It's 22 inches diagonally, and 16:10 widescreen ratio. The resolution is 1680 horizontally, and 1050 vertically.
The screen is one of the glossy ones, which I was a bit against when I first started looking for a new monitor. HP call it "BrightView". I was really thinking of a "satin" one, so I wouldn't get reflections, though the image from these tends to be a bit softer due to the diffusion of the light through the finish on the surface.
You do get some reflections when you look at the w2207 monitor in a store, but the lighting is usually far brighter than in a home setting. Plus there are usually loads more lights over a larger area, signs, etc that make things look much worse than they actually are in a domestic setting.
The image is so sharp and clear that you don't see reflections, especially if you have the screen perfectly vertical.
There is a glossy black bezel around the screen, which itself is sort of inset into another surround that is silver.
The
power button is "hidden" in the top of the silver surround. This glows blue, but it's not got one of those phenomenally bright led's in it that distract you. It's quite soft, and as the button points upwards it's only slightly visible.
On the subject of power, the mains lead is only one of the standard "kettle" type leads, no block of a transformer to try and push away somewhere.
The keys for entering and changing settings in the menu are in the bottom edge of the silver surround, but these face forward (towards you). So these blend in well with the design of the monitor.
Loads of adjustments can be made to get it into the right position.
You can swivel the whole thing left or right, as the base doesn't stick to the surface of a desk like some monitors do. Neither does the base scrape on the desk as you move it. This is because of the arrangement of pads on the underside of the foot.
The screen tilts about 5 degrees down to 30 degrees up. The whole screen moves up and down, so adjusting the height to the users eyeline.
Plus the screen rotates 90 degrees changing the aspect from the usual landscape (wide) to portrait (tall).
Also on the rear is a slot for a "Kensington" lock, so the display can be attached to the desk or something else that is secure.
Speakers aren't fantastic, but are ok as far as built-in ones go. 2 x 2 watts output, so better than some.
I use 2 satellite tweeters and a subwoofer instead of the inbuilt ones, but they would suffice if you just used the PC for office work, so only need to hear "beeps" and "clicks".
There are usb sockets on the left of the screen case, so it can be used as a "handy hub" for flash drives, etc.
The w2207 has a VGA (d-sub) socket for the input, and a DVI too.
Whereas the w2207h has the VGA again, but a HDMI (not a DVI).
I found that most retailers didn't know there were 2 versions. They had the DVI version on display, but only the HDMI version in stock, and were insisting that the boxed stock was the same as the display one. After explaining the difference, they were all surprised there were 2 variants. This happened in about 5 different locations.
The 2 monitors are the same as regards specifiction, size, etc.
The only difference is the substituting one input for another.
As the DVI version comes with a DVI to DVI cable, and the HDMI one comes with aa HDMI to HDMI cable, it is worth buying the correct monitor for you PC's output.
There is a difference in the pricing in some outlets, and on the HP website, the HDMI version is about £30 dearer.
You can get DVI to HDMI leads, but this is an additional cost to you. Plus you end up with a lead that was supplied as standard that is just sitting around doing nothing.
There is another thing about conversion leads, especially if you are using the HDCP (high definition copy prevention) feature by putting a High Definition signal into the monitor.
The conversion from DVI to HMDI (and the other way) should work, as both contain (virtually) the same "connections".
The problem is that there can be incompatibility issues, depending on you PC's graphics card, the lead used and the monior connected when used with HD signals.
As there are so many combinations, theres no guarantee the conversion will work with the monitor if you are using HD.
So, if your PC has a HDMI and you are going to connect using that instead of the analogue VGA then buy the w2207h.
If your PC has a DVI and you are using that, then buy the w2207.
In general a well designed monitor, capable of loads of adjustments, with a good image.
It comes ready assembled in the box. So, if you hate clipping parts together, especially when you risk ruining the screen when putting the stand on a monitor, this could be an advantage to you too.
Look about to get a good price on it, as there is a massive variation from one place to another.
I paid £179.99 in Jan 2008 for it, but I had seen it at £289 plus a charge for delivery!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Jan 21st, 2008
very helpful by (100%):
