HP LP2065

I am very happy with this monitor. Was putting together a new system for photography, so my priority was color accuracy, but I didn't want to shell out $800-$1000+ bucks for a monitor. ID'd this model… after researching forums @ photo.net & dpreview.com, hoping for an IPS panel but thinking I'd probably end up w/ an MPA, since in this price range mfrs use either one & don't specify. I lucked out and got the IPS. Out of the box, colors were a bit intense & too red, but after calibrating w/ Monaco Optix XR, colors are fine. Images appear rich & finely detailed. After calibration, I ran it through the LCD tests provided at http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/, and it performed extremely well. Color matching w/ prints from my Epson 2200 are the best I've seen from any of my monitors (this is #4), including my first Trinitron CRT. I love the big screen size (1600x1200) & 4:3 format; a 20" 4:3 screen is a lot more viewable area than a 20" widescreen. A couple of minor complaints: the stand, while easy to adjust, is *extremely* heavy. Also, the built-in 4-port USB hub was an added attraction, but in reality the ports are recessed in the back & almost impossible to find & access from the front. It's annoying but usable for permanently placed USB devices, but for anything requiring quick & easy access & removal (e.g., a flash drive), it's completely unworkable; don't even think about it. Overall, though, this is a fine monitor and a great find at this price. Would choose it again, no question. -- Peter McEntee

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Pros: * very accurate color and sharp text * small dot pitch (0.255mm) for fine grain photos. * really wide view angle, almost like a CRT monitor * enough DVI,VGA cables to hook up two computers Cons: *… not very good for playing DVDs, noticeable lags. * extremely heavy * the monitor panel is not horizontally level when sitting on the base. The left side is lower than the right side. The rotatable part seems not accurately adjusted. Will call support to fix this.

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Check the revision number on your box or on the back of your monitor. If it starts with "GSM" followed by 3 numbers then you have an S-IPS panel and won the "HP Lottery". Otherwise, you got the MVA panel… which, while good, is not as color accurate as the IPS. I received mine on June 3rd, 2008 and got a "GSM002" revision so they're still out there. After calibrating with my Spyder3Elite, the color and clarity on this thing rivals monitors 2-3 times its price. I couldn't be happier. From what I've read on the forums lately, it seems that most 2065's these days are IPS panels so, if you decide to order, best of luck!

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I have four of these on my desk in portrait mode, mounted on Ergotron stands. The stands HP ships are nice enough that I've re-used them to mount other VESA monitors in my office. The display panel is… decent. Colors are roughly on par with my Apple 30" display. I bought this panel because it has the closest color and dimensions to match the Apple display. The panels have dual DVI inputs and come with 2 DVI cables and 2 SVGA/DVI adapter cables. The shipping boxes are large and sturdy, which reflect the build quality of the monitor and the stand. The monitor case is plastic, but it feels robust compared to some of the cheaper panels out there. The on-screen controls are reasonably good and make sense. If you're looking for a 1600x1200 non-widescreen 20", this is one of the few panels left on the market.

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