NEC MultiSync P241W e-IPS Monitor Launches

Category: Monitors
Posted: September 7, 2011 06:41AM
Author: bp9801

It seems that plenty of monitors are switching over to a 16:9 aspect ratio, but today we have one from NEC that is a 16:10 screen. The NEC MultiSync P241W monitor is a 24", 1920x1200 resolution monitor using an e-IPS panel. It also includes a USB hub that makes use of DisplaySync Pro, which allows you to use one keyboard, mouse, and monitor across two different computers. The P241W also has version that includes a hardware color calibration kit, the NEC SpectraView kit, though at a slightly higher price than just the base P241W. The e-IPS panel features 96.7% of the sRGB color gamut, making it ideal for graphic professionals who need the most accurate color reproduction possible. It has a 1000:1 static contrast ratio, an 8ms GTG response time, plus Picture in Picture and Picture by Picture capabilities. It has DisplayPort, DVI-D, and VGA inputs, a four-way stand, and an ECO Mode to help you conserve energy.

The NEC MultiSync P241W monitor will start shipping later this month. It will set you back $749, while the P241W-BK-SV, the one with the included calibration kit, will cost $999.

Displays that Generate Electricity

Category: Monitors, Science & Technology
Posted: August 11, 2011 08:01AM
Author: Guest_Jim_*

Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) work by shining light through a polarizer, the liquid crystals, and another polarizer. The two polarizers are perpendicular to each other, so light travelling directly through both will first be reduced by half by the first polarizer, and then reduced even further by the second. When light shines through a polarizer some of it is absorbed and what is left has a single orientation dependent on the polarizer. What the liquid crystals do is twist the light from the first polarizer so it can line up with the second and not be reduced again. The concept of an LCD is dependent on light being lost so a display’s backlight has to be very bright, which means the screen as a whole has to draw a lot of power; as much 80-90% of a device’s power. Researchers at University of California Los Angeles have developed a material that may potentially return as much as 75% of that.

Instead of letting the energy of the blocked light be wasted, the team have created polarizing organic photovoltaics to recapture some of the energy and feed it back to the device when the display is on. When the display is off, the screen can act as a solar cell and recharge the battery. The team hopes to make their polarizing organic photovoltaics more efficient and achieve the 75% energy return for when they become used in consumer LCDs.

ViewSonic Launches 24 Inch 3D-Ready Monitor with Built-In Emitter

Category: Monitors
Posted: August 1, 2011 04:05PM
Author: bp9801

3D is definitely all the rage these days, with movies, TVs, and computer monitors taking advantage of the format. Today, ViewSonic has a new 3D-ready monitor set to launch, but this one features a built-in NVIDIA 3D Vision wireless emitter. The built-in emitter means you won't need to purchase anything other than a pair of 3D glasses to take advantage of the 3D effect on your computer. The monitor, dubbed the V3D245, is a 24" 3D monitor that displays at 1920x1080. It is an LED backlit model that has a 120Hz refresh rate, ideal for 3D games or movies on your computer. There is even an HDMI 1.4a port on the rear, which enables you to hook up a 3D-ready game console or Blu-ray player to enjoy even more 3D content. Audio is provided by integrated two watt SRS Premium Sound speakers, which should be enough for some users. The built-in wireless emitter lets you play over 550 3D games when paired with an NVIDIA GPU and 3D glasses, plus the requisite 3D Vision drivers.

The ViewSonic V3D245 monitor will include a pair of NVIDIA 3D Vision active shutter glasses when it launches later this month. Expect it to carry a $499 premium and a three year warranty.

New Dual Monitor Laptop Released

Category: Monitors
Posted: July 17, 2011 02:51PM
Author: Tobias Thydal

Since the day the first laptop was released, laptops haven’t changed much. They have gotten smaller and with more horsepower, but they still retain somewhat the same shape.That might change soon, at least if GScreen is the one to decide. GScreen has recently introduced its SpaceBook, a laptop with not one but two 17.3” 1080p monitors. It sure isn’t something you see every day, but then again someone has to be creative for the technology to move on. Since it has dual screens, it is of course quite a bit bigger and heavier, but it also adds something that other laptops simply can’t offer. It is now possible to pre-order it with either an Intel i5 system at $2395 or an i7 system at $3795.

Do you think it will be a hit or will it fail completely? Leave a comment.

