HP has come out with their new 25" OMEN gaming monitor with G-Sync/Freesync technology. The monitor has some great features while remaining at a price point that most gamers might like. The package comes with the monitor, HDMI cable, VESA adapter plate (w/screws), DisplayPort cable, USB 3.0 to Micro-USB Type B cable, power cord with transformer (brick), and some paperwork.
PROS:
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* The look of the overall apparatus is exceptional. The ability to create your own light color and pattern on the OMEN logo on the base is pretty cool.
* Ability to hang headphones behind the screen on a built-in stand. This is a good feature; however keep in mind that if you have padding on the top of the inside of your headphones, it may get mis-shapened from the square hanging spot on the monitor stand.
* It's fast and seamless with G-sync/freesync on. 1080p gaming is nothing with this monitor. It doesn't miss a beat. I usually play Fortnite and Grid 2 along with a few other games on the Steam network. The monitor communicates with my tower and never has skipping or lag issues.
* Moving the monitor up and down can be done with ease.
* It comes with a VESA adapter (which I don't need) which can come in handy in some scenarios when those apparatus are used.
* The monitor has an abundance of inputs and additions on the back (2 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 2 USB, USB Type-B, and portable lock hole). The USB come in handy for other peripherals that you may need quick access to and don't want to run cables to the PC.
* Wire management placeholders on the back. As simple as that is, some monitors still don't come with wire management. Nice addition.
* Screen is anti-glare and works well.
CONS:
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* There is no rotating the monitor left/right or from landscape to portrait orientation. The unit can be tilted forwards/backwards and raised up/down.
* The power button is on the back right side with function knob. It's in a bit of a hard-to-reach place if the right side of your monitor is placed next to something. The bottom of the monitor would be preferable.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
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* The monitor does not support 4K or HDR; however, the speed of the monitor is what drives this product. For a 25-inch monitor, it will be difficult to be able to tell 1080p from 2K from 4K by the human eye. HP got it right by keeping the cost down and concentrating on a high refresh rate and minimal response time.
* There are no speakers built-in, but are you really going to game with monitor speakers?
* The monitor screen extends to the edge of the bezel; however viewable screen is still about a quarter of an inch from the edge, so there is still a black frame seen between the viewable screen and edge of monitor.
* I have read that the monitor settings can also be adjusted via HP program running on the PC it's connected to via USB type B cable. I have not tried that; however, if that works, that would be a huge plus rather than having to deal with the one button control on the back side.
CONCLUSION:
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For monitors in this size category, refresh rate, mechanical features, and ease of use are my most important issues. 4K/HDR can be left for much bigger screens/TVs as the human eye can barely decipher between them at this size. With the height of the monitor able to be adjusted, that's a big "plus" as I have a BT speaker that I place just below it. Without that adjustment, I would be forced to use another sound source. With the fast refresh rate and G-sync, this is one of the best buys at this price point. If you're short on space, this may be the perfect monitor for you. It packs a nice punch.