LG Flatron E2350V review

LED backlighting promises to lower power usage, improve contrast and save space compared to traditional fluorescent tubes and the 23in Flatron E2350V is a poster boy for the latter. Its screen is impossibly thin, although there's a bulge at the back where the input and power socket are located.

However there's no VESA mount on the rear, which is a shame as such a thin screen would be ideal for wall-mounting. The E2350V does have a unique trick up its sleeve, though: remove the base of the stand, press a button, and the neck folds back. In this position, you can rest the monitor directly on the desk, so that screen is only 41mm off the surface and it's only 35cm tall overall.

A subtle, row of touch-sensitive buttons below the screen operates the menu system and provides quick access to the preset modes. Touch any of the lights and a menu pops up on screen, with indicators above each light to show you which functions it performs. As usual, the controls weren't as responsive as real buttons. The menu system itself is clear and easy to read, offering all the settings you'd expect as well as sharpness and gamma controls.

Some are greyed out, such as one for Black Level. You have to install LG's PC software to access these advanced functions, which is annoying. We noticed a fairly strong blue colour cast that was hard to adjust out using the colour controls, and it made flesh tones seem a bit palid. Contrast was superb however, and the backlight was even.

One downside of such a thin case is the lack of room for a power supply, so you'll have to put up with extra cabling. There are VGA, DVI and HDMI inputs, plus a useful headphone socket.

Sadly, the E2350V's good looks come at a price, and it's no match for BenQ's G2222HDL in terms of value or image quality, even if it is marginally larger. As it's the same resolution, it isn't worth the extra money, especially considering the blue colour cast.