AOC to Launch USB Powered Monitor

Category: Monitors
Posted: June 28, 2011 04:16PM
Author: edwardquilo

Feeling guilty about your GTX 590 rig's power consumption? AOC seems to have just the product to help you ease your conscience, a USB powered display monitor. The AOC e2251Fwu monitor also features a native resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and a 5ms response rate, aside from being USB powered. These are decent specifications to be sure, but AOC reports that its display only draws a maximum of 10W, which is amazingly low. Still, if you're wondering how your USB 2.0 port can power up a monitor when in some cases it can't even charge an iPad, AOC has apparently gotten around that hurdle by using two USB cables. No further details were available yet, but let's hope the monitor lives up to its promise when it comes out later this year.

NEC Announces MultiSync EX231Wp 23" Display

Category: Monitors
Posted: June 13, 2011 11:23PM
Author: Daryn Govender

NEC has announced the latest addition to its MultiSync EX231 series of displays, the MultiSync EX231Wp. The new 23" display features a LED-backlit PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment) panel which offers a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution and a brightness of 250cd/m². Connectivity options include Display Port and DVI inputs, along with one USB port for devices such as flash drives. The display also has a low power usage of 27W, which is coupled with a human sensor, helping reduce power consumption by up to 94% when no activity is detected. The EX231Wp has a sleek design, featuring a depth of 14.2mm and a thin bezel measuring 14.6mm. The display can tilt and pivot using the included height-adjustable stand. The NEC MultiSync EX231Wp display has ENERGY STAR 5.0 and EPEAT Gold certification. The display is backed by a three-year warranty and will be available next month for around US$319.

65-Inch Monitor From Champtron

Category: Input Devices, Monitors, Trade Shows/Conventions
Posted: June 5, 2011 07:33PM
Author: Birul Walidain

You think a 30-inch touchscreen monitor is big? Check Champtron's 65-inch touchscreen monitor that was shown at Computex 2011. You heard it right, a 65" monitor running a Sharp 1080p panel that is able to recognise two inputs from almost anything, whether that's your finger or a stylus. If you're a professional worker that needs a big space for your career, this monitor will make it that much easier for you. No word yet on the price, but I expect a hefty figure just to own this monitor.

HP Announces x2301 Full HD LED-Backlit Monitor

Category: Monitors
Posted: May 15, 2011 11:38PM
Author: Daryn Govender

HP today announced its latest monitor, named the x2301. The new 23" monitor features a LED-backlit TN panel capable of displaying resolutions up to 1920x1080 (Full HD). Other features include a 3ms GTG response time, a luminance of 250 cd/m2, a 72% colour gamut and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio. Design-wise the x2301 has a sleek rectangular base, with the monitor measuring a mere 9.8mm thick. The x2301 monitor supports VGA, DVI and HDMI inputs and will be available from June 10 for around US$279.99.

E-Ink's New Evolution to Cloth Form

Category: Monitors, General News
Posted: May 7, 2011 10:31AM
Author: IVIYTH0S

What sets e-readers and modern tablets apart? The most obvious difference is in the design of their displays. A typical tablet will output video similar to a computer monitor while e-readers use a special screen featuring a technology called E-ink. The way E-ink works is by having any main content brought to the foreground via controlled magnetism while hiding the rest in the background. The benefits of such a screen is it allows the reader to experience black and white reading with a pleasant matte finish closely resembling their favorite paperback. E-ink has evolved to allow the displaying of images and is even capable of full color. The newest innovation of the technology is in the form of a thin Tyvex film, which can be folded or rolled up repeatedly and still produce an unaffected electronic display. Tyvex was chosen due to its proven durability and flexibility in the application of shipping envelopes over the years. E-ink enabled envelopes could be the future of reusable packing material since their address can be changed with a quick reprogramming, all while remaining pristine as if it was on its first delivery. The big hurdle to overcome with E-ink cloth is one of cost effectiveness, given E-ink devices have traditionally cost a pretty penny.

HANNSG Unveils HL245 23.6" LED Display

Category: Monitors
Posted: March 28, 2011 08:19PM
Author: Daryn Govender

HANNSG today unveiled its latest LED monitor, the HL245. The new display is part of the HL series and is targeted towards value-conscious consumers. The 23.6" HL245 monitor supports resolutions up to 1920x1080 allowing users to experience Full HD pictures or video. The panel is anti-glare, has a horizontal viewing angle of 170º and a response time of 5ms. The HL245 is approximately 20% more efficient than traditional LCD monitors and features Energy Star 5.0 certification. Specifications aside, the monitor has a sleek design and is finished in matte black. The HANNSG HL245 is available now for around US$218 (£135.99 including VAT).

