Digital Trends

HP w2007 May 2nd, 2007 | by Jason Tomczak

Setup & Use

Setting up the w2007 is very easy. After removing the LCD screen and base from the box, attach the base and set the monitor upright on a desk or table. Plug the power cord (no power brick, thank goodness) into the w2007, but don't plug it into the wall yet. Connect the included 1/8" audio cable into the green audio-in port if you'll be using the w2007's internal speakers for sound. Connect your VGA or DVI cable, depending on which connection you will be using. Of course, HP failed (again) to provide a DVI cable, so you'll have to provide your own. A VGA cable is included with the w2007.

Once the w2007 has all cables connected to its ports, connect the corresponding ends to your computer system. Then plug the monitor into the wall outlet. Power the w2007 up by pressing the power button on top of the LCD bezel.

If you use any version of Windows, you may need to configure the monitor's proper resolution of 1680 x 1050. Mac users won't have to do any configuration — the w2007 is automatically recognized and compensated for.

Test your audio on the w2007 by playing an MP3 or any other audio file. Make volume adjustments on the w2007 by using the control buttons located on the lower right corner of the bezel. You may need to adjust the volume on your computer to help regulate the proper volume levels on the w2007.

Integrated Speakers
It's not really fair to expect truly impressive sound from integrated speakers in an LCD screen. At best, these 2-watt speakers (2-watt x2) will give laptop-like sound — and that's just what the w2007 provides. Bass is weak, but mids and highs are fine. While the w2007 is not going to replace a high quality external speaker system for your computer or iPod, it performs perfectly well for playing general audio files like podcasts, talk radio, audio notes for transcription, etc. and it handles TV and DVD audio well (though not really well).

Photo & DVD Results
The w2007 is quite impressive for viewing high resolution photos. The glossy screen really brings images to life. When viewing some of my favorite photographs, I found myself continually impressed with the image. Colors are unbelievably vivid, and skin tones so realistic it almost seemed like my photo subjects were sitting in front of me again.

DVDs look gorgeous too, especially because of the glossy screen of the w2007. I tested Amelie, Underworld, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. All three films have different lighting, visual effects, and tonal qualities that render differently on varying qualities of LCD screens. Each of these movies looked fantastic on the w2007. Colors were lifelike, blacks were darker than pitch, and whites were pure. Thanks to the impressive 5ms response time and the 1000:1 contrast ratio, there was no ghosting or evidence of artifacts.

The HP w2007 connected to an Apple MacBook Pro