I may have found the ultimate monitor for conferencing and productivity, but it has a few weaknesses

An excellent dependable screen can significantly impact your productivity, and HP stands out as a top choice for acquiring one.

Among numerous monitors catering to various purposes, the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) aspires to fulfill all requirements.

This display, centered around productivity, appears to offer every desirable feature, making it unlikely you’ll require additional equipment. Remarkably, the HP 734pm aspires to serve as a connector linking all your other devices and screens – such is its capability.

If you’re seeking an ultimate multipurpose monitor, this could very well be your ideal match. However, since it houses a multitude of components within a single casing, certain concessions have been made. Keep in mind that you’re not just paying for the features you’ll utilize but for the entire package as well.

This review was created using a product sample supplied by HP. HP did not influence the content or have any knowledge of it before it was published.

HP 734pm review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A widescreen, IPS LCD monitor with built-in video conferencing and multi-device productivity features.
• Who is it for? Those who need the ultimate companion for connecting multiple devices, monitors, and accessories together while working or communicating.
• How much does it cost? The HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) retails for $1,229 at HP, but I have seen it go on sale already.
• What did I like? The high-quality display, the solid Windows Hello webcam, the Thunderbolt 4 hub, and the wealth of extra features.
• What did I not like? The finicky setup process, the minor annoyances during use, and the high price tag.

HP 734pm review: Pricing and specifications

Many affordable 34-inch, curved WQHD monitors can be found on the market, however, few, if any, possess the extensive range of features and abilities that this model does.

The additional features are what make the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) sell for $1,229 at HP, a price that’s quite high for a monitor of this quality level in general.

Previously, I’ve noticed that the same monitor has been discounted, even dropping below the $1,000 mark. Prices beneath this threshold are more palatable, however, be mindful that most of these reductions originate from third-party vendors.

The monitor has gone on sale before for less than $1,000, but if you see it at that price or lower, keep in mind that the discount might come from a third-party seller.

Inside the box, you’ll discover the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (Model 734pm), its two-part stand that requires tool-less assembly, a VESA mount adapter for a 100 x 100mm setup, an AC power cord, and four different cables: one each of DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 4, and USB Type-C to USB Type-A (upstream).

Or more concisely:
The package contains the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (Model 734pm), its tool-less two-piece stand, a VESA mount adapter, an AC power cable, and assorted cables including DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 4, and USB Type-C to USB Type-A (upstream).

HP 734pm review: What I like

In a sea of 34-inch wide, curved screens (with a 1900R curve), the HP 734pm blends rather than stands out, primarily due to its mostly plastic casing and silver color scheme. While it’s not unattractive and has an acceptable build quality, it lacks unique features that would make it stand out from the competition.

This monitor is great for productivity purposes, and assembling the 734pm is straightforward. The stand, comprised of two pieces, snaps effortlessly onto the monitor’s backside and feels sturdy. It offers height adjustment, tilting, and swivel functionality, although it doesn’t allow for vertical pivoting like some other models might.

The majority of your ports will be arranged systematically and identified on the monitor’s rear side. There are two USB ports hidden at the bottom center area. A subtle power button can be located to their left, while a control for adjusting the On-Screen Display (OSD) is positioned on the back right side in the form of a button/D-Pad combo.

This setup offers excellent flexibility, as the On-Screen Display (OSD) allows you to customize a wide range of display settings, including color profiles, KVM/PiP/PbP options, hardware features, and more. For added convenience, you can install the HP Display Center, which enables you to control these settings using your mouse and keyboard, as well as update the firmware with ease (once it’s properly set up).

Indeed, the HP 734pm stands out primarily due to its impressive, curved 34-inch display with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Although the resolution, WQHD (1440p), is somewhat fundamental, HP opted for an excellent IPS LCD Black panel for this monitor.

During my tests, it exceeded HP’s claims for a 98% adherence to the DCI-P3 color gamut and a peak brightness of 400 nits, which was impressive. In most cases, this screen maintains comfort and accuracy across various brightness settings.

This model stands out with its superior contrast due to the application of “Black” technology, making it more concise than most IPS LCD displays. Additionally, boasting a rapid refresh rate of 120Hz, the HP 734pm offers a significantly smoother viewing experience compared to typical office monitors.

For a curved screen like the HP 734pm, viewing angles are adequately adjusted, and an anti-glare coating works effectively in reducing reflections. However, with a brightness level exceeding 500 nits, this monitor can handle a significant amount of glare without requiring additional treatment to combat it.

While widescreen monitors may present some challenges for content consumption, they are generally well-received during gaming and other tasks. At minimum, they make for a great screen for maintaining productivity and managing multiple tasks effectively.

The exceptional nature of the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) goes well beyond just its wide screen display. In essence, this monitor is an absolute treasure trove of features.

The setup begins with a robust USB hub running on Thunderbolt 4 technology, offering an abundance of additional connectors to link various accessories and devices that might be desired.

The HP 734pm, boasting up to 100W of Power Delivery, is designed to maximize the capabilities and functionalities for laptops equipped with USB4 or Thunderbolt technology. Additionally, it caters to desktop PCs by incorporating DisplayPort and HDMI connections. For a versatile connection, you can utilize the USB Type-C upstream port, which can manage video input and 65W of Power Delivery if desired, linking you to that USB hub.