Eizo Announces Self-Calibrating IPS Monitor

Category: Monitors
Posted: March 2, 2011 03:45PM
Author: bp9801

For some computer users, having a well-calibrated monitor is essential for getting the most joy out of the experience. You can buy a colorimeter which will calibrate the colors, but many of those are expensive and some are inevitably going to be better than others. Well, Eizo has addressed that issue by creating a monitor that is self-calibrating. The Eizo ColorEdge CG275W is a 27" IPS monitor that has a built-in calibration sensor, much like the ColorEdge CG245W released last year, that does all the calibrating by itself. Simply let the monitor calibrate itself, even overnight with the computer turned off, and you'll have the best and most accurate colors possible. The CG275W has a 2560x1440 resolution, 97% reproduction of Adobe RGB, 270 nits of brightness, an 850:1 contrast ratio, 178 degree viewing angles, and a 6ms gray-to-gray response time which should be more than enough to game on. There are DVI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort connections plus a USB 2.0 hub, along with a stand that can tilt, rotate, swivel and the hood that Eizo ships with many of its monitors.

The Eizo ColorEdge CG275W will ship towards the end of this month though pricing was listed as being subject to each country it will be sold in.

ASUS PA246Q P-IPS LCD Monitor Available Now

Category: Monitors
Posted: February 21, 2011 05:56PM
Author: bp9801

ASUS revealed this particular monitor a little while ago, but now it is finally available in the US. The ASUS PA246Q P-IPS LCD monitor brings with it the P-IPS panel for exceptional color and quality. It covers 98% of the Adobe RGB spectrum and has 1.07 billion colors, both of which should be more than enough for most users. It is a 24.1" screen with a 6ms response time and features a resolution of 1920x1200. Viewing angles are 178 degrees and the dynamic contrast ratio is 50,000:1. ASUS has a feature called QuickFit virtual scale which provides a real-size document, photo, and grid mode on top of the active screen. Simply push a button on the monitor and the QuickFit lays down to give you an accurate scale to use whenever you want. The ASUS PA246Q has two USB ports and connects via DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA. The monitor also has height, swivel, pivot, and tilt adjustments to ensure you get the best angle possible.

The ASUS PA246Q P-IPS LCD monitor should be available now for $499.

Packard Bell Launches Maestro LED 23" Asymmetrical Display

Category: Monitors
Posted: February 9, 2011 10:19PM
Author: Daryn Govender

Packard Bell may not be the first name that comes to mind when looking for a display, but that hasn't stopped the Taiwan-based manufacturer from launching an interestingly designed high definition monitor. The new 23" display, named the Maestro LED 230, is crafted out of clear plastic and aluminium but most notably features an eye catching asymmetrical stand. Design aside, the Maestro is equipped with a LED-backlit 1920x1080 pixel panel, a 5ms response time and a quoted contrast ratio of 12,000,000:1, although I'd take the latter with a pinch of salt. Packard Bell has taken an environment-friendly approach with this monitor, choosing to exclude mercury and halogen gases in the manufacturing process of the Maestro. The Packard Bell Maestro LED 230 display should be available in May for around US$272 (€199).

Zalman Launches Several New Products at CES

Category: Cases, Power Supplies, Monitors, CPU Cooling
Posted: January 7, 2011 11:09AM
Author: bp9801

Zalman has been an industry leader in cooling products since the company first made it on the scene. The CPU coolers were the only cooler to consider for ages, and even with a plethora of competitors, a Zalman cooler is still one of the best around. Now, Zalman seeks to improve on its CPU cooling by introducing a new element, or rather a design, by creating a new V-shaped heatsink. The V-shape improves cooling performance by increasing the "Thermal Control Area" of the heatsink, creating a much bigger surface area to generate more airflow. Denser heatsink fins have been incorporated as well which will prevent loss of surface area and provide for maximum heat dissipation. This new technology, plus Zalman's Composite Heatpipe Technology (which uses axial grooves on the inside of the pipe), has allowed for a QMAX of 350 watts on the new CNPS11X Extreme Series CPU cooler.

