HP 2309m 23-inch LCD monitor

HP's 2309m 23in LCD monitor has a Full HD resolution, an HDMI connection and built-in speakers, making it ideal for use as a gaming display. Although this monitor offers good clarity and colours, excessive glare from the glossy screen and bezel detracts from the overall user experience.

The HP 2309m LCD monitor is simple but stylish. It has a rounded, glossy black bezel with silver edging and a curved silver base. HP claims the design of the base allows you to maximise desk space. The stand may be functional in this sense, but it’s a little restricted: the screen can only be tilted, not raised or swivelled.

The outer edge of the HP 2309m's bezel uses a matte black finish and the controls our housed in the bottom left corner. The button placement underneath the bezel is a little awkward and although the keys are clearly labelled, the text isn't backlit. Unfortunately, the bezel and the glossy surface of the display make reflections a problem. HP claims the use of BrightView technology reduces glare, but even after adjusting the myriad of settings available it was a huge problem in the office environment where we tested. For example, text on the edge of the screen in our DisplayMate tests reflected onto the edge of the bezel.

The HP 2309m LCD monitor has standard VGA and DVI inputs, as well as an HDMI input. Combined with the native Full HD resolution of 1920x1080, the HP 2309m is ideal for use with the latest high-definition gaming consoles, such as Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. We connected the LCD monitor to both an Xbox 360 and a Blu-ray player, and the results were impressive. The 3ms response time means it isn't as quick as some monitors (most new LCD monitors have a 2ms response time) but the HP 2309m handles fast motion superbly, with no ghosting visible.

Image quality when using the DVI input is also impressive. The Desktop is sharp and striking and text has no visible aberrations. Colour reproduction is excellent: the bright, vivid colours aren't washed out and, unlike many competing LCD monitors such as the BenQ G2412HD, skin tones aren't over-saturated.

Unfortunately, the HP 2309m's viewing angles aren't great and the glossy display doesn't help. There is noticeable colour shift and a loss of detail when viewing the screen from horizontal or vertical angles (though the horizontal viewing angles are slightly better). The built-in speakers aren't the worst we've seen in a monitor, but any self-respecting gamer will use external speakers.

Follow PC World Australia on Twitter: @PCWorldAu