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A computer’s monitor is your visual connection to the digital world, so you want to be sure to choose the right one for you. Learn how to select the ideal HP monitor for your needs and budget by identifying some key features.
HP monitors are designed to make your computing experience easy, entertaining and convenient.
Every HP monitor features:
- Stylish looks—HP’s piano-black gloss finish blends with any decor.
- BrightView display—Enjoy reduced glare and sharper images.
- Easy adjustment settings—Quickly adjust the monitor’s settings for different tasks like watching movies or editing photos using HP’s exclusive “My Display” and “Quick View” modes.
- Swivel positioning—Position the display just where you want it with swivel and rotation capabilities.
- Space-saving design—Maximize your desk space with a slim profile, built-in speakers and the ability to park your keyboard at the monitor’s base.
- Multiple connection options—Choose from analog (VGA), digital (DVI and HDMI) or both in the same monitor.
Upgrade to an LCD
The days of big, heavy, cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors are over. Slim flat-screen HP liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors take up less space, are significantly more energy efficient and create less eye strain.
The antiglare screens and deep contrast make HP LCD monitors ideal for everything you do on your PC—from watching movies and surfing the web to homework, presentations and spreadsheets.
Screen size
HP offers LCD monitors in sizes from 18.5" to 27".
- 18.5" to 20" monitors—Ideal for web surfing, e-mail, creating documents and basic photo editing
- 21.5" to 27" monitors—Ideal for graphic design, creating large spreadsheets, watching TV shows and movies, and gaming
Resolution
Monitor resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen. In general, the higher the resolution, the sharper the images will appear and the more content will fit on the screen.
It’s important to note, however, that other factors such as graphics cards, aspect ratios and the type of content being displayed can affect a screen’s resolution.
- 1366 x 768 resolution—Common for 18.5" widescreen monitors
- 1600 x 900 resolution—Common for 20" widescreen monitors
- 1920 x 1080 resolution—Common for larger widescreen monitors in the 21.5" to 27" range for viewing full high-definition content
Widescreen and aspect ratio
All new HP monitors are in widescreen formats with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Widescreen monitors are wider than they are tall, so you can watch movies on your PC in full widescreen mode or spread your work across the desktop.
Contrast ratio
A monitor’s contrast ratio measures how much brightness there is compared to darkness in an image. With a higher contrast ratio, blacks and other dark colors appear deeper and darker, while bright areas remain vibrant. For example, a monitor with a contrast ratio of 3,000:1 will show deeper blacks than a monitor with a 1,000:1 ratio.
Response time
An LCD’s response time indicates how quickly the screen can refresh moving images. A faster response time is better. If an LCD’s response time is too slow, you’ll see blurred images or ghosting. For gaming, sports or action movies, look for response times of 5 milliseconds (ms) or better.
Connectivity options
There are three main types of display connections: analog, digital and HDMI. Look for a monitor that gives you flexibility for connections.
- Analog (VGA)—This connection is the least precise. Data must be converted from the original digital signal to an analog signal during transmission, then converted back to a digital signal on the monitor.
- Digital video interface (DVI)—DVI carries analog and digital data using up to a 24-pin digital video connection. DVI connections offer exact pixel-to-pixel image duplication and are appropriate for HD content.
- High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)—HDMI carries both digital audio and video in an uncompressed high-quality format using a 19-pin digital video and digital audio connection.
How you plan to use your monitor may help determine the model you should purchase. Consider the following tips based on your usage style.
- Home users—For web surfing, e-mail and general use, look for a monitor with convenient features at a reasonable price.
- Business users—For displaying multiple spreadsheets, documents and applications, consider performance over price and a large viewing area.
- Students—For school work and watching movies, look for a moderately priced, space-saving monitor with great image quality.
- Multimedia maniacs—For the best gaming and media experience, look for a large, high-resolution monitor with fast response time.
To get more from your computing and entertainment experience, personalize your monitor with accessories. Some are integrated into certain HP monitors, while others are convenient attachments or additions.
- Built-in HP Power Sound speakers—Get quality sound without taking up desktop space thanks to HP’s integrated speakers.
- HP stereo speakers—Optional external speakers are great for enhanced audio while playing games and watching videos on your PC.
- Video card—Adding a faster video card with more memory to your PC will deliver better graphics and enhanced gaming.
- Optional webcam—Choose a built-in webcam for video chatting and using VOIP applications like Skype.1
- HP Easy Clip—Clip photos, notes, headphones and more to the edges of your monitor.
Now that you know more about common monitor features, you’re ready to choose an HP monitor.
And remember, your HP monitor is backed by award-winning HP Total Care service and support. To learn more, got to
hp.com/go/totalcare.
1Internet access required and sold separately.
This system may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/ for details.
