HP’s new Series 5 Pro monitors have one of my favorite high-end laptop features

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What you need to know

  • HP announced eight new Series 5 Pro monitors, ranging in size from 24 to 34 inches.
  • Three of the new flagship Conferencing displays have a pop-up Poly Studio 5MP webcam and quad 3W speakers.
  • HP’s human presence detection — Auto Lock & Awake — is included, adding extra security to PCs without the feature already built in.
  • Some models are available now starting at $192. HP is expected to launch the full lineup in November 2024.

As a seasoned professional who’s spent countless hours staring at screens, I find myself genuinely impressed by HP’s new Series 5 Pro monitors. The flagship 34-inch model, with its Smart KVM switch and versatile port selection, is a dream come true for multitaskers like me. The picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture support is a game-changer, allowing me to keep an eye on multiple tasks without the need for complex setup or switching between windows.

This week, HP is running its Imagine 2024 event, with much attention given to the latest Spectre laptop model. However, what caught my eye was HP’s new Series 5 Pro monitors. Given that the presentation heavily emphasized AI-driven PC developments, it’s only fitting that these new screens are being showcased as excellent for AI workflows and design in artificial intelligence.

HP showcased a total of eight displays, with sizes varying from 24 inches to 34 inches. Among these, the three standout models – the 524pm, 527pm, and 534pm – are particularly intriguing due to their premium features. These include integrated webcams, high-quality audio systems, USB-C compatibility, AI-enhanced noise reduction, and human presence detection (HPD).

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That last feature immediately caught my attention, as it’s usually available in high-end Windows laptops and expensive standalone webcams. HP’s flagship “PM” Conferencing monitors aren’t expected to launch until November 2024, but for now, you can check out several of the more affordable (and basic) options on HP’s website starting at $192.

HP’s flagship Series 5 Pro Conferencing monitors have one of my favorite laptop features

HP currently offers or will soon provide a total of eight Series 5 Pro monitors, however, there are three forthcoming models that might warrant patience, particularly for those frequently engaged in video conferencing and collaboration activities.

The 34-inch Series 5 Pro monitor boasts a curved ultrawide screen, making it perfect for those who require extra workspace while multitasking or working on complex tasks. This monitor features a resolution of 3440×1440 (WQHD), which aligns with the 21:9 aspect ratio. It also utilizes a VA panel that provides nearly complete sRGB color reproduction, ensuring vibrant visuals.

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Following is a 27-inch monitor featuring an IPS panel, a QHD resolution of 2560×1440, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and full coverage of the sRGB color gamut. Its smaller 24-inch counterpart comes in as the budget-friendly alternative, boasting an IPS panel, an FHD resolution of 1920×1080, a brightness level of 350 nits, and also full coverage of the sRGB color gamut.

Each of these screens boasts a seamless 100Hz refresh rate, paired with a quick 5ms GtG response time when overdrive is activated. Additionally, they come equipped with an anti-glare coating, making them perfect for office environments that often feature overhead lighting. Let’s delve into the fundamental specifications before we explore the exciting features in detail.

The main screens from the Series 5 Pro lineup carry the label “USB-C Collaborative Display,” and each one seems to meet its expectations.

What stands out to me is the integrated 5MP webcam, neatly positioned at the top of the screen. When needed, it conveniently pops up from its casing with a simple press. This webcam offers adjustability, allowing it to tilt both forward and backward for optimal viewing angles.

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HP has integrated their HPD technology into the cameras of its devices, allowing them to automatically lock and unlock connected computers as you move away or closer. This is a feature typically found in premium laptops, and it’s one I take advantage of whenever possible due to its combination of convenience and enhanced security.

Each of the three screens features top-notch audio equipment upon activation of the webcam. The base of the display houses four powerful down-facing speakers rated at 3W each. Additionally, integrated microphones come equipped with automatic AI-enhanced noise cancellation technology.

For collaboration projects (or for those with multiple PCs), a Smart KVM switch in each monitor allows for quick accessory switching between devices connected to the screen. The 34-inch 534pm model has picture-in-picture (PiP) and picture-by-picture (PbP) support, while the two smaller models replace the feature with daisy-chaining capabilities.

Thanks to a versatile array of connectivity options, this setup offers HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, a 3.5mm audio combo, dual USB-C (one with 100W power delivery and support for DP 1.4 Alt Mode), multiple USB-A ports, and RJ45 Ethernet. This gives you numerous ways to link up monitors, and the smaller models come equipped with DisplayPort 1.4 outputs for daisy-chaining capabilities.

These three monitors come equipped with versatile stands allowing for easy adjustments like tilt, swivel, pivot, and height changes, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience. Additionally, they all support VESA mounting (100mm x 100mm) if you wish to mount them on the wall, freeing up desk space.

Since these monitors cater to professionals, they can certainly be utilized within an enterprise setting. They also offer additional remote management features such as PXE Boot, Wake-on-LAN, and MAC Address forwarding.

HP’s top-tier Series 5 Pro monitors haven’t disclosed their price tags as of now, but they are set to debut in the market by November 2024.

HP has five other Series 5 Pro monitors headed our way

HP’s top-tier Series 5 Pro displays might not be essential for everyone, as the company offers five more fundamental monitors instead. These basic models are either currently on sale or slated for release in November 2024. The 23.8-inch 524pf, 524pn, and 524pu models appear to share similarities, with their differences lying primarily in resolution, connectivity options, and remote management capabilities.

You can find the basic Series 5 Pro 524pf model at HP’s website for approximately $192. It features an FHD resolution, a 100Hz refresh rate, covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut, and offers limited ports such as DP 1.2, HDMI 1.4, and USB-A. The 524pn model provides a taller 16:10 aspect ratio and an FHD+ resolution, but otherwise maintains similar specifications.

This particular model, the 524pu, is built upon the foundation of the 524pf model. However, it boasts additional features such as USB-C 3.2 (with DisplayPort 1.4 Alternate Mode), DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and outputs for daisy chaining, and downstream USB-C ports. Moreover, it inherits the remote management capabilities that are characteristic of the high-end Series 5 Pro monitors.

These specific 27-inch Series 5 Pro screens, such as the 527pq and 527pu versions, stand out due to their diverse range of ports and advanced remote management capabilities.

As an analyst, I’m currently examining the 527pq monitor, now accessible at HP for roughly $274. This model offers a more fundamental choice, featuring an IPS panel, QHD resolution, a refresh rate of 100Hz, and 100% sRGB color coverage. In terms of connectivity, it provides DP 1.2, HDMI 2.0, four USB-A, and USB-B ports. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t support remote management.

The anticipated model, labeled as 527pu, is due in November. This device will offer MAC address passthrough, PXE Boot functionality, and Wake-on-Lan capabilities. Additionally, the package includes extra ports with daisy-chain support. Notably, it features USB-C 3.2 with DisplayPort 1.4 Alternate Mode, boasting both input and output DisplayPort 1.4 connections, HDMI 2.0, three standard USB-A ports, and a downstream USB-C 3.2 port.

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2024-09-24 19:43