Lenovo L2440X

Unlike conventional LCDs, which are backlit by cold-cathode fluorescent lights, Lenovo’s L2440X uses an array of LEDs.

This means that it uses less power than similar displays and, being free of both mercury and arsenic, the L2440X is certainly green too. These are peripheral concerns for most users though, who are more concerned with whether or not it displays a good picture.

Thankfully, it does. The backlight proved completely even when displaying our solid-colour tests. We could spot no crosstalk or blurring, leaving each pixel pin sharp. We noticed a side-effect where the brightness of the entire panel adjusted when switching between a dark window and a bright one, which initially proved distracting.

With the default calibration, the image was a too pink for our liking, but it turned out that this was caused by the colour profile being set on a preset called ‘Reddish’ ­ the Neutral setting looks better. Calibrating the screen using an X-Rite Eye-One only required a slight change.

Physically the L2440X is as impressive as the images it produces. It pivots by 90º into portrait orientation, and the height is adjustable. The screen can be tilted and the edge of the bezel moved from 2.5cm to 13.5cm off the desk. There are VGA, DVI and HDMI inputs built in, along with a USB hub, with three of the USB ports located on the left edge of the display. There are no speakers ­ which is no loss, as fitting quality speakers is difficult ­ but there’s a 3.5mm audio output for connecting an external set.

The L2440X is an excellent monitor, but there’s a catch: the L2440X can display a great picture, but other 24in displays can be bought for less. Dell’s G2410, for example, might not have HDMI, but it can be found for just £265.