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CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 08/26/2005
- Released on: 07/03/2005
The $700 HP f2105 will look good with any media center, whether it's in your living room, den, or study--especially if your PC's design runs toward the chrome or brushed-steel look. With a 21-inch-wide screen and built-in speakers, the f2105 is ideal for entertainment, and its excellent image quality and copious screen space make it a good bet for business and graphics applications as well. Though it lacks a built-in TV tuner and composite and S-Video ports, it otherwise charts a middle course between business and pleasure with its combination of high image quality, adjustability, and good looks.
The eye-catching HP f2105's wide-screen design makes it look more like a TV than a monitor. The panel and bezel together are 13.5 inches tall and 23 inches wide, with an 11-by-18-inch viewable area. The silver bezel itself runs an inch wide on the top and an inch and a half long on the bottom; the speakers take up 2.5 inches on either side. The two USB outputs are located on the left side of the display and can be used for connecting peripherals such as a camera, a printer, or an MP3 player. Two open loops on either side of the neck gather in the audio, signal, and power cables. The f2105 isn't very adjustable: it tilts forward 5 degrees and back 35 degrees and can be folded flat for shipping or storing; it doesn't pivot or swivel from side to side. A double-hinged neck makes adjusting the monitor up and down very easy; you can literally move it with one finger. The f2105 wobbles just slightly when it's adjusted or moved, but thanks to a big C-shaped stand, it won't tip over.
Ports include analog (VGA), digital (DVI), and three USB 2.0 (one upstream and two downstream) along the back of the monitor, partially covered by the removable black-plastic cover. The audio inputs connect your computer's sound card to the built-in 5-watt (per channel) speakers; the audio outputs let you connect to additional speakers or a subwoofer. The stock speakers sound relatively good and powerful, but won't rattle windows. HP earns points for including cables for all of the connections.
The menu navigation buttons set into the bottom bezel are clearly labeled and easy to use. Two control the speaker volume; the others open the onscreen menu, let you browse and make selections, and launch the autoadjust feature (on a VGA signal only).
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