Fret not, there’s even more to it! The HP 734pm comes equipped with exclusive Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports that allow for daisy-chaining numerous monitors. This means you can effortlessly link your device to multiple screens using just one (or two) cables at a time.

As a researcher, I initially thought my work was completed, but then I discovered an additional bonus: full Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) support. This means I can now control multiple connected devices with a single keyboard and mouse, even simultaneously! Moreover, I can share files effortlessly between these devices by utilizing my monitor as the bridge for data transfer. What a game-changer!

The HP 734pm surpasses most monitors currently available, yet it boasts even more impressive features.

The HP 734pm comes equipped with a proximity sensor that triggers Human Presence Detection (HPD), allowing it to turn on or off based on whether you’re nearby or not. Additionally, an ambient light sensor will automatically adjust the screen brightness according to your surroundings.

Ultimately, the HP 734pm is geared up with all essentials for video calls, featuring a 5MP webcam that has High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities, dual-array microphones with noise-cancellation technology, and four speakers. Moreover, this webcam also supports Windows Hello facial recognition, enabling you to swiftly log into your computer just by looking at it.

This webcam impressively delivers solid performance, boasting clear details and accurate color representation. However, it may not outperform dedicated webcams at the top tier. Yet, the inclusion of Windows Hello is a fantastic feature, and uniquely, the HP 734pm can automatically frame and blur the background seamlessly with any device, without requiring extra software or drivers for this functionality.

The speakers emit surprisingly high volumes, capable of filling an entire space with sound, while the microphones effectively mute background noise during video conferences in the HP 734pm model, demonstrating its versatility.

HP 734pm review: What I don’t like

To begin, I’ll discuss the fundamentals. ASUS offers the most effective method for attaching monitors using the VESA standard, thanks to its adapter that can be screwed onto your VESA mount and then simply clipped onto the back of the monitor, much like its stand. On the other hand, HP necessitates removing the stand bracket first before installing the VESA adapter. Afterward, you can securely attach the monitor to your VESA mount, a process that, given the size of the display, is as cumbersome as one might anticipate.

Additionally, I’d appreciate it if the left/right and up/down keys served as quicker alternatives for adjusting volume and screen brightness, rather than having to access the on-screen display (OSD) menu each time.

The HP 734pm monitor can play HDR content, but it only adheres to the DisplayHDR 400 level and may not provide optimal performance in this regard. If you value superior HDR performance, you might want to consider other options. Additionally, this monitor isn’t ideal for gaming, as it has an average response time of 5ms.

Although the dual-microphone setup and speakers perform well, any standard headset can easily surpass their performance. The microphones produce a hollow, gritty sound, whereas the speakers rapidly lose definition and richness when played at high volumes, resulting in poor quality for complex audio such as music.

https://w.soundcloud.com/player/

Despite its numerous features, the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) can be frustrating at times. With so many ports and overlapping functions, connecting devices and accessories often feels like a test of patience rather than a straightforward process, even for those who are methodical in their setup procedures.

Despite being correctly configured, the HP 734pm tends to encounter issues unexpectedly. It frequently selects incorrect or inactive video sources, struggles with the USB hub transitions, and sometimes resets specific settings on its own.

As a researcher, I found myself perplexed for several days when my HP Display Center stubbornly refused to connect with device 734pm. Remarkably, it accurately acknowledged its connection, yet the problem persisted. To my surprise and relief, one day it miraculously started functioning without any recent updates.

It appears that the microphones might not have been designed for their intended purpose, possibly due to a hardware malfunction (I’ve been trying to resolve this with HP). Initially, they were quite unreliable, and when they did function, the noise cancellation feature significantly degraded the audio quality, rendering them practically unusable.

Over time, most of these issues have either been temporary or have settled down, but the HP 734pm occasionally encounters glitches that interrupt my work routine and require attention. When it’s functioning properly, it performs excellently, but with so much complexity comes an increased likelihood of disorder.

HP 734pm review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

• You want a true all-in-one monitor with full video conferencing hardware.
• You value using your monitor as a cross-device USB hub.
• You need a curved, widescreen monitor with a quality IPS LCD screen.

❌You should not buy this if …

• You won’t use all the features this monitor offers.
• You have no patience to handle any tech-related oddities.

The HP 734pm boasts a staggering array of hidden technical components, which I’m sure presents quite a formidable engineering puzzle to make everything function smoothly.

HP has really excelled with this productivity monitor, offering a wide range of capabilities that make it one of the most impressive I’ve used on my desk. It’s hard to find any features that are missing, and each one performs well or better.

Is every aspect of superior quality? Not necessarily, and its cost becomes more noticeable in this case, but if you’re seeking a main screen that serves as a central hub for all your devices, displays, and accessories, your choices are rather limited.

If you find that you don’t use all the built-in features extensively, there might be more beneficial options for your budget, especially considering the possibility of procuring your own webcam and microphone. There’s an appealing charm in having a compact all-in-one monitor instead.

The HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conference Monitor (Model 734pm) is currently on sale for $1,229 at HP, a price point that places it squarely in the list of top-notch monitors available today.

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2025-06-02 15:11