Reviews4,313 Reviews

All Reviews > Hardware > Displays > LCD monitors > 19-inch and bigger LCDs

July 30, 2009

HP 2309m review

Product Code: FV588AA

The HP 2309m 23in LCD monitor has a full HD resolution, an HDMI connection and built-in speakers, making it ideal for use as a gaming display.

Although the HP 2309m monitor offers good clarity and colours, excessive glare from the glossy screen and bezel detracts from the overall user experience.

The HP 2309m LCD monitor is simple but stylish. It has a rounded, glossy black bezel with silver edging and a curved silver base. HP claims the design of the base allows you to maximise desk space. The stand may be functional in this sense, but it's a little restricted: the screen can only be tilted, not raised or swivelled.

Business IT reviews and advice

The outer edge of the HP 2309m's bezel uses a matte black finish and the controls our housed in the bottom left corner. The button placement underneath the bezel is a little awkward and although the keys are clearly labelled, the text isn't backlit. Unfortunately, the bezel and the glossy surface of the display make reflections a problem. HP claims the use of BrightView technology reduces glare, but even after adjusting the myriad of settings available it was a huge problem in the office environment where we tested. For example, text on the edge of the screen in our DisplayMate tests reflected onto the edge of the bezel.

The HP 2309m LCD monitor has standard VGA and DVI inputs, as well as an HDMI input. Combined with the native Full HD resolution of 1920x1080, the HP 2309m is ideal for use with the latest high-definition gaming consoles, such as Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. We connected the LCD monitor to both an Xbox 360 and a Blu-ray player, and the results were impressive. The 3ms response time means it isn't as quick as some monitors (most new LCD monitors have a 2ms response time) but the HP 2309m handles fast motion superbly, with no ghosting visible.

Image quality when using the DVI input is also impressive. The desktop is sharp and striking and text has no visible aberrations. Colour reproduction is excellent: the bright, vivid colours aren't washed out and, unlike many competing LCD monitors such as the BenQ G2412HD, skin tones aren't over-saturated.

Unfortunately, the HP 2309m's viewing angles aren't great and the glossy display doesn't help. There is noticeable colour shift and a loss of detail when viewing the screen from horizontal or vertical angles (though the horizontal viewing angles are slightly better). The built-in speakers aren't the worst we've seen in a monitor, but any self-respecting gamer will use external speakers.

NEXT: our expert verdict >>

PCWorld.idg.com.au

VERDICT >
1 | 2 | NEXT >

Independent customer reviews from

HP 2309m scored:
9.4 out of 10 100% real reviews

The 2 most helpful reviews based on 3 reviews:

01 Nov 2009 Mark, Bournemouth

9

Good Points

Good looking large sreen action with energy saving features

Bad Points

Reviewer left no comment

23 Dec 2009 Anonymous verified purchaser

9

Good Points

Well balanced colour

Bad Points

Reviewer left no comment

See more HP 2309m reviews on Reevoo.com

Best Prices

£195
Go»
£195
Go»
£204
Go»
Prices, delivery and availability at 3 retailers
Go»

User Reviews

Friday, 30 October 2009

Reviewed by pcwsurfer

Star Rating: rating of 5

Duration of ownership: 28 days

Strengths:
Very clear, sharp and bright with vivid colours. HDMI, DVI & VGA inputs. Glossy screen enhanced by a black bezel. Classy and sleek design. lightweight. inexpensive

Weaknesses:
No vertical or swivel movement. Speakers are quiet

Overall Evaluation:
An excellent all-round monitor. Great for digital images and general use. I am sure it would be a good choice for gamers too.

Keep up to date by adding PC Advisor Reviews to your iGoogle home page or Google Reader

What is this?

Subscribe to PC Advisor now and claim your FREE gift

Question of the day!

Does your smartphone replace your need for a laptop when on the move?

Question of the day!

Does your smartphone replace your need for a laptop when on the move?

% of PC Advisor readers agree with you

Yes
TBC
No
TBC

Which parts of the desktop PC/laptop experience can't you get on your smartphone?

119 characters remaining

Follow the conversation at @SmartphoneFocus

web browsing, search facilities, voip, email, word processing everything RT @Graham_D_C

Mainly email but getting better at spreadsheets etc, RT @IDGdan

Total reviews: 4,313

See product specs

expert rating

Overall

3.5/5

expert rating

PC Advisor Reader Ratings

5/5

HP 2309m

READER REVIEWS


Google


Recent reviews

Reviews index


Latest reader reviews

Latest reader reviews


Top news

News index


Latest blog entries

Blogs index


Sponsored Content

  • Take the internet to new places with the Nokia N800
    Communicate how you want to, where you want to with instant messaging, email and internet calling. View movies, browse the internet wirelessly and watch TV on the high-resolution screen and listen through high-quality stereo speakers with headphone jack.
    Buy now