The CNPS11X Extreme CPU cooler features the new V-shaped heatsink design and the 350 watts QMAX. The entire cooler is coated in black-pearl nickel plating which gives it a striking appearance, plus the 120mm fan should be more than adequate to cool even the biggest overclock. The fan will generate between 17 and 34 dBa, though it will sit between 17 and 24 in its low setting. Zalman promises a large range of socket compatibility, but doesn't mention which sockets are supported. It would seem safe to say with that high QMAX that every socket currently available is supported, and possibly the new Sandy Bridge and Bulldozer ones as well.

The next cooler using the V-shaped heatsink design is the CNPS7X. It comes in two variations, the Performa and the LED, with the main difference being the fan. The Performa gets a 92mm PWM fan that generates between 17 and 32 dBa, while the LED gets a 92mm PWM fan that goes between 17 and 27 dBa. It seems the CNPS7X LED cooler will be the one you want for a low-noise environment, but both promise a strong cooling performance and large socket compatibility.

The last new cooler is the CNPS5X SZ, which forgoes the new V-shaped design for the more traditional tower appearance. There is a 92mm PWM fan cooling everything down on this cooler, which generates between 20 and 32 dBa. It promises a hassle free installation (and even appears to use push pins), plus a large range of compatibility.

Next up we have a pair of cases from Zalman, the Z9 and the GS1200. The Z9 is a mid tower and comes in two versions, the Z9 and Z9 Plus, with both featuring a mesh front panel and up to seven 120mm fans. There is also tool-free HDD installation with six internal 3.5" bays available. Cooling it will be one front 120mm fan, one rear 120mm fan, two top-mounted 120mm, two side-mounted 120mm, and even one bottom-mounted 120mm, though it seems only the front and rear fans are included stock. Motherboard support includes ATX, micro ATX, and even E-ATX, plus a graphics card can be installed so long as it is less than 290mm in length. The Z9 Plus includes a fan controller and temperature display on the front, while the Z9 does not. Both feature four USB 2.0 ports and audio in/out on the front.

The other new case is the GS1200 which improves upon the success of the GS1000. The GS1200 has a mesh front bezel which now includes two 92mm LED fans. Up top is one 200mm LED fan, the side has another 200mm LED fan, while the rear has a regular 120mm fan. It seems cooling performance will not be a problem in the GS1200. Like the Z9, there is support for ATX, micro ATX, and E-ATX motherboards though the GS1200 can also fit video cards up to 350mm in length. There are six internal 3.5" bays which include support for SSDs. The hot-swap feature of the GS1000 returns in the GS1200, but this time the 92mm fans in the front provide cooling for all the hard drives you can possibly fit behind them. There is even an HDD dock on the top of the case. The GS1200 has audio in/out, three USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, and one e-SATA port on the front.

Now we come to the power supplies, which Zalman is getting in to. The two models being shown are the 850-HP Plus and 1000-HP Plus, which are both modular units and have 850 and 1000 watts of power, respectively. There is a 140mm fan cooling each unit plus there is support for up to three graphics cards. Each unit is also 80 PLUS Silver certified and uses Japanese capacitors, though not much else is known besides that.

Lastly, we have a 3D monitor from Zalman. There will be a 21.5" and a 24" model, and both are a polarization 3D monitor which means the glasses needed are of the passive variety and not active shutter like virtually all other 3D monitors require. The passive glasses are surprisingly cheap compared to active shutter ones. Passive glasses will be found in the five to fifteen dollar range compared to 150 dollars or more for active shutter. The 3D monitors from Zalman, called Trimon, is a 1080p display with HDCP support. Zalman promises no ghosting in the image and also the ability to switch between 2D and 3D mode easily. Included with each monitor is one pair of passive glasses and one pair of passive clip-on glasses, which is quite nice to see for those who already wear a pair of prescription glasses.

All of these products will be shown during CES 2011 but no word was made on any availability or pricing for any of them.

New Lenovo 3D Gaming Monitor and System Demoed

Category: Video Cards, Monitors, Prebuilts
Posted: January 6, 2011 11:51AM
Author: Dale Shuck

NVIDIA announced today at CES the addition of new 3D-enabled PCs and monitors from Lenovo to its stable 3D Vision enabled products. NVIDIA's 3D Vision technology allows users to experience a stereoscopic three dimensional world whether gaming or just watching movies. The 3D Vision ecosystem is now made up of over 1,000 notebook and desktop computers, displays, TVs, projectors, NVIDA GPUs, video applications, cameras and games.

