AOC 2217V

amazon AOC 2217V reviews

The AOC 2217V is a 22-inch widescreen LCD monitor that has been in the market for quite some time. It represents an era when LCD technology was still growing, and AOC, as a brand, was striving to offer budget-friendly monitors that did not compromise on essential features. In this review, I will take a deep dive into the design, build quality, performance, display quality, connectivity, usability, and overall value of the AOC 2217V.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the AOC 2217V is utilitarian and straightforward, adhering to the aesthetic trends of monitors from the mid-2000s. The monitor has a matte black finish, which helps in reducing glare and fingerprints, making it a practical choice for everyday use. The bezels around the screen are moderately thick, which is consistent with the design trends of the time. However, by modern standards, they may appear slightly bulky. The stand is simple, offering basic tilt adjustments, but it lacks height adjustment, swivel, and pivot capabilities, which are features commonly found in more premium models.

The build quality of the AOC 2217V is decent for its price range. The plastic used in the construction feels sturdy, and there are no noticeable creaks or weak points when handling the monitor. The monitor’s weight is moderate, making it stable on a desk, but also light enough to move around if necessary. The stand, while basic, provides adequate support, and the monitor does not wobble excessively when typing or adjusting its position.

Display Quality

The AOC 2217V features a 22-inch widescreen display with a native resolution of 1680 x 1050 pixels. This resolution is higher than the standard 1440 x 900 pixels found in many 19- to 20-inch monitors of that time, providing more screen real estate and sharper images. The aspect ratio is 16:10, which offers a bit more vertical space compared to the now more common 16:9 aspect ratio. This can be beneficial for tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and general multitasking, where extra vertical space can reduce the need for scrolling.

The display panel used in the AOC 2217V is a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel, which was the most common type of panel technology used in monitors during its time. TN panels are known for their fast response times, making them suitable for gaming and other fast-paced activities. However, they are also known for their relatively poor color accuracy and narrow viewing angles compared to IPS (In-Plane Switching) and VA (Vertical Alignment) panels.

In terms of color reproduction, the AOC 2217V is adequate for general use, but it is not a monitor designed for professional photo or video editing. The colors can appear slightly washed out, and the contrast ratio, while decent, does not deliver the deep blacks and vibrant colors that higher-end monitors offer. The brightness levels are sufficient for use in most indoor environments, but the monitor can struggle in very bright rooms or direct sunlight, where glare may become an issue despite the matte finish.

One of the limitations of the TN panel in the AOC 2217V is the viewing angles. The image quality degrades noticeably when viewed from angles that are not head-on, especially vertically. This means that the monitor is best used directly in front of the user, as any deviation from this position can lead to color shifts and reduced clarity.

Performance

The performance of the AOC 2217V is where it shows its strengths, particularly in terms of response time and refresh rate. The monitor has a response time of 5ms, which was quite impressive at the time of its release. This fast response time helps in reducing motion blur and ghosting, making it a suitable choice for gaming and watching fast-paced videos. The refresh rate is 60Hz, which is standard for most monitors, and while it does not compare to the 120Hz or 144Hz monitors that are popular among gamers today, it is adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming.

For office work, web browsing, and media consumption, the AOC 2217V performs well. The higher resolution of 1680 x 1050 provides more workspace than lower-resolution monitors, making it easier to work with multiple windows or documents simultaneously. Text is crisp and easy to read, and images are displayed with reasonable clarity. However, due to the limitations of the TN panel, this monitor is not the best choice for tasks that require precise color accuracy or wide viewing angles.

Connectivity

The AOC 2217V offers a basic selection of connectivity options, which is typical for monitors from its time. The monitor features a VGA input, which was the standard video connection for most computers at the time. It also includes a DVI-D input, which provides a digital signal for better image quality compared to VGA. However, it lacks more modern connectivity options such as HDMI or DisplayPort, which may limit its compatibility with newer devices.

The inclusion of both VGA and DVI-D inputs allows the AOC 2217V to be used with a wide range of devices, from older computers to those with more modern graphics cards that support digital outputs. However, the absence of HDMI means that users will need to use adapters or converters if they wish to connect devices such as laptops, gaming consoles, or media players that primarily use HDMI for video output.

Usability and User Experience

In terms of usability, the AOC 2217V is straightforward and easy to set up. The on-screen display (OSD) menu is navigated using buttons located on the bottom bezel of the monitor. The menu offers basic adjustments for brightness, contrast, color temperature, and input selection. While the OSD is functional, it is not the most intuitive or user-friendly interface, and navigating through the options can be a bit cumbersome.

One of the strengths of the AOC 2217V is its simplicity. It does not have any unnecessary frills or features that complicate its use. It is a monitor designed to do its job without fuss, making it suitable for users who need a reliable display for everyday tasks such as office work, web browsing, and media consumption. The lack of more advanced features such as USB ports, built-in speakers, or a headphone jack may be seen as a drawback by some, but it also contributes to the monitor’s straightforward and clutter-free design.

For gaming, the AOC 2217V offers a decent experience, particularly for older or less demanding games. The fast response time helps reduce motion blur and ghosting, and the 16:10 aspect ratio provides a slightly different field of view compared to the more common 16:9 monitors. However, modern gamers may find the 60Hz refresh rate limiting, especially in fast-paced or competitive games where higher refresh rates can provide a smoother and more responsive experience.

Value for Money

When considering the AOC 2217V, it is essential to place it in the context of its time. When it was released, the monitor offered a good balance between price and performance. It provided a higher resolution than many of its competitors, along with a fast response time and decent build quality, all at a budget-friendly price. For users who needed a reliable and straightforward monitor for everyday tasks, the AOC 2217V represented good value for money.

However, in today’s market, the AOC 2217V is somewhat outdated. Modern monitors offer higher resolutions, better panel technologies (such as IPS or VA), and more advanced features such as higher refresh rates, adaptive sync technologies (like G-Sync or FreeSync), and a wider range of connectivity options. While the AOC 2217V can still be a functional monitor for basic tasks, it is no longer competitive with the newer models available.

For those on a tight budget or looking for a secondary monitor for non-critical tasks, the AOC 2217V can still serve a purpose. Its simple design, reliable performance, and adequate display quality make it a viable option for users who do not require the latest and greatest features. However, for those who can afford to spend a bit more, there are better options available that offer improved image quality, more features, and greater versatility.

Conclusion

The AOC 2217V is a product of its time, offering a balance of performance and affordability that made it a popular choice in the mid-2000s. Its design is simple and functional, its performance is adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming, and its display quality, while not exceptional, is sufficient for most uses. However, the limitations of its TN panel, the lack of modern connectivity options, and the absence of advanced features make it less appealing in today’s market.

For users who already own the AOC 2217V, it can still provide a reliable and functional display for basic tasks. However, those in the market for a new monitor may want to consider more modern options that offer better image quality, more features, and greater flexibility.

Overall, the AOC 2217V is a solid budget monitor that served its purpose well during its time. While it may no longer be competitive with newer models, it is a reminder of how far monitor technology has come and how the needs and expectations of users have evolved over time.

where can you get a AOC 2217V online

AOC 2217V 22″ Widescreen LCD Monitor – Black: Buy it now