HP LP2275w

Perfect for productivity, too slow for games



HP's $399 LP2275w has a slow 16-millisecond response time, which makes this 22-inch (1,680x1,050) monitor a poor choice for entertainment. But designers, workstation power users, or anyone who spends long hours in front of a screen doing things other than gaming or video viewing will be pleased at what this display has to offer.

The LP2275w uses a Patterned Vertical Alignment (PVA) LCD panel, which helps text look exceptionally crisp. Reading was easier on our eyes with this screen than with any other monitor we've tested recently. Colors also seemed more accurate, and we saw details in images that we hadn't noticed before. The LP2275w comes with cables for VGA, DVI, and Display-Port, and rubber flaps keep the cables well hidden.


In DisplayMate (www.displaymate.com) testing, the monitor reproduced the dark end of the gray scale well, but looking straight at the screen creates a slight loss of dark detail. Angling the screen a couple of degrees resolves the issue. This is likely a problem with the panel type, not the monitor. It didn't bother us that much, but you'll have to decide what you're willing to tolerate.

On the opposite end of the gray scale, the lightest shades appeared white. Connecting via DVI improved the issue, but the monitor never performed as well on this test as most of the cheaper screens we recently tested. The slow pixel-response time means this screen isn't made for entertainment. The dark corners in Doom 3 and slow-moving scenes of The Bourne Identity look good, but action results in noticea

ble motion blur.

The HP LP2275w isn't for everyone, but anyone with eye fatigue from staring at text and images on a screen all day should give this monitor serious consideration.
—M.S.