HannsG HP225DJB monitor review

Finding a work desk monitor that's more than half decent and doesn't cost a fortune is not too difficult these days as thankfully there's loads of competition out there for what is a lucrative market.

However, the latest HannsG HP225DJB 21.5" widescreen LED display offers a feature that surprisingly few in its class take for granted - height adjustment. If you're generally glued to a computer for a good 8 hours a day, then you want to view the material at head height and this monitor allows you to raise it by up to 8cm, which should ensure a stark reduction in stiff necks.

It's a relatively sturdy bit of equipment with an oval shaped base that includes a 'pit' for paper-clips, rubber bands and headache tablets. The stand has an extremely smooth swivel action up to 30° and the screen can be tilted through 15°. It has to be said, though, that both the tilt and height adjustment are rather stiff, even if the chances are you won't be readjusting either much once established.

The HP225DJB has the usual HannsG menu buttons discreetly hidden under the bottom right corner of the bezel and round the back is a basic set of VGA and DVI-D inputs (no HDMI alas). You do get included a standard pair of 2 x 1W speakers which you will probably never use plus a regular jack audio input.

Visually its very bright (250cd/m2), you have Full HD (i.e. 1920 x 1080) resolution and a maximum dynamic contrast ratio of 15,000,000:1. Games look fine on it thanks to a 5ms response time and movies have strong colour tones and lighting contrasts.

If you're quick you can pick up one of the HannsG HP225DJB monitors for around £110 at Amazon - if not, Misco are doing a decent offer of £123.

Score: 3.5/5