Hasta La Gadget!

If you’re like me,  you probably spend way too much time staring at a computer screen. There are some ways to reduce eyestrain, but I have to say that using IKEA’s Dioder LED light strips is one of the most effective since it’s kind of a low-tech, low-cost way of hacking your monitor into a Philips Ambilight.

IKEA Hacker Skipernicus did this, by mounting the $30 Dioder lights on the back of his monitor. He used an Ergotron arm to prop his monitor up, but this should work with any type of monitor, including HDTVs. He also Velcroed the controller the back of the monitor, for easy access, and zip-ties were used to connect the wiring to the monitor arm.

While they won’t match the on-screen colors like an actual Ambilight, the Dioder strips can cycle through colors, and the the backlighting can reduce eyestrain, which is definitely a plus.

And for those of you who are more electronically-inclined, there actually is a color-matching hack available here.

[via Ikeahackers]

Dell’s UltraSharp displays still have a certain cachet among sticklers for quality, most of all at the high end — so today’s release of three advanced models might as well be a bonanza. The 24-inch U2413, 27-inch U2713H and 30-inch U3014 (above) once more center on PremierColor and the visual accuracy to match. Even the two smaller displays have a 12-bit processor that helps their LCDs reach 99 percent of the Adobe RGB color space and all of the sRGB space, or enough of the spectrum to eliminate most rude surprises with photo work. What else is new? Dell hasn’t divulged full details of the screens themselves, but there’s now a single-display arm and a dual-display stand to get just the right placement. Like what you see — or rather, what you will see? The U2413 and U2713H should be available now for $599 and $999 alongside the $149 arm and $169 stand, while the range-topping U3014 is due “soon” for $1,499.

Update: We reached out to Dell for more details, and the updates are substantial — all three displays bump up to a 2-million-to-1 dynamic contrast ratio, an increase in Adobe RGB color gamut coverage (up from 96 percent), a more adjustable height and support for DisplayPort daisy chaining. The two larger screens also add Mini DisplayPort.

Filed under: Displays, Peripherals, Dell

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Source: Dell

On Monday, BenQ announced an addition to its RL Series of gaming monitors: the RL2455HM. This monitor builds on the previous RL2450HT monitor with various enhancements that are said to be the direct result of feedback from the gaming community at large. Of its various offerings, the blazing fast 1ms GTG response time is its most noteworthy feature.

Other specs include two 2-watt internal speakers, and dual HDMI ports for HD connectivity. The video feed can be adjusted to meet gamers’ preferences with a variety of custom controls, including Display Mode, Smart Scaling, and BenQ’s Black eQualizer. The device was made specifically for console gaming.

The monitor features a 60Hz refresh rate, and measures in at 24-inches (16:9 aspect ratio) with full HD resolution and an LED backlight. Contrast is a cool 12 million to 1. According to BenQ, the RL2455HM offers gamers a competitive edge by allowing them to increase brightness without over-exposing white levels; this results in more detail and clarity in dark areas when gaming. The monitor is slated for launch in March at $229.

BenQ’s Director of Retail and e-Commerce Bob Wudek offered this statement. “As the official MLG gaming monitor sponsor, players relied on our RL2450HT to deliver unprecedented levels of accuracy and control in a number of tournaments across the U.S. With the RL2455HM, we’ve taken all the advanced technologies of the RL2450HT, incorporated feedback from MLG pros, and created a powerful gaming monitor. Now home gamers can get the same experience as the pros, enabling an entirely new level of player performance.”

