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Is this the best smart monitor for home entertainment? My verdict after a week of testing

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HP Omen 32X ZDNET's key takeaways The HP OMEN 32X normally retails for $840.

It's primarily a 4K gaming monitor, although thanks to Google TV, the screen is also an all-in-one entertainment hub.

The built-in speakers are underwhelming, lacking depth and bass. View now at HP

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I've made it no secret that my favorite display I've ever owned is the HP Omen 27K, a 27-inch 4K monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate. I bought the display years ago while it was on sale, and I've been using it every day since. So, when I had the chance to try out the new HP Omen 32X, I jumped at the opportunity because it shares much of what made the 27K great, but with one major difference: it is the company's first smart monitor.

Also: Why an ultrawide monitor might actually be decreasing your productivity - what I recommend instead

Smart monitors come equipped with built-in streaming platforms -- in this case, Google TV -- so you can work during the day and relax at night watching your favorite shows without switching devices. What truly sets the Omen 32X apart is that it combines the convenience of a smart TV with gaming-centric features.

It's a versatile, jack-of-all-trades display that smartly balances work, play, and entertainment. I recommend it to anyone wanting a single screen to do a bit of everything.

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There's a lot to unpack with the HP Omen 32X. The monitor offers a surprising number of features, so I'll only focus on key aspects, starting with the specs. At its core, this is a 32-inch IPS 4K display. While that resolution may impress you, what really stood out to me most was the screen's sheer size. The 32-inch panel provides ample workspace, allowing users to comfortably fit multiple split-screen windows side by side without feeling cramped, something that's very difficult to achieve on a 27-inch screen.

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