Lenovo's IdeaCentre K330 PC, a 3D gaming PC housed in a tower, features NVIDIA GeForce GTX460 graphics card. In addition, the new Lenovo L2363d 23-inch 3D monitor, one of the first full-HD (1920 x 1080) monitors to feature dual webcam lenses, enables users to take 3D photos or participate in stereoscopic 3D web conferencing using NVIDIA 3D Vision glasses and technology.

"NVIDIA’s 3D Vision delivers superior quality, performance and compatibility required to our consumers to enjoy an immersive 3D entertainment experience,” said Wei Jin, director of Lenovo Idea product group. “The IdeaCentre K330 PC and L2363d monitor were designed with this in mind, providing new levels of power, performance and high-quality visuals to shift consumers’ 3D gaming and multimedia experiences into overdrive."

Lenovo expects the IdeaCentre K330 to be available in February with pricing determined by the specific configuration.

Acer Debuts Monitors and All-in-One PCs With NVIDIA 3D Vision

Category: Video Cards, Monitors, Prebuilts
Posted: January 4, 2011 09:16PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Yep, it's CES week and that means it's time for more product announcements and this time we're hearing from Acer as it launches its Aspire Z5763 all-in-one PC equipped with NVIDIA 3D Vision technology, as well as the world’s first 27-inch 3D Vision Ready monitor. The new Acer HN274H 27-inch and GN245HQ 24-inch monitors include built-in 3D Vision emitters. These are the first 3D monitors that support both DL-DVI and HDMI 1.4 inputs which enables users to enjoy stereoscopic 3D games, movies, photographs and more when connected to any 3D Vision PC.

The Acer Aspire Z5763 all-in-one PC is one of the first of its kind to support NVIDIA 3D Vision.  It features a 23", full HD (1920 x 1080) 3D Vision display, NVIDIA GeForce GT440 or GeForce GT445M GPUs, a built-in 3D Vision emitter, advanced Dolby® surround sound audio, a Blu-ray DVD drive, and optional TV tuner, designed to provide home users with a full-featured multimedia entertainment device.

LG Unveils "World's Thinnest Bezel" with Xnote P210 Laptop

Category: Monitors, Small Form Factor
Posted: December 28, 2010 03:32AM
Author: Daryn Govender

LG today unveiled what it calls "the world's thinnest bezel," to be featured on its upcoming Xnote P210 notebook. The P210 promises to be the same size as a conventional 11.6" notebook, but with a larger 12.5" screen, thanks to its ultra-slim bezel. Packed inside will be a dual-core Intel Core i5-470UM processor clocked between 1.33GHz and 1.86GHz, backed by 4GB of memory, Intel HD graphics and a modest 5400RPM 320GB HDD. Other features will include 802.11n connectivity, Bluetooth 3.0 and a 1.3MP webcam. The resolution of the LED-backlit screen hasn't been mentioned but I'd expect it to be at least 720p. Measuring 299x192x20.9mm and weighing in at 1.3kg, the P210 will run on Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. The Xnote P210 will be available in February for approximately US$1,130 - until then I'm sure we'll see another glimpse of it at CES 2011.

LG Debuts Incredibly Thin Computer Monitor Line

Category: Monitors
Posted: December 13, 2010 01:12PM
Author: bp9801

LG has just launched the E90 computer monitor line, one that is incredibly thin as it is a mere 7.2mm thick. It achieves this thinness by having all the vital parts stuffed into a rather chunky, and glossy, base. The power supply and all the connections are on the base which LG calls EZ-cabling and is where you will find a variety of analog and digital connections, including HDMI. The monitor itself is LED-backlit and features a 1920x1080 panel with a 2ms response time. It also features LG's Image Booster software which is designed to enhance low quality content, like from streaming websites, to give a better looking picture on the E90 monitors. The E90 series will also help to reduce your energy bill as it consumes 40% less power than typical CCFL monitors.

The E90 series is expected to be available later this month for $435 or €329. It will be shown off at CES next month as well.

