New HP IPS monitors offer much for less
New Hewlett-Packard monitors feature IPS panels, low prices, and love.
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The last few months in monitor reviews have been dominated by rail-thin monitors with twisted nematic (TN) displays. Many have been impressive specimens. But as far as monitors go, there are other panel technologies out there, people.
Today, Hewlett-Packard announced five new computer monitors: one TN and four that use in-plane switching (IPS) technology.
IPS monitors generally provide wider viewing angles and usually cover a higher percentage of the sRGB color space than TNs, so they appeal to more professional users, who may require more accurate visuals.
Below we'll dive into the details of four new IPS monitors, one of which HP is now selling for under $200.
ZR2040w
Beyond the specs, the most impressive detail of the ZR2040w is its price. The monitor will retail at $189, starting today. According to HP, this is the first sub-$200 IPS-based monitor yet released. Other specs aren't much to get excited about. Still, $189. Check out the specs below.
- In-plane switching (IPS) panel
- 1,600x900-pixel resolution
- 7ms refresh rate
- Connections: DisplayPort, DVI, VGA
- Backlight: LED
- 250 candelas per square meter brightness
- 1,000:1 contrast ratio
- 30-degree back tilt
ZR2240w
The ZR2240w gets an HDMI connection, full USB hub, and more ergonomic options, which is quite impressive for a 22-inch monitor that would typically include only the most basic of specs. Those extras won't come free, however, as HP tacks on an additional $100 over the ZR2040w, with a price of $289 for the ZR2240w. The monitor is available now.
- In-plane switching (IPS) panel
- 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution
- 8ms refresh rate
- Connections: DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, VGA
- Backlight: LED
- 250 candelas per square meter brightness
- 1,000:1 contrast ratio
- 35-degree back tilt, height adjustment, swivel, and pivot
- Four USB downstream and one upstream
ZR2440w
A higher brightness, faster refresh rate, and two extra inches of screen space apparently equals about $136 dollars more in cost. Well, maybe not actual cost, but at least the amount HP is charging. The ZR2440w is $425 and will be released in October, a little later than the other monitors announced today.
- In-plane switching (IPS) panel
- 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution
- 6ms refresh rate
- Connections: DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI
- Backlight: LED
- 350 candelas per square meter brightness
- 1,000:1 contrast ratio
- 35-degree back tilt, height adjustment, swivel, and pivot
- Four USB downstream and one upstream
ZR2740w
It's only after you've had a chance to experience a 2,560x1,440-pixel resolution that you really appreciate how much better it looks compared with 1,920x1,080. If you can get a game to run at a resolution that high, then you've taken your first step into a much larger world. A world that will spoil you from using anything less.
Also impressive is the price you'll pay to experience this. The ZR2740w is available today for $729. That is $120 to $200 less than Dell's U2711, which shares the same resolution. The U2711 includes many more connection options, however. The ZR2740w is available today.
- In-plane switching (IPS) panel
- 2,560x1,440-pixel resolution
- 12ms refresh rate
- Connections: DisplayPort, Dual-link DVI
- Backlight: LED
- 380 candelas per square meter brightness
- 1,000:1 contrast ratio
- 35-degree back tilt, height adjustment, swivel, and pivot
- Four USB downstream and one upstream
