While LG's product lineup includes some of the coolest LED HDTVs and 3D TVs on the market, the Korean company also developed, over time, certain hybrid products, designed specifically for those categories of users who either can't afford a large-size display, or lack the space required in order to properly enjoy one.
And, in fact, that's exactly the case with the subject of our review, namely the company's Flatron M2280D Full HD LED TV/Monitor, which offers a multitude of functions that will certainly make it a prime solution for a large category of users.
In theory, whenever someone goes shopping for a new HDTV, the size of the room where the respective device will be installed is quite an important issue, at least when talking about an ultra wide-screen TV.
However, there are certain cases when the available space is rather limited, and has to be shared with other types of displays (just think of a dorm-room for example), so you'll immediately see why the Flatron M2280D is an excellent all-rounder, since this thing can be used as a PC display, a TV set and even a multimedia player, need-be.
And although one might believe that cramming-up so many functions into a single device would ultimately affect its overall level of quality and functionality, the truth of the matter is that the Flatron hybrid monitor from LG managed to leave us a very good impression, since it carries out each of these functions in an equally satisfactory manner.
Aesthetics and design
Overall design features
In terms of design, the LG Flatron M2280D manages to leave a fairly OK impression, although its overall looks are not exactly what we'd call "award-winning" or "eye-catching".
So, this thing measures 505 x 190 x 394 mm and weighs roughly 3.7 Kilos, which means that you probably shouldn't have too much trouble moving it between various locations, although we strongly suggest that you don't make a habit out of this. Controls To be perfectly honest, the control area of the LG Flatron M2280D was the single biggest disappointment this device had in store for us, at least as far as the touch controls placed right on the monitor's front side are concerned.
Unfortunately, for some reason, the sample unit delivered to us lacked a remote control (probably got lost on the way), and for this reason, we had to rely solely on the aforementioned control elements, visibly marked on the right/lower side of the device, an experience that wasn't the best possible ever.
In fact, before getting used to it, we thought that the sample was damaged, that there was something very wrong with the controls (Input, Menu, OK, Volume and Program switching, as well as On/Off buttons are available), since we simply couldn't activate the desired functions, as if the touch controls didn't detect our fingers when placed onto them.
After numerous attempts, we've decided that some more drastic action is required, and that's when we've started tapping the buttons, instead of gently pressing the top surface.
After getting used with the controls, we were able to browse freely through the available menus in the OSD, which is quite well developed, letting users tweak many of the display's functions and features (but we'll talk a lot more on this topic within the live performance section of our review).
We're quite sure that users won't come across such problems when using the remote control and there might have been something a tad wrong with the our sample as well, so it's quite possibly that most LG Flatron M2280D retail units won't have this problem. Connectivity Given the high level of versatility and multiple uses it provides, it should come as no surprise that LG's Flatron M2280D display packs quite a large number of connectivity options, all of which are located on the rear side.
So, from right to left, the first thing we see is a slot for inserting a PCMCIA card (now this is something you don't see everyday in a display), located on the top side of the display.
The rest of the connectors are concentrated in the lower/middle side of the device, starting with an antenna connector (used for connecting an aerial antenna's cable) and followed by a SCART connector, which enables users to hook up all sort of receivers to the M2280D, most such products still relying on this aging interface.
Next in line come the Component and Composite video inputs, as well as the separate audio-in and audio-out ports used for attaching a pair of headphones to the display, for private listening, or for inserting a 3.5-mm audio jack coming from some audio signal source, in order to take advantage of the M2280D's own speakers.
As a small side-note, we think that the placement of the USB connector way back on the rear side isn't exactly a great idea, given the fact that users who want to benefit from the monitor's extensive multimedia playback features will have to reach all the way back in order to connect the storage drives (if they don't want to use an USB extender or hub, that is).
Next to the USB port you'll be able to notice 2 HDMI interfaces, as well as a VGA input plus a RS232C connector, used for control and servicing purposes.
Strange enough, there's no DVI interface, currently the standard interface on all GPUs released on the market, which means that users will have to purchase an extra adapter if their graphics unit doesn't happen to be equipped with a HDMI output, for example.
All in all, we'll have to admit that were pretty impressed with the number and diversity of connectivity options the LG Flatron M2280D comes equipped with, that will allow users to actually connect an absolutely huge number of devices to it.
Tech facts
Screen
Screen Size - 21.5 inch;
Technology - TFT active matrix;
Matrix Type - TFT TN;
Widescreen – Yes;
Screen Resolution – 1920x1080;
Screen Pixels – 2073600;
Color Support - 16.7 million colors;
Response Time - 5 ms;
Speakers – Yes; Speakers Power - 2x5 W; Headphone Jack – Yes;
Video
Horizontal Frequency Bandwidth (H-Sync Rate) - 30-83 Hz;
Vertical Frequency Bandwidth (V-Sync Rate) - 56-75 Mhz;
TV-tuner – Yes;
Power Device Form Factor – internal; Operational Power Consumption - 35 W; Power Standy - 1 W.
Real-life performance
Setup and general operation
Before moving on to the image quality and overall level of functionality provided by the display from LG, we'll have to point out that the device is fairly easy to install and get in operational status, although one should pay a bit of attention to that screw used for connecting the base support plate to the main support element (a screwdriver is required, at least if you're interested in getting a solid and secure fit).
As far as the general operation and menu navigation are concerned, we can't really say that we've encountered any serious problems, the M2280D from LG featuring a pretty user-friendly interface, that provides fast and easy access to all of the available functions, including the relatively numerous customization options, users being able to choose the display modes and tweak the various image-related settings as they see fit.
Of course, users are encouraged to either choose the dedicated modes for the task at hand or customize the colors in order to best suit their needs, but even if you opt for the built-in modes, you'll be greatly rewarded.
As far as the display itself is concerned, we'll only have to say that, in our opinion, such an advanced and versatile solution would have deserved a slightly larger display.
Browsing through the programs is also fairly easy (naturally, a lot easier when you've got a remote control, but it will work fairly OK also when using the touch-enabled front-side controls), while the device from LG also offers a very user-friendly program management interface (you'll require the remote for this to work properly, though).
In fact, with just a couple of clicks, the device will turn into a large-size digital photo frame, while the self-contained media players also enables you to add a musical background to your photos.
However, if you do want to enjoy a more powerful, encompassing sound, nothing's stopping you from purchasing a more advanced audio system, the M2280D packing the necessary connectors (SPDIF, audio-out) for hooking this thing up to an external speaker system. Conclusions Overall impressions
The LG Flatron M2280D Full HD LED TV/Monitor is, without a doubt, the most complex display solution we've ever had the chance of testing, the device providing a very high level of functionality , as it can be used both as a PC monitor and Full HD TV, while in the same time packing a built-in multimedia player.
Since LG crammed up so manny different functions in this thing, the Flatron M2280D targets mostly the mainstream segment, although even these categories of users might have some trouble with such issues as the placement of the USB connector and the lack of a DVI interface.
Sales package
Although the contents of the sales package might actually varry from market to market, there are certain elements that will most likely be found in the box just about anywhere this thing might be sold, including here the following: