Hey there! Looking to purchase an ultra-wide monitor and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options? Don‘t worry, I‘ve tested my fair share of models and will walk you through everything you need to consider to find your perfect match.
Ultrawide monitors seem to be popping up on every desk these days – and for good reason! Their immersive screens can make work and play way more enjoyable. Their adoption has been skyrocketing over the past few years:
- 178% growth in ultrawide monitor sales between 2018-2022 (Source: Dell‘Oro Group)
- Projected 14% CAGR in shipments through 2025 as prices keep falling (Source: IDC Report)
- Over 15 million units estimated sales in 2023
Whether you‘re looking to boost productivity, 拥抱电影体验, or gain an edge in games – these displays have something for everyone! Recent years have also seen some really exciting panel innovations like OLED and MicroLED enter the ultrawide space.
But before we look at the latest and greatest models hitting shelves – let‘s discuss what these monitors get right…and where a good old dual monitor setup may still rule:
Ultrawide vs Dual Monitor Setup: Which is Right for You?
While ultra-wides excel at delivering immersion and seamless workflows from a single panel, good old dual monitor setups have their own advantages. Let‘s weigh some key factors to help decide between them:
Desk Space – No contest here, one 34-40” ultrawide occupies less length than two 24-27” displays side-by-side. It saves tons of horizontal real estate while offering equivalent or greater screen space. Ultrawides for the win!
Bezels & Windows Management – A single seamless screen means no pesky bezels breaking view while scrolling mouse between displays. Window management becomes easier controlling positions/sizes across one screen.
Multitasking Capabilities – With picture-in-picture and split screen modes, you can refer a tutorial video while working, monitor analytics dashboards when gaming etc. Dual monitor setups still allow greater number of discrete apps visible simultaneously.
Cost Factor – Two 27” 1440p monitors can cost less than one flagship ultrawide but take up more desk space. Value-oriented ultrawides help close the pricing gap for budget conscious.
For most users, an immersive ultrawide delivers the best overall experience – minimal bezels, versatile windows/app management and compact desk footprint. But developers, traders and other data intensive workflows still swear by dual or triple monitor setups showing discrete apps simultaneously.
That said, let see how we can max out productivity with some clever management tips…
Pro Tip: Optimizing Ultrawide Window Management
With extensive screen acreage ultrawides monitor provide, the key lies in organizing app windows smartly. Here are some power user techniques I rely on daily:
Use Built-In Screen Splitting – Many ultrawides like LG and Dell models have proprietary software to segment display into resizable windows. Define splits to suit your workflow – browser on top, coding editor below for instance.
Tiled App Layouts – Organize windows in evenly sized tiles side-by-side like multiple browser tabs visible together. Adjust widths and change focus app as needed.
Corner Snapping – Drag window to screen corner to autosnap against edges for clean full, half or one-third width views mixed with other windows.
Picture-In-Picture – Frame a small always-on-top view of chat windows, analytics etc. while working on core apps covering rest of the canvas.
Hide Menubar – Switch menus to auto hide mode and invoke through mouse hover gestures for distraction free writing/reading/gaming sessions.
With 34-49 inches of real estate ultrawides provide, the possibilities are endless! Let‘s now look at top panels prioritizing immersive entertainment and lightning smooth gaming…
Our Top Picks for Gaming
Gaming remains the killer app for ultrawide adoption. Which model should you choose for jaw-dropping visuals and silky smooth frame rates? Here are our top recommendations based on performance parameters:
| Monitor | Panel | Refresh Rate | Response Time | Sync Tech |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Swift PG35V | VA | 200Hz | 4ms | G-Sync |
| LG 32GP850-B | IPS | 180Hz OC | 1ms | FreeSync/G-Sync |
| Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 | QLED VA | 240Hz | 1ms | G-Sync & FreeSync |
You really can‘t go wrong with any of those options! The ASUS ROG Swift PG35V remains the gold standard for buttery smooth visuals and inky blacks thanks to its VA panel married with a blazing 200Hz refresh rate. NVIDIA G-Sync eliminates any tearing artifacts.
The LG 32GP850-B brings speedy pixel transitions to its 32-inch IPS panel, essential for fast paced competitive multiplayer titles. And the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is simply an immersion monster with its 49-inch dual QHD span – assuming you have desk acreage to spare!
Recommendations for Creative Workflows
For video, image and 3D work, color accuracy, panel uniformity and ergonomics take priority over pure gaming pedigree:
| Monitor | Panel | Resolution | Gamut Coverage | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell U4021QW | IPS 10-bit | 5120 x 2160 | 99% sRGB, 100% Rec 709 | KVM switch, Thunderbolt 3 |
| BenQ PD3520U | IPS 10-bit | 3440 x 1440 | 100% sRGB and Rec 709 | Thunderbolt 3, adjustable stand |
| LG 34WN80C-B | IPS 10-bit | 3440 x 1440 | 99% sRGB | USB 3.1, height adjustable |
The extra horizontal resolution afforded by these ultrawides allow previewing video edits, timelines or artwork with minimal scrolling. The IPS panel ensures color and brightness remains true irrespective of viewing angle – crucial when collaborating around high end color critical jobs.
Connectivity bridges legacy devices with the latest USB-C only ultrabooks through Thunderbolt 3 ports. And ergonomic stands keep necks happy over extended hours!
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has helped illustrate the right ultrawide display taking your entertainment and productivity to the next level! Do measure your desk clearance before deciding on a screen size. Prioritize panel technology and features suiting primary applications rather than get swayed by specs alone. And invest in ergonomic accessories for healthy long term usage.
Here‘s raising a toast to immersive worlds and productive workflows! Let me know if you have any other questions – happy to help you find your perfect match!
