14 DAY TRIAL // Like all of its rivals, Philips periodically updates its product lineup, but instead of revealing just another monitor with or without optimizations, the company decided to offer something more unique, namely a fairly unusual way of improving energy efficiency, as part of its 22-inch 225PL2 LED-backlit monitor.
LED backlights are already far above CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) in terms of energy efficiency.
In fact, they are convenient enough for companies like ViewSonic to decide on completely switching over to them by next year.
Nevertheless, LED still consumes a constant amount of power because the backlights are always on during display operation.
On the other hand, the intensity of the backlight directly impacts on the power draw, and Philips decided it would play on this aspect when it designed the aforementioned 225PL2.
One feature of this display is the ZeroWatt switch, which ensures that the product uses absolutely no power when it is closed, unlike regular monitors that still consume small amounts of electricity.
The device also boasts the PowerSensor technology, which actually detects when the user leaves his or her desk, at which point the brightness is reduced.
These two elements are the main reason why Philips' latest creation earned EPEAT Gold rating.
As for actual specifications, the monitor has a native resolution of 1,680 x 1,050 pixels, a 5ms response time, a brightness of 250 cd/m2 and a pair of integrated 1.5W speakers.
Not only that, but the dynamic contrast ratio is of an impressive 20,000,000:1 and the communication with a wide range of PCs is assured by the D-Sub and DVI inputs.
What's more, the Philips 225PL2 has a stand capable of 90 degree rotation and swivel and 130mm height adjustment.
Finally, the product is designed with four USB 2.0 ports and, according to reports, will be available starting this month, in Europe, for 219 Euro.