CNET editors' take
- Reviewed on: 04/04/2007
The HP VP17 is a 17-inch, standard-aspect ratio LCD that costs a reasonable $200. It features an overall sleek design with its shiny black bezel, giving this otherwise ho-hum, productivity-minded monitor an updated look. Unless you are wide-screen adverse or work in a setting that is overly prone to glare, it's hard to recommend this LCD when HP offers the 19-inch wide-screen W1907 for only $30 more.
The HP VP17 has a 1,280x1,024 (SXGA) native resolution and a contrast ratio HP rates at 700:1, which is lower than the HP W1907's rated 1,000:1 contrast ratio. Both LCDs feature a 300cd/m2 brightness rating and a fast 5-millisecond pixel response time. Unlike the W1907 and an increasing number of desktop and laptop LCDs, the VP17 does not feature a glossy screen coating, which can produce more vibrant colors but often results in distracting reflections and glare.
The VP17 features both digital and analog video connections and 2-watt stereo speakers. It also is HDCP-compliant for viewing protected HD content. The monitor stand provides tilt and swivel adjustments, and it is detachable should you want to mount the screen on a wall.
