Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsOutstandingly accurate and clear ultra widescreen monitor
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2016
This review is for the 34-inch curved model. This monitor is absolutely bonkers. I was in the market for a new monitor after my trusty 1920 x 1200 Samsung finally bit the dust after many years of service. I had been using the Samsung side-by-side with the screen on my Macbook Air.
THE CONTENDERS
Initially, I was considering the Apple Cinema display or one of the bevy of 4k monitors on the market. The 4k resolution is great, but text and icons are too small and would become an issue to the point where I'd need to scale them. The cinema display used to be the gold standard, but didn't seem any clearer than the modern iterations from Dell or LG, especially given the unnecessary price premium. I decided on the ultra-wide format after seeing one in action at one of my client's offices by a graphic developer working on a multi-channel campaign design. One monitor effectively replaced two and, other than some color uniformity issues (it was a Samsung VA-panel display), it was a stunning monitor with a very useful form factor.
NARROWING THE FIELD
Comparing the major contenders was first a matter of panel tech, VA (higher contrast, blacker blacks, motion blur, color uniformity issues) and IPS (better color uniformity, less motion blur, lower contrast ratio). I personally prefer IPS on something this wide because of the color uniformity and the fact that some of my job involves design work. I then zeroed in on this Dell and offerings from Acer and LG. All were curved IPS panels. The Dell ended up winning due to having less "IPS glow" than the LG and, not needing the gaming features (adaptive sync) that inflates the Acer's price, the Dell won my shootout.
IMPRESSIONS
The Dell Ultrawide is gorgeous. The glass covers all but the very edge of the bezel to the point that, when off, it looks like there is no bezel, just glass. When on, you can see the bezel, but it is very thin. The curve is not as pronounced as the Samsung or Acer models, which may help with the color uniformity. You want a curve help with visibility, but if the curve is evident when you're sitting in front of it, it's probably too pronounced and may affect aspect ratio and color uniformity. The stand is useful in that it adjusts up and down, side to side, and tilts. I do wish it rose about 4-inches; higher, but I'm nit picking with that comment.
Connectivity is ridiculous, with more options than I've ever seen on a monitor. You can read about all of the ports in the specs, but know that I connected a 2013 Macbook Air via MiniDisplayPort to MiniDisplayPort and it didn't work at all. When I connected the MDP to the full Displayport via the included cable, it worked perfectly. The Macbook Air has no problems pushing this resolution.
The display has replaced the need for dual monitors. I often have two applications open side-by-side along with a music playlist, twitter feed, etc. comfortably running alongside. The color accuracy out of the box without any tuning is astounding. I've calibrated it twice and it actually got LESS accurate. Resetting to factory tuning is like 99.8% accurate, I've never seen anything like it. Also, a benefit to the curved screen that I didn't fully consider...no glare.
CONCLUSION
So far I've ben using this monitor for a few weeks and I'm blown away. I use it about 6-9 hours per day in my home office (I'm a consultant) and it is without a doubt the best monitor I have ever used. Highly recommended.