ViewSonic Launches Two New LED Monitors

Category: Monitors
Posted: November 4, 2010 10:32AM
Author: bp9801

ViewSonic is launching two new LED monitors that feature a new motto. The motto is GO LED. GO GREEN. and it is being debuted with these two monitors. The VG36-LED series only has the two monitors currently but it should be expanded upon over the coming months. The launch models are a 22" and 24" model, the VG2236wm-LED and the VG2436wm-LED. Each feature an LED-backlit panel, 1920x1080 resolution, DVI and VGA connections, and built-in speakers. The stand for each one features a 90 degree pivot, height adjustment of 5.4", 360 degree swivel, and tilt which should leave you with a wealth of adjustment options to find that ideal position. The going green aspect means these monitors will offer energy savings up to 50% as well as Energy Star and EPEAT Gold certifications. Each monitor includes a three year warranty.

The ViewSonic VG2236wm-LED and VG2436wm-LED should both be available now. The 22" model starts at $229 and the 24" at $259.

Dell Launches an Octet of New LED Monitors

Category: Monitors
Posted: October 18, 2010 06:06PM
Author: bp9801

Last month Dell launched four new monitors in Asia. Today, it is bringing those four monitors, along with four more, to American shores that are sure to please nearly everyone in the market for a new monitor. Each one of the eight features LED backlighting and will launch in the Studio or commercial entry series of displays. The Studio models include the ST2220, the ST2220L, the ST2320, ST2320L, ST2321L, and ST2420L. The first two are 22 inch models, the next three are 23 inch, while the last is 24 inches. All feature a 1920x1080 resolution, 5ms response times, between 7,000,000 and 8,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratios, and the usual 16:9 aspect ratio. All also include touch panel controls on the lower right of the bezel. The ST220 and ST2320 feature VGA and DVI ports, while the models ending in 'L' also include HDMI. For the entry level models you will find IN2020 and IN2020M, both 20 inch models. Each have a 1600x900 resolution, 5ms response times, and an 8,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The IN2020 just has a VGA port while the 'M' model includes DVI. All eight monitors feature Energy Star 5.0 compliance.

The IN2020M, ST2020, ST2020L, ST2320L, and ST2420L are available now directly from Dell with the others following shortly. The IN2020M starts at $159.99, ST2020 at $189.99, ST2020L at $199.99, ST2320L at $229.99, and the ST2420L at $259.99. Dell also makes mention of a new, touch panel monitor boasting a 21.5 inch size and an IPS panel. That one has piqued my interest and we will know more about it later this fall.

Dell Launches UltraSharp U3011 IPS Monitor

Category: Monitors
Posted: September 17, 2010 12:21PM
Author: bp9801

Well, it seems Dell isn't content to sit idly on its 30 inch displays as it has just launched the new 30" model. The new screen will be called the UltraSharp U3011 and packs in a 10-bit IPS panel to help give the best possible colors for users via Dell's new PremierColor technology. The resolution will be 2560x1600 which is standard fare for a 30" screen, and since it is an IPS panel you will have 178 degree viewing angles. The response time is down to 7ms which is just a slight improvement over the past models. The dynamic contrast ratio is at 100,000:1, the static contrast ratio stays at 1000:1, and the brightness is at 370 nits. On the rear you will find two DVI-D ports, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, one VGA port, Component connections, a four-port USB hub, and a seven-in-one media card reader. The screen is 100% compatible with sRGB standards and 99% with Adobe RGB, plus you can finetune the colors to your exact specifications.

The Dell UltraSharp U3011 is available now for $1,499.

HP Rolls Out a New Monitor

Category: Monitors
Posted: September 16, 2010 09:44AM
Author: bp9801

HP has just announced a new addition to its line of monitors, this time in the form of the 2310e. The 2310e follows up on the 2310m but improves upon it in a variety of ways. First up is an LED backlight that helps to slim down the monitor to around an inch thick. The screen is still of the 1920x1080 resolution variety but now the dynamic contrast has been upped to 8,000,000:1, though I am sure the static contrast is till 1000:1 like the previous model. The response time is 5ms which is more than enough for gamers, plus the brightness is at 250 nits so it shouldn't be overpoweringly bright in a dark room. Connectivity comes in the form of DVI-D, HDMI, and DisplayPort though oddly no VESA mount exists on the rear. If you are wondering about the "e" after the model number, that is because this monitor is eco-friendly by using mercury-free LED lighting, arsenic-free glass, and recycled plastic. The monitor is also Energy Star 5.0 certified.

The HP 2310e is expected to ship on September 29th for $289.

