is 300 cd/m2.
Pre-programmed operating modes HP has given the w2207 and its siblings (such as the recently reviewed w2007) several pre-programmed video modes to help users choose the display mode that best suits their eyes and lighting situation. Movie, Photo, Games, Text and Custom modes are available. As expected, each mode uses a specific color temperature, brightness and contrast to display different results.
DVI and VGA HP has given the w2207 both DVI and VGA input capabilities. Fortunately, HP recently started shipping the w2207 and some other LCD monitors with VGA and DVI cables. Previously, HP only supplied a VGA cable, which was quite cheap and insulting. It’s nice to know that HP has heard the voice of the people and responded accordingly.
Integrated speakers The W2207 has built-in speakers. They only have two watts each, so don’t expect Bose quality. But for general office use or Skype output, and for other forgiving uses, the w2207 speakers are sufficient.
USB 2.0 hub HP has included a USB 2.0 hub with two ports in the w2207. I don’t know why it took HP so long to jump on the USB hub bandwagon, but it’s a very good thing they did. A USB hub makes the w2207 an even more attractive purchase option.
Hours of backlighting The W2207 has a handy menu feature that allows users to track how many hours the LCD screen has been used. This is handy for tech support issues and obsessive geeks who absolutely need to know how long they’ve been using their LCD.
Adaptability The screen of the w2207 can be tilted forward by 5 degrees and backward by 30 degrees. The W2207 can be raised or lowered on an articulated base; however, the screen cannot be rotated from side to side like some other LCD screens can. One very nice feature is the fact that the w2207 can be used in both landscape and portrait mode. This is a huge advantage for photographers and even spreadsheet users who need maximum vertical space from time to time.
Display photos and DVDs The W2207 displays beautiful, bright, clear colors, making it very good for displaying and/or editing high-resolution photos. DVDs also look impressive, especially thanks to the brilliant “BrightView” screen. A 5ms response time and 1000:1 contrast ratio help minimize or eliminate ghosting and artifacts. Of course, upscaling a DVD from 720 x 480 (NTSC) to full-screen 1680 x 1050 will degrade the output a bit, but that will happen with any monitor. To prevent this, change your monitor’s screen resolution while watching a DVD, then switch back to full resolution when you’re done.
Footprint Like many LCD monitors, the w2207’s footprint is much, much smaller than that of a CRT monitor. However, when comparing the w2207’s footprint to other LCDs, such as some Samsung models, the desk space is slightly larger than average. That’s about one square meter. The w2207 drawer base makes up for lost space by providing a place to rest your iPod, cell phone, paper clips, etc.
Dual & External W2007 will perform great in single or dual monitor setups. You may find that colors display differently when using two different brands of monitors in a dual setup and when using the w2207 as an external laptop monitor. If this is the case, run a good quality calibration program to even out the outputs as much as possible. Ideally, use two w2207 monitors if you want the exact configuration.
The HP w2207 looks great in any environment
Setup and Use Setting up the w2207 is easy. After removing the LCD screen, you should see that the base is already attached. Place the monitor upright on a desk or table. Plug the power cord (no power brick, thank goodness) into the w2207, but don’t plug it into the wall yet. Connect the included 1/8-inch audio cable to the green audio input if you will be using the w2207’s internal speakers for sound. Connect your VGA or DVI cable, depending on which connection you will be using (both DVI and VGA cables are included with the w2207).
After the w2207 has connected all the cables to their ports, connect the appropriate ends to your computer system. Then plug the monitor into the wall outlet. Turn on the w2207 by pressing the on/off button on top of the LCD bezel.
After the monitor is turned on and recognized by your OS, you may need to configure the appropriate monitor resolution of 1680 x 1050. Ninety-nine percent of the time, your OS will automatically recognize and configure the w2207’s ideal screen resolution of 1680 x 1050.
Test your sound on the w2207 by playing an MP3 or any other audio file. Adjust the volume on the w2207 using the control buttons located in the lower right corner of the bezel. You may need to adjust the volume on your computer to regulate the appropriate volume levels on the w2207.
Integrated speakers It’s not really fair to expect really impressive sound from the integrated speakers in the LCD screen. At best, these 2-watt speakers (2 watts x 2) will deliver laptop-like sound — and that’s exactly what the w2207 delivers. The bass is weak, but the mids and highs are fine. While the w2207 won’t replace a high-quality external speaker system for your computer or iPod, it performs perfectly for playing general audio files such as podcasts, talk radio, transcription audio notes, etc., and handles TV and DVD audio well (although not quite good).
Photos and DVD results The W2007 is quite impressive for viewing high-resolution photos. The glossy screen really brings images to life. While looking at some of my favorite photos, I am constantly impressed by the image. The colors are incredibly vivid and the skin tones so realistic that it almost seemed as if my subjects were sitting right in front of me again.
DVDs also look beautiful, especially because of the w2207’s brilliant display. I tested Amelia, Undergroundand Mr. and Mrs. Smith. All three films have different lighting, visual effects and tonal qualities that display differently on different quality LCD screens. Each of these movies looked fantastic on the w2207. Colors were realistic, blacks were darker than resin and whites were pure. Thanks to an impressive 5ms response time and 1000:1 contrast ratio, there was no ghosting or traces of artifacts.
Conclusion
The HP w2207 is an excellent 22-inch LCD monitor that is well designed and aesthetically pleasing. With its brilliant low-glare display, 5ms response time and 1000:1 contrast ratio, the w2007’s performance specs are just what most people need. The added USB 2.0 hub and speakers (albeit marginal) are also important additions. At an average price of $350, it’s certainly not the cheapest, but then again, you’re probably not in the market for “cheap.” When buying a 22-inch LCD, compare the specifications with your needs and choose the best option for you. The W2207 is a solid product, ideally suited for almost everything from Word to World of Warcraft.
Advantages:
• 5 ms response time • 1000:1 contrast ratio • Portrait and landscape display modes • Built-in USB 2.0 hub • VGA & DVI inputs
Disadvantages: • Unimpressive 2-watt speakers • Higher price than average for a 22″ LCD
Editor’s recommendations
Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn