- 2560 x 1080
- 1000:1
- DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
This high-quality, ultra-wide IPS monitor is a winner
06/15/2014
This review is from: LG 25UM64-S Black 25" Dual HDMI UltraWide screen 21:9 LED Backlight LCD Monitor IPS Panel 250 cd/m2 1000:1 Built-in Speakers
Pros:
The LG 25UM64-S is an ultra-wide 25” IPS monitor; ultra wide meaning the aspect ratio is 21:9. This means there is an incredible amount of horizontal pixel space as compared to the vertical pixel space. This equates to a max and recommended resolution of 2560 x 1080. One can equate this single monitor as having the screen real estate space of two monitors jammed into a single housing sans the center bezel area that a dual monitor solution would give you.
Since the 25UM64-S is using IPS technology the colors are vibrant and full, and the blacks are nice and black with no apparent edge bleed across all viewing angles. The panel itself is a matte finish which greatly reduces glare on the screen. In both natural bright lighting and bright artificial lighting the monitor maintains color vibrancy with no wash out. Excellent results are also encountered in dim or dark rooms. The bezel surrounding the IPS panel is quite small and gives off a very professional appearance and high build quality.
The 25UM64-S features response times of 14ms (typical) and 5ms (gtg) so performance is quite good in gaming, movies, and related office productivity with no noticeable ghosting effect. These response time numbers are typical for IPS panels of this size, quality, and price. Gaming and productivity tasks all look fantastic on the vast real estate space.
The rear connections are a DVI-D, 2 HDMI, and a DisplayPort option, as well as an audio in 3.5mm jack and a 3.5mm headphone jack. With the many options for input and the included “screen split” software provided you can segment the entire screen space into 4 separate desktops in a 2x2 pattern and switch between them effortlessly. Additionally, you can also use a dual input option to connect any 2 separate devices and view both inputs simultaneously on each half of the screen. The “screen split” software provided will only work on Windows Vista/7/8 and Mac OS computers.
The housed speakers are actually a little more powerful than most monitor/speaker combinations with the 25UM64-S running both left and right speakers at 3 watts (the average is 1 watt). While most people never use the monitor speakers it's nice to have that option there should one ever need it. Moreover, the monitor is VESA compatible (75mm x 75mm), and can tilt up/down between -5 and +20 degrees.
In the box you will receive the 25" monitor, removable monitor stand, power adapter, power cable, and a single HDMI cable.
Cons:
LG does not include a DVI-D cable, a DisplayPort cable, or a second HDMI cable. While acquiring each of these cables is very easy and costs very little money it would have been nice for them to be included in the box. A simple HDMI to DVI-D adapter would have been a nice addition as well in order to give customers a wider variety of connectivity options with the myriad of video cards in use with their many connection types. This small con does not warrant the loss of an egg in my opinion.
Overall Review:
The 25UM64-S is a great option for someone who has very little desk space but still wants a large screen for a lot of screen real estate. The single base footprint on a desk is very small. While the native resolution is 2560 x 1080, the monitor will support all other lower resolutions out there (with black space cropping on the top/bottom and/or sides as appropriate).
A HDMI version 2.0 cable is required to run at an aspect ratio of 21:9. Keep this in mind if you want to replace the included HDMI cable (you want to purchase a longer cable or replace a damaged one, etc.). Earlier HDMI versions 1.0-1.4 do not support the 21:9 aspect ratio.
Overall, you would be hard pressed to find such a large monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio and high resolution for the price. Well done LG!
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