BenQ unveils gaming monitor with super fast 1ms GTG response time is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

NEC’s MultiSync monitor lineup is well-known for offering a slew of versatile choices — as such, this year’s CES isn’t too bad a time for the Lavie creator to introduce a new member of the family. The newly announced 24-inch LED EA244WMi looks pretty good on paper, boasting a 1920 x 1200 resolution with IPS technology and a 16:10 aspect ratio, plus there’s also built-in speakers four USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, DVI-D, VGA and, similar to that EA231WMi, a DisplayPort. Naturally, NEC has added plenty of its own customization options to the rather adjustable monitor, including ControlSync to help with multi-screen setups, ECO Mode and a “smart” sensing feature which adjusts depending on “ambient light and human sensors.” The EA244WMi will go on sale later this month for $379; in the meantime, we have a press shot gallery after the break to hold you over until the monitor eventually hits shelves.

Continue reading NEC revamps its MultiSync lineup with new 24-inch IPS monitor

Filed under: Displays, Misc

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Source: NEC

Today things are officially off and running with CES 2013, and what better way to start some announcements from HP then with a host of new Windows 8 PC monitors. HP has a slew of 5 new monitor series. They’ll be featuring impressive LED, IPS, and ProDisplay monitors on the showroom floor this week, and we’ve got all the details so read on below to find out more.

We’ll jump right in as they’ve just announced 5 different monitors this afternoon. The biggest of the bunch coming in at 27-inches is the new HP Envy 27 Monitor. This features a beautiful and vivid 27-inch IPS LCD panel with their thin blade bezel design. It’s also protected in edge-to-edge hardened glass for extra gloss and protection. It features built-in Beats Audio stereo speakers, and a full 1920 x 1080p HD resolution. The new 27-inch IPS Envy 27 hits the streets February 3rd for around $499.

Next since we’re talking about IPS displays is their new HP Pavilion 20xi-27xi IPS monitors. While not covered in hardened glass like the model above, the xi series features a similar edge-to-edge bezel free design with their blade technology. They’ll come in 4 sizes: 22xi, 23xi, 25xi, and 27xi and all have 1920×1080 Full HD resolution options. You’ll then get support via VGA, DVI-D and HDMI connectivity, while a smaller 20xi offers 1600 X 900 resolution with VGA. The IPS panels ensure 178-degree viewing angles and excellent colors. The new Pavilion xi monitors start at $129 and go to $339 for the 27xi. All available around the end of January.

Then for those on the go HP’s announced their new HP U160 15.6-inch LED Backlit Monitor. This unique display features a built in stand that doubles as a carry case, and is ideal for those on the go needing a portable monitor. Weighing in around 3.4 lbs and measuring only 1.02 inches thin, this should be a great choice for many. It’s expected to be available in January starting at $179 USD.

Next up is the HP x2401 24-inch LED Backlit Monitor (pictured below and also at the head of this article). This is another high end Beats Audio powered monitor, only it is 24-inches and comes with an LED display instead of IPS — so won’t be priced as high as the 27-inch monitor above. The X2401 features an MVA panel, not IPS, but still gives excellent 178 degree viewing angles and extremely inky black colors. This monitor also rocks a full 1920 x 1080p HD resolution 5000:1 contract ratio, and comes in a brushed aluminum finish. Oddly HP states it won’t be available until November, but will be priced at $249.

Then last but certainly not least is the new HP ProDisplay LED backlit line. These are more traditional monitors, and come in 18.5, 20, and 21.5-inch inch models. Respective names are P191 18.5-inch, P201 20-inch, P201m 20-inch, and P221 21.5-inch LED Backlit Monitors. These offer 250 nits brightness, 1000:1 contract, 3M:1 DCR, 5ms response time, and 170/160 viewing angles, so not quite IPS quality. These have the always welcomed 35-degrees of tilt adjustability and 90-degree pivot modes for multiple uses. I’d probably snag two P221′s and put them side by side. The new ProDisplay line will be priced at $129-179 based on size.

Surely we can expect big things from HP here at CES, and we’ll be running around trying to get pictures and videos of all their latest and greatest. Stay tuned for plenty more from CES 2013.

HP unveils a slew of new IPS and LED monitors at CES 2013 is written by Cory Gunther & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.