LG Shows Off Four New IPS Monitors

Category: Monitors
Posted: September 10, 2010 12:21PM
Author: bp9801

LG has shown off some new computer monitors that all boast IPS panels. There will be four new screens in total with sizes ranging from 20 inches to 23 inches. It isn't the largest size but at least each one is benefacting from an IPS panel. The new monitors are the IPS2062T, the IPS226V, the IPS236V, and the IPS231P. All four feature LED backlighting to help generate deep blacks and even boasts a 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio with 250 nits of brightness. The latter three models, the 21.5" and the two 23" screens, all feature a 1920x1080 resolution while the 20" model has a 1600x900 resolution. All four feature a 6ms response time so these should be good to go for gaming. All four monitors will connect via VGA and DVI, with the models ending in V including HDMI as well. The IPS231P is a professional model so it will benefit from height, pivot, swivel, and tilt adjustments while the other three are fixed displays.

LG did not release any availability or pricing information but hopefuly that follows shortly.

Acer Launches Three New Monitors

Category: Monitors
Posted: July 26, 2010 11:05AM
Author: bp9801

Acer is getting set to launch three new LCD monitors that should fit in at any size requirement you want. The three new screens are all sporting white LED backlighting and come in between 13 and 15mm thin. The new models will launch under the S1 series and come in a 20, 21.5, and 23 inch size. All three sizes feature a 12,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 5ms response time, 250cd/m2 brightness, and 16.7 million colors. The 21.5 and 23 inch models are both 1920x1080 resolution but no mention was made of what the 20 inch has, just that it is a 16:9 screen. All three have a VGA and DVI connection with the 23 inch model also adding in HDMI.

The monitors should be launching soon, possibly even before the month of July ends. The 20 inch S201HL will cost $169.99, the 21.5 inch S211HL will be $219.99, and the 23 inch S231HL will be $269.99.

Samsung Launches Two New Monitors

Category: Monitors
Posted: July 7, 2010 11:01AM
Author: bp9801

Samsung is launching a couple of new monitors today that fit into a new LED series. The monitors will fit into the new 50 and 30 series and both feature an eco-friendly LED backlit display. The BX2350 and BX2335 both feature a 1080p resolution screen with a 2ms response time and a rather unique feature Samsung is calling Magic Return for the 50 series. If you use two screens for your desktop view, Magic Return will allow the desktop to be shifted to one monitor in case the second monitor unexpectedly shuts off. This way you won't lose any work since everything just gets moved over to the powered-on screen. Samsung did not say if this feature will work with a new 50 series and an older monitor or just two of the new series, but either way it sounds pretty interesting.

Availability should be immediate though no word on pricing was announced.

HP Launches Three New Monitors

Category: Monitors
Posted: June 2, 2010 01:42PM
Author: bp9801

HP has announced today that it is launching three new monitors, one of them using an IPS panel. The HP ZR30w makes use of an S-IPS panel to display 1.07 billion colors which covers the entire sRGB spectrum and 99% of the Adobe RGB spectrum. The monitor is a 30 inch model with a resolution of 2560x1600 and a 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The ZR30w will connect with DisplayPort and DVI-D inputs though no mention was made of how many of either it has. You will also find a 4-port USB hub on the monitor as well as a 6-way adjustable stand that allows you to tilt, swivel, and adjust the height to your liking.

The two other monitors both launch under HP's Compaq family of monitors and are the S1922 and the S2021. The S1922 is an 18.5 inch model while the S2021 is a 20 inch and both come in a 16:9 aspect ratio. The S1922 comes in a resolution of 1366x768 while the S2021 has a resolution of 1600x900. They also have a 5ms response time and a 5000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Both monitors are designed for small businesses that need an affordable and reliable solution.

The HP ZR30w will launch today with a price of $1,299 while the Compaq's will be more affordable at $125 for the S1922 and $140 for the S2021.

Samsung Develops USB-Powered Monitor

Category: Monitors
Posted: May 31, 2010 05:12PM
Author: bp9801

Typically, when you think of a USB-powered monitor it is something small, say 7 inches or so. Samsung, however, has developed a new USB-powered monitor that measures in at 18.5 inches which makes it more than enough to use with your desktop. Samsung has apparently improved the transmittance of the panel and the luminance efficiency of the backlight to allow for the larger size. Power consumption for the monitor is a measly 6.3 watts and uses a USB 2.0 cable that has a forked end to supply the power. The only drawback of the edge-lit backlight technology powering this LCD is in the lifespan which is down to 30,000 hours. A typical LCD monitor has a lifespan of 50,000 hours so the USB-powered one should last about half as long. Look forward to seeing this and possibly others hit store shelves sometime next year.

