HP Launches New Consumer LCDs

After launching an uninspiring range of budget LCDs a couple of weeks ago, HP has just launched a series of displays featuring richer colors thanks to BrightView panels, with HDMI connectivity and integrated speakers. The four new models are the 2010i, 2210m, 2310m and 2710m which come in at 20” 21.5” 23” and 27” respectively.

The entry level 2210i model carries identical specifications to the S2031 budget model mentioned earlier with a 20” 1600x900 display featuring a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 15000:1 (which is a setting that should be left off in our opinion). The dual lamp backlit display provides a 72% color gamut and 250 nits of brightness with 5 ms on/off response time. Connectivity is the same as well with VGA and DVI-D though with an addition of an audio port due to the inclusion of built-in stereo speakers with 2 watts output per channel. This appears to be the only differentiator from its $159.99 brother. The 2210i is available now for $179.99 from HP, which basically means an extra $20 for a set of inevitably feeble built-in speakers.

The other three models offer something more worthwhile than their budget counterparts do. The new premium 21.5” model, the 2210m, features the same increase in resolution to 1920x1080 and brightness to 300 nits thanks to a 4-lamp backlight as its budget alternative, the S2231. The BrightView panel also features the same 5 ms on/off response time (2.5 ms grey-to-grey) and 72% color gamut, however the dynamic contrast ratio goes up to 40000:1, with the standard contrast ratio remaining at 1000:1. Another addition is HDMI to the VGA and DVI-D connectivity to make the most of the full HD display along with the same integrated speakers. The 2210m is available from HP at $219.99. Compared to the S2231 at $199.99, the extra $20 buys you a more worthwhile upgrade.

The new 23” model, the 2310m, carries the same specification as the 21.5” model and is available from HP at $259.99 which is $30 more than its cheaper counterpart, the S2331.

Finally the 27” model, 2710m, carries over the same features as the 21.5” and 23” models, such as HDMI and integrated speakers, but also features a 60000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a brighter 400 nits display showing an impressive 92% color gamut. Unfortunately, the resolution stays at 1920x1080 and the fixed contrast ratio stays at 1000:1. The 2710m is available from HP at $459.99, which is a bit more than what you'll pay for comparable 27” LCDs at retailers like newegg.com, e.g. this Samsung with an integrated HD TV tuner.

All of these models feature attractive black glossy bezels with silver color stands that adjust from +25 to -5 degrees and are designed to hold your keyboard when not in use. They all feature the standard 100x100mm VESA mounts. All of the new models are covered by a standard 1-year warranty.