For the most part, the HP Envy has you covered if all you need is a widescreen monitor with built-in speakers. Let’s face it: Most desktops in the market come without speakers or have speakers that are so underpowered making them virtually unlistenable at high volumes. However, a monitor with powerful built-in speakers makes everything enjoyable, and HP ensures you enjoy exactly that.
It comes with on-board Beats Audio technology and a set of well-positioned built-in speaker bar to deliver quality, full-bodied audio. Also, it is equipped with a bright IPS panel dedicated to the delivery of vivid colors at great densities, and it features both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs.
HP Envy Specs
- Display panel type: 27 inch, IPS
- Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz (Full HD)
- Brightness: 250 nits
- Dynamic contrast ratio: 10,000,000:1
- Response time: 7ms
- Viewing angle: 178° horizontal and vertical
- Plug and Play: Yes
- Input connections: VGA, DisplayPort and HDMI (with HDCP)
- VESA mounting: No
Design and Features
This beautifully crafted monitor sets a new precedent in its range, but it costs relatively more for a monitor that lacks future-proof features such as USB connectivity as well as height adjustability. However, if you’re a music or movie aficionado, you can bear with us that the Envy 27 is worth the extra bucks. This gorgeous-looking monitor scores where it matters most-design, resolution, TRUE colors, and an accentuated matte finish.
Apart from the Beats Audio button, there are five touch-sensitive function buttons complemented with an ambient light sensor set on the lower edge of the speaker bar. It also has an easy-to-navigate OSD (on-screen display) for the menus. At the rear is are front-facing VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort input as well as audio input, subwoofer jack, and a SPDIF port in addition to a headphone jack on the right side of the cabinet.
It is claimed to be power efficient, but that is subject to personal preferences and how you use it one thing the color output and sound quality are worth the cash.
Performance
The Envy 27 uses a bezel-less design, just like the one used in its less expensive sibling, the HP Pavilion 27xi, making the 1,920-by-1,80 panel appear bigger than the actual 27 inches. In the design is a glossy coating meant to give colors a bit of pop, but it can be reflective when viewing dark backgrounds.
The Envy 27 features a thin matte black cabinet at only 1.4 inches supported by a silver metal base measuring a little over 20 inches wide and 4.25 inches deep, with a silver hinge attachment on the right. The hinge makes it possible for you to tilt the screen back and forth but it doesn’t support height, swivel, or rotation adjustments like some of the best gaming monitors in the market.
On the bottom edge of the cabinet is a panel boosting four 3-watt speakers (6 watts per channel). The bar is conveniently angled upward to facilitate maximum projection, especially for the speakers which are nice and loud. To kick-start the Beats Audio technology, all you need to do is press the small red button conveniently located on the bottom edge of the bar.
The audio difference is instant and amazing; with more pronounced mid-tones. The audio quality in the Envy 27 rivals most 2.1 channel speaker systems which is great for a monitor.
Verdict
The HP Envy 27 may cost a little more as compared to other 27-inch IPS monitors, but it delivers features the others don’t; a Beats Audio powered speaker system, great aesthetic thanks to a bright and highly detailed panel for crisp picture rendition. However, for the price other features such as a few USB ports would be highly flexible and welcome.
That said, if having the best audio in your ideal monitor isn’t a priority, there are great alternatives out there, some with great visuals and better overall performance. The LG 27UN850-W Ultrafine is one such monitor. It boasts a UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS display, offers sRGB 99% color, and has the best ergonomic adjustments in the market.