HP Launches Four New Monitors

Category: Monitors
Posted: May 27, 2010 12:47PM
Author: bp9801

Not content to sit idly by on the monitor front, HP has launched four new monitors today that are sure to fit any size you need. The four monitors launching today are the 2010i, the 2210m, 2310m, and the 2710m. The 2010i is a 20 inch model, the 2210m a 21.5 inch model, the 2310m a 23 inch model and the 2710m a 27 inch model. With the exception of the 2010i, all the monitors have a resolution of 1920x1080. The 2010i is a 1600x900 resolution which is a bit small but should still look good. The 2010i also only has VGA and DVI inputs while the other three include an HDMI port to connect to your computer. All of them will have a response time ranging between 5ms to 2.5ms, built in 2W speakers, and a static contrast ratio of 1000:1.

No word on a launch date was announced, but the prices will be $180 for the 2010i, $220 for the 2210m, $260 for the 2310m, and about $350 to $400 for the 2710m. The 2710m did not have a price announced but I bet it will fall roughly in line with others in its size.

ASUS Unveils New Displays

Category: Monitors
Posted: May 21, 2010 02:39PM
Author: bp9801

ASUS has unveiled a slew of new monitors today that are sure to appeal to almost everyone. The monitors shown today are the Designo ML Series LED monitors, the VG236 and PG276 3D monitors, the PA246Q professional monitor and an LED projector. All of these products will be displayed at Computex next month.

First up is the Designo ML Series LED monitor which seems to be next step forward in the Designo series. The ML series has a mercury-free LED-backlit panel that will help it deliver astounding visuals while saving you energy. It also features an Eco mode that can help reduce energy consumption even further, up to 55% compared to a conventional LCD monitor. The monitor features a crescent-shaped stand with ErgoFit II technology which allows for easy swivel and tilt adjustments. It features a 10,000,000:1 ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio, 2ms gray-to-gray response time, and packs a Full HD resolution. But before you start drooling at the specs, please keep this in mind.

Next are the 3D monitors, the VG236 and PG276. The VG236 is a 23 inch model while the PG276 is a 27 inch model and both are 120 hertz to enable 3D stereoscopic gaming in supported titles with the NVIDIA 3D Vision kit. Each monitor features a 2ms gray-to-gray response time, anti-reflective Color Shine Technology, and 400 nits brightness. The monitors can connect through Dual-Link DVI, Component, or HDMI to fit any output your computer may have. No word on a resolution, but expect it to be 1920x1080 for both. Since it offers a Component connection, it seems like these two would be ideal to hook up a game console as well.

We move on to the professional display, the PA246Q. This montior is a 24 inch model that features a P-IPS display to help produce accurate colors and improve the viewing angles. It features a wide range of connectivity options, though no details were given. Also missing is the resolution which will hopefully be revealed at Computex.

Lastly is the LED projector which is a portable model since it weighs less than one pound. It features a plug-and-project capability and instantly powers on or off. It will work with any ASUS laptop adaptor which further reinforces its portability.

No word on pricing or availability was announced for any of the new displays though I bet we will not have to wait long to hear that information.

Why Manufacturers Monitor Specs are Meaningless

Category: Monitors
Posted: May 18, 2010 04:46PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Both the staff and forum members here at OCC know the importance of specifications when making hardware purchasing decisions, but knowing how to interpret the specifications manufacturers quote is just as important as the numbers themselves. For example, we know very well that processor speed in raw megahertz isn't always a reliable indicator of performance. In the case of displays, how manufacturers arrive at the numbers they choose to publish can essentially mean they provide no meaningful insight whatsoever. In an article for Maximum PC, Dr. Raymond Soneira (president of DisplayMate Technologies Corporation) sets out in clear and thorough terms just how manufacturers artificially inflate specifications such as contrast ratios or response times in order to claim an advantage over the competition.

All of this leads to confusion amongst consumers (higher numbers must be better right?), with marketing winning out over providing standardised specifications that can actually be used to compare products. Dr. Soneira's call for the creation of an independent organization that could provide the framework for a standardised way of measuring and advertising display specs seems to be an eminently sensible one.