HP Series 5 Pro 514PN Review: A Premium Portable Monitor with IPS Black and 1600p Resolution

The portable monitor market has become increasingly crowded with budget-focused options, but HP's Series 5 Pro 514PN takes a different approach. Priced at $299, this 14-inch display (marketed as 16-inch diagonal) enters the premium segment with specifications that rival or exceed many desktop monitors. The key differentiator is its IPS Black panel, a technology that promises significantly better contrast than traditional IPS displays commonly found in portable monitors.

Design and Build Quality

The 514PN features an aluminum-alloy chassis measuring 12.62 x 8.21 x 0.35 inches and weighing 1.4 pounds. While not the lightest portable monitor available, the build quality feels substantial and premium, commensurate with its price point. The included kickstand spans nearly the full width of the display, allowing for both landscape and portrait orientation with a stiff hinge that maintains position well.

HP includes a 90-degree USB-C connector on one end of the included cable, a thoughtful design choice that prevents the cable from protruding awkwardly when the monitor is used in portrait mode. A magnetic cover is included for protection during travel, though a full protective case would provide better security for such an expensive accessory.

Technical Specifications and Connectivity

The 514PN's specifications place it firmly in the premium category:

• Panel: 16-inch IPS Black with Neo:LED backlight
• Resolution: 2560 x 1600 (16:10 aspect ratio)
• Refresh Rate: 75 Hz (slightly above the segment standard of 60 Hz)
• Brightness: 400 nits rated, 352.4 nits measured
• Contrast Ratio: 2,000:1 (double the typical 1,000:1 of portable IPS panels)
• Ports: 2x USB-C (DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode, 65-watt Power Delivery)
• Coating: Matte anti-reflective

The lack of HDMI connectivity is notable, especially for a monitor sold through HP's business solutions division. Many laptops still rely on HDMI for video output, though USB-C to HDMI adapters are common. The absence of built-in speakers is another omission, though this is more acceptable for a portable monitor intended for productivity use.

Display Technology: IPS Black

The 514PN uses LG's IPS Black technology, which improves upon traditional IPS by increasing the contrast ratio from the typical 1,000:1 to 2,000:1. This results in deeper blacks and better color accuracy. In practice, this means dark scenes in movies or games appear with actual black levels rather than the grayish tint common to standard IPS panels.

Instrumented testing revealed the panel covers 193.9% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 137.3% of sRGB, with color reproduction leaning toward oversaturation. This is similar to OLED panels, which typically prioritize vibrant colors for content consumption. The measured brightness of 352.4 nits falls slightly short of the 400-nit rating but remains sufficient for most indoor environments.

On-Screen Display and Software

The 514PN's on-screen display (OSD) is unconventional. With no dedicated OSD button, users must press and hold the "increase brightness" button for two seconds to access the color mode menu. Selection is made using the plus and minus buttons. The available color modes include:

• Warm
• Neutral
• Cool
• Native
• Night
• HP Enhance+
• Custom RGB

The monitor lacks an accelerometer, so orientation changes must be handled through Windows display settings. The 75 Hz refresh rate is a slight advantage over the 60 Hz standard, though the difference is subtle for productivity work.

Performance in Practice

The 514PN excels in content consumption. Movie trailers, particularly those with dark scenes, demonstrate the panel's ability to resolve detail without appearing as a "sea of dark greys." For productivity tasks, the 2560x1600 resolution provides more screen real estate than the 1920x1080 or 1920x1200 panels common in budget portable monitors, making spreadsheet work and document editing more comfortable.

The 65-watt Power Delivery support allows the monitor to power a connected laptop, reducing cable clutter. This feature works seamlessly with compatible devices like HP's OmniBook X Snapdragon X laptop.

Market Positioning and Competition

The $299 price places the 514PN in direct competition with several notable alternatives:

Espresso Display 15: At a similar price point, the Espresso Display offers a 15-inch panel but with only 1080p resolution, making the HP's 1600p display a clear advantage for productivity users.

ViewSonic TD1656-2K: This competitor also features a 1600p display and 65-watt PD support, but adds touch functionality, macOS compatibility, and integrated speakers. The HP lacks these features but may appeal to users who prioritize display quality over additional functionality.

Budget Alternatives: The market includes portable monitors as low as $50, but these typically feature 1080p resolution, lower brightness, and inferior color reproduction. The 514PN targets users willing to pay a premium for better display technology.

Conclusion: Value Proposition

The HP Series 5 Pro 514PN represents a compelling option for users seeking a premium portable monitor with excellent display quality. The IPS Black panel delivers superior contrast and color reproduction compared to traditional portable IPS displays, and the 1600p resolution provides meaningful productivity benefits over 1080p alternatives.

However, the $299 price is substantial for a portable monitor, and the omissions of HDMI and speakers may deter some users. The lack of touch support, which is available in competitors like the ViewSonic TD1656-2K, could also be a factor for certain workflows.

For users who prioritize display quality above all else and primarily use USB-C connectivity, the 514PN offers excellent value within the premium segment. Its build quality, display technology, and thoughtful design elements like the 90-degree USB-C cable make it a strong contender, though the price remains a significant barrier for many potential buyers.

The portable monitor market continues to evolve, with technologies like IPS Black and higher resolutions becoming more accessible. HP's entry with the 514PN signals a shift toward premium features in this segment, though whether consumers will embrace the $299 price point remains to be seen.