Overview
With such a hectic lifestyle, it is sometimes very difficult to enjoy some of lifes little pleasures. As a gadget geek I don’t know about you but as sad as it might sound my PC has become more than just a place for me to type my documents. As well as this it has become a hub to watch videos, browse the web and play games so it is not surprising that technology manufacturers, like LG are using this change in user pattern experience to their advantage and offering users like us a better viewing experience on our PCs. The latest addition to LG’s W53 range is the LG W2353 monitor.
Now when I write about LG I almost can’t help using the word ‘stylish’ as they always seem to produce some fantastically styled products and the LG W2353 doesn’t disappoint in that department. Touting a modern and sleek black exterior, it will definitely make your viewing experience that little bit more special knowing that your staring at a very sexy screen. As well as proving to hit high marks in the looks department it also behaves elegantly using live sensors which make the buttons glow as your fingers approach the monitor.
We got to try out the 23 inch model, which is packed with a whole host of award winning features such as LG’s new “SMART” technology, full HD at 1080p, 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution and an ultra fast 2ms response time, so let’s see how it performed in our technology test drive…
Review
When I first had a look at the monitor, at a massive 23″, it came as no surprise that when I sat my previous 17″ monitor against this one, mine looked extremely petite compared to this giant. Encased in a sleek, curved, glossy black exterior, the only quibble I did have with this monitor was that it isn’t as easily wall mountable compared to the other new monitors, but that aside I don’t think that’s a major issue for most people.
Set Up
This monitor like most is very easy to set-up, all you have to do is plug it in using a HDMI, DVI or VGA port and you can use it to tap into its full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080px) capability, as long as your graphics card supports this of course. If you want to use some of the extra features which give you access to manage profiles, preferences and various other settings then you can install the additional software that’s provided.
Features
Once set-up, it’s easy to use using LG’s F-engine technology, which allows the user to quickly switch between different display modes. There’s a host of default settings, one for movies, sports, internet, games etc. The monitor does come with an innovative piece of technology known as its SMART technology which makes the monitor ideal for everyday use.
The goal of LG's "SMART" technology on the W53 Series is to provide top picture quality and a comfortable viewing experience whilst also reducing eyestrain during extended use. This is mainly achieved with the, Auto Bright, Live Sensor and Time Controls.
One of my favourite features which sets it apart from the rest of the other monitors on the market is its ergonomically designed Auto Bright function. It cleverly measures the brightness of ambient light and creates a comfortable brightness level that transpires a clear image without causing eye strain.
Other features within the SMART technology includes a Live Sensor function, in which the LED lights up everytime a presence is felt close to the buttons. Another useful feature has got to be the alarm clock. With time control option of OFF/1HOUR/2 HOURS, this would be great for someone like me who never takes regular breaks so a prompt like this could definitely help.
Sometimes when I watch videos from the web I can’t help getting irritated with low resolution images and pixels being distorted when the clips are viewed on a full screen as well as the annoying adverts that are pasted around the web page. Just like a movie theatre, the LG W253 Cinema Mode creates an ideal environment for viewing video clips posted online by dimming the areas around the video and helping you to focus on what you are watching.
The monitor will be available from between £149 – £160 in the UK.
The Gaj-It Verdict:
Design: 9.5/10
Usability: 9/10
Features: 8/10
Value: 10/10
We Say:
Our verdict gives this a definite sleek and stylish technology stamp of approval. With a whole host of ‘SMART’ features without my favourite being the Auto Bright function. When it comes to price this gadget definitely hold a good price compared to some of its competitors on the market and is an added bonus for geeks like me who are need of user inspired monitors when we are using our PC.
