In today's digital world, our screens serve multiple purposes. We use them for work, entertainment, and everything in between. The
LG MyView 27-inch Smart Monitor aims to be the ultimate all-in-one solution for these diverse needs. This innovative device combines the functionality of a computer monitor with the convenience of a smart TV, all in a compact 27-inch package.
The MyView 27 promises to declutter your desk and simplify your digital life.
Whether you're a student in a small dorm room, a remote worker in a home office, or anyone looking to maximise their space and budget, this monitor offers an intriguing proposition. But does it live up to its promises? Let's take a closer look at what the LG MyView 27 has to offer and see if it truly deserves a place in your setup.
Sleek and minimalist
Take the MyView 27 out of the box and put it on your desk and, you'll notice it looks nice and modern. It's white and would fit well in most rooms. The screen takes up almost all of the front, with very thin edges on three sides. This makes the picture seem bigger and helps the screen take up less space on your desk.
Setting it up is easy. The stand clicks into place without needing any tools. You can make it a bit taller or shorter, and you can tilt the screen forward or back to get a good view. You can't turn the screen sideways, but most people don't need to do that anyway.
The MyView 27 doesn't skimp on connectivity options, offering a range of ports to suit various needs. With two HDMI ports, you can connect multiple devices simultaneously – perfect for switching between a work laptop and a gaming console. The two USB ports add further versatility, allowing you to connect peripherals or storage devices directly to the monitor.
You get a remote control with the monitor. This lets you use all the smart features without needing to reach for a keyboard or mouse. It's not as fancy as the remotes that come with LG's best TVs, but it works well and makes the monitor feel more like a TV when you want it to be.
Visual clarity, audio adequacy
The MyView 27 has a Full HD screen, which means it shows 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is sharp enough for most tasks and looks good whether you're working on documents, browsing the web, or watching videos. It's not as detailed as a 4K screen, but it's also easier for computers to run smoothly at this resolution.
The screen uses IPS technology, which is known for showing colours accurately and looking good from different angles. This means you can sit off to the side and still see the screen clearly, which is great for sharing your screen with others or watching a movie with friends.
Colours on the screen look vibrant and true-to-life. Whether you're editing photos, watching nature documentaries, or just scrolling through websites, everything looks pleasant and natural.
However, the screen isn't perfect. It's not very bright compared to some other monitors. In a normally lit room, it's fine, but if you have a lot of sunlight coming in, you might find it hard to see sometimes. The contrast (the difference between dark and light parts of the image) is okay but not amazing.
For work, the screen size and resolution are good. You can comfortably have two documents side by side or a big spreadsheet open. Text looks clear and easy to read, which is important if you're working long hours.
When it comes to entertainment, the 27-inch size feels big enough to enjoy movies and TV shows, especially if you're sitting close to it. It's a good size for a bedroom or small living room.
If you like playing video games, the MyView 27 is okay but not great. It refreshes the image 60 times per second (60Hz), which is smooth enough for casual gaming. But if you play fast-paced games competitively, you might want a screen that can refresh faster. The screen reacts to changes in about 5 milliseconds, which is fine for most people but not for serious gamers.
While audio is often an afterthought in monitors, the MyView 27's built-in speakers are a pleasant surprise. The 5W stereo speakers produce clear audio with decent volume, suitable for casual listening or video calls. While audiophiles will still want to connect external speakers or headphones for a more immersive experience, the built-in audio is more than serviceable for everyday use.
For those who frequently participate in video calls, the audio quality is sufficient for clear communication. However, it's worth noting that the monitor doesn't come with a built-in webcam, so you'll need to supply your own for video conferencing.
WebOS wizardry
The smart features are what make the MyView 27 stand out from regular monitors. It runs on LG's WebOS 23, which is like having a smart TV built in. You can use popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube without needing to connect a computer or streaming stick.
There's also an app store where you can download more apps. You won't find as many apps as you would on a phone or a dedicated smart TV, but there's still a good selection.
One of the best things about the smart features is that you can use the monitor even when your computer is off. You can turn it on and start watching shows or browsing the web right away. This is great if you want to quickly check something or relax with a show without booting up your whole computer.
The monitor also works with LG's ThinQ system, which lets you control smart home devices. If you have other LG appliances or compatible smart home gadgets, you can control them right from your monitor. Not everyone will use this, but it's a nice extra if you're into smart home tech.
You can also use voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa with the monitor. This means you can do things like change the volume or open apps just by talking, which is handy when your hands are full or you can't find the remote.
Beyond physical connections, the monitor supports screen mirroring via AirPlay 2 for Apple devices and Screen Share for Android. This wireless functionality adds a layer of convenience for quick content sharing or presentations, making it easy to display content from your phone or tablet on the larger screen.
For people who use their computer for both work and fun, these smart features make switching between the two really easy. You can go from working on a document to watching your favourite show with just a few clicks of the remote, without having to change any cables or settings.
Energy efficiency is another thing to consider. LG has implemented several power-saving features in the MyView 27. The monitor automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light conditions and enters a low-power state when not in use. These features contribute to both energy savings and a reduced environmental footprint, which can lead to lower electricity bills over time.
Jack of all trades, master of convenience
When thinking about whether to buy the LG MyView 27, it's important to consider what you're getting. This isn't just a regular monitor – it's trying to be both a computer screen and a small TV in one device. When you look at it that way, the price of Rs 17,999 seems more reasonable.
For students living in dorms or young professionals in small apartments, the MyView 27 is a clever solution to save space. Instead of needing both a monitor and a TV, you can have one device that does both jobs well. The smart features mean you don't always need a computer to enjoy entertainment, which is great in small living spaces.
People who work from home will appreciate how versatile it is. You can use it as a work monitor during the day, then easily switch to watching shows or movies in the evening. Being able to quickly go from work mode to relaxation mode without changing rooms or devices can help create a better balance between work and personal time, especially in home offices.
However, it's important to understand that the MyView 27 tries to do many things rather than being the absolute best at one thing. If you're a serious gamer, you might want a screen that can refresh faster than 60 times per second. If you work with very detailed images or videos, you might prefer a screen with a higher resolution. If you love watching movies on the biggest screen possible, you might want something larger than 27 inches (there’s a 32 inches size, too).
But for the average person who needs a good screen for work, likes to stream shows and movies, and maybe plays some casual games, the MyView 27 offers a lot of features at a reasonable price. It's not about being the best in any one area; it's about being good enough at many things to fit comfortably into your daily life. While it has some limitations, its versatility and smart features make it a strong contender in the evolving world of displays.