HP LP2480zx

HP DreamColor LP2480zx

It's difficult to justify buying an electronic device that costs $2,500 or more. The HP DreamColor LP2480zx costs $2,500 if you buy it directly from HP, but you can find it for $2,900-to-$3,000 from other online retailers. At those prices, only graphics professionals should consider this monitor, and it won't disappoint them. The DreamColor LP2480zx's color reproduction and black levels are easily in the same league as that of the NEC MultiSync PA271W, and it even surpasses the NEC in color saturation and screen uniformity. Unfortunately, where the LP2480zx falters is its lack of calibration options when compared with the PA271W. Thanks to its vast array of intricately detailed calibration options and lower price, the NEC MultiSync PA271W is the clear value winner from the two. However, if price is no object and performance is paramount, the LP2480zx's performance is second to none of the monitors we've reviewed. The 24-inch HP DreamColor LP2480zx has a thick 2.25-inch deep, dark gray panel that extends back an additional 1.4 inches to house its connection options and ventilation system, bringing the monitor's full depth to 3.65 inches.