Iiyama ProLite XUB2790HS review: Not pretty, but good value

Some monitors are sleek, space-age things that look like they belong on the bridge of the starship Enterprise. This is not one of those monitors. The Iiyama ProLite XUB2790HS isn't the prettiest monitor to ever shuffle off a production line.

In fact, finished all in a combination of gloss, matte and brushed metal-effect plastics, the XUB2790HS is rather ordinary-looking. What it lacks in appearance, however, it makes up for in features.

The highlight is the sturdy-feeling stand. While many monitors make do with a static stand and very basic tilt adjustability, the ProLite tilts, pivots, swings around into portrait mode, and even gives 130mm of height adjustment.

There's also an integrated power supply (as opposed to a laptop-style power brick), HDMI, DVI and VGA inputs, and a basic set of internal speakers. The only real let-down is that the on-screen display is rather fiddly to operate.

Thankfully, though, the Iiyama is a capable monitor. The Full HD, 1,920 x 1080 resolution means that text doesn't look as sharp as on smaller monitors, but the IPS panel serves up good image quality from the get go.

Brightness reaches a maximum of 245cd/m2 which, if not as good as some rivals, should be sufficient for most offices. Contrast peaks at 1068:1 and colour accuracy is pretty respectable, too -- only the cold, slightly bluish whites and slightly dull reds serve to mar an otherwise fault-free performance.

There aren't many 27in monitors which serve up good image quality and an adjustable stand for 200, but the ProLite XUB2790HS does exactly that. It's not exactly an eye-catching package, but it's solidly reliable and excellent value.

Verdict

There aren’t many 27in monitors which serve up good image quality and an adjustable stand for £200, but the Iiyama ProLite XUB2790HS does exactly that. It’s not exactly an eye-catching package, but it’s solidly reliable and excellent value.

27in IPS monitor

Matte anti-glare finish

1,920 x 1,080 resolution

HDMI (MHL)

VGA

623 x 148 x 453mm

4.3kg