Low-cost display solutions for the masses

May 14, 2010 14:46 GMT  ·  By

One doesn't become the leader in a specific market segment without working all the angles, and HP is definitely aware of this. Having bought Palm, and its extensive experience with mobile devices and webOS, the PC supplier is one step closer to unleashing a groundbreaking slate. The company has also brought out a significant number of new desktops and laptops, including certain models that seek to redefine the term high-end. Still, the fact remains that enthusiasts are very few compared with the mainstream and entry-level market.

HP definitely knows this obvious fact. As such, it decided to increase its portfolio of affordable display solutions by three. To be more specific, the PC-and-component player unleashed the S2031, the S2231 and the S2331, all widescreen liquid crystal displays (LCDs) with screen sizes of 20 inches, 21.5 inches and 23 inches, respectively.

The three products are alike in some respects. For one, they share the same dynamic contrast ratio of 15,000:1 and have an identical response time, of 5ms to be exact. The other similarity lies in their input options, as they all boast D-Sub and DVI connectivity. As for distinctive features, the S2031, for one, has a native screen resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels and a brightness of 250 cd/m2, whereas the S2231 and S2331 support Full-HD 1920 x 1080p and have a brightness of 300 cd/m2.

Obviously, these three monitors cannot compare with the various high-end solutions equipped with color-calibrating technologies or special kinds of stands and image-enhancing features. Still, they should, at the very least, grab attention through their accessible price points. For those interested in numbers, the HP S2031 costs only $150, whereas the S2231 and S2331 are priced at $175 and $220, respectively. Finally, all newcomers are accompanied by a three-year warranty and are already available for order through online retailers.