Conclusion:
The 22 inch HP debranded DVI widescreen LCD monitor from Geeks.com created a very strong impression. The LCD panel provides plenty of desktop real estate to work with, the image quality is very good, the colors were vibrant, and the black level was about the best I have seen. The monitor also includes a few extras that push it over the top in terms of convenience; including a 2-port USB hub, built-in stereo speakers, and an incredible base. You can easily adjust the monitor to suit your needs since it can tilt, pivot, rotate, and has a vertical travel of about 4 inches.
Other than the issue with packing (which may have been an isolated incident), the main issues I had with the display are somewhat superficial and related to personal preference. The high gloss finish on the bezel and screen are magnets for smudges and dust, and I found that the reflections of everything in the room (including my own head) could get annoying. The other issue is that while the debranding of this monitor may have been necessary for resale, the implentation was rather lackluster. The HP markings on the front of the screen were covered by two stickers, one that was applied crooked and another that was already peeling off, making it look just a bit cheesy.
The price of the 22 inch HP debranded DVI widescreen LCD monitor is $189.99, when Geeks.com has it in stock. It is presently sold out, but they do offer many other monitors, including another 22 inch HP debranded unit that is virtually identical except that the DVI connection has been swapped out for an HDMI connection. When looking at the selection of LCD monitors at Geeks.com and elsewhere, $189.99 is a great price for a monitor of this quality, but perhaps not the best deal on any 22 inch monitor. Shopping locally or online will find other major brand 22 inch widescreen LCD monitors for about the same price (or even less), but generally minus things like a USB hub or such a nice base. In my opinion, the base does add alot of value and sets this monitor apart from most others out there, but having a factory new monitor with a longer warranty obviously has a strong appeal.
Considering the performance, features, and the extreme flexibility of the base, the 22 inch HP debranded DVI widescreen LCD monitor is definitely worth considering. Getting a better deal would make it more appealing though, since you can get a new 22 inch LCD monitor minus some of the bells and whistles for less money.
Pros:
» Great picture quality
» Solid specifications: 22" widescreen, 1680x1050 resolution, 5 ms response time
» Base provides three dimensional adjustability; tilts, pivots, rotates, telescopes
» DVI and VGA connectivity
» Built-in USB hub and speakers
Cons:
» High gloss screen and bezel attract dust and finger prints, as well as acting like a mirror
» Cheesy attempt at "debranding"
» Good thing Geeks.com double boxed it, as retail packaging was poor
» Price is higher than some new 22 inch monitors
Special thanks to Geeks.com for providing the 22 Inch HP Debranded DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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