There is nothing more frustrating than having an essential piece of equipment fail on you. I work from home and recently, my family and I moved. No household move would be complete without at least one piece of property damaged and unfortunately for me, my monitor was the victim this time around. The day I moved, I dropped my 22-inch monitor and it shattered. My main computer is a MacBook Pro and I use the monitor as an extension of that set-up.

Even though I could continue my work as usual on my laptop, I felt as though my productivity was suffering since the removal of that monitor changed how I was interacting with my workspace. Fortunately, I was able to not only replace, but also upgrade my 22-inch monitor to a 32-inch FHD LCD Monitor from J-Link.

About J-Link 32-inch FHD LCD Monitor

The J-Link 32-inch FHD LCD Monitor provides an immersive visual experience with full 1080P HD resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. The picture quality is further improved by its 104 sRGB color gamut, 16.7M dispersion range, and ultra-high contrast ratio of 4000:1, resulting in vibrant, bright, and lifelike images. Additionally, the J-Link monitor ensures a smooth and fluid picture with its high refresh rate of 60Hz and quick response time of 4.2ms (GTG), eliminating any ghosting, blurring, or flickering on the screen.

In addition to the stunning visual quality, the J-Link FHD LCD Monitor provides ultimate eye protection. With its advanced low blue light technology, it effectively filters out detrimental light rays, ensuring relief from eye fatigue. Moreover, the display boasts anti-glare glass that significantly reduces reflectivity to less than 1, guaranteeing a crystal-clear viewing experience. Conveniently positioned at the back of the 32-inch screen are HDMI and VGA ports, providing versatile connectivity options for not just PCs but also gaming consoles and laptops.

Whether you’re a professional seeking exceptional clarity for design projects or a gamer looking for an edge in competitive play, this J-Link monitor is sure to impress with its impressive refresh rate and vibrant color reproduction.

Main Features

• Model: B32FP1K
• Color Gamut: Adobe RGB 104%
• Contrast Ratio: 4000:1
• Color Range: 16.7M
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• Response Time: 4.2ms
• No-flicker
• HDR-compatible
• Resolution: 1080P Full HD (1920 x 1080)

Pricing & Availability

The J-Link 32-inch FHD LCD Monitor has an original list price of $349.99 from jlink-global.com. It currently (as of publishing this article) shows a discounted price of $235.99. The monitor can also be ordered through Amazon where it has a list price of $249.99 and a 20% discounted price of $199.99.

User Experience

The monitor came in a fairly plain box. It was a standard brown cardboard with some descriptive information included. The monitor was well packaged and when it came time to unbox it, this beautiful screen did not disappoint. The screen, base, and cables were all separated in the box and a small amount of assembly was required to get it up and running. Setting it up was painless though. I simply attached the base to the screen and then connected the HDMI and power cords.

Since I’ve never really used anything aside from a 22-inch monitor, the J-Link 32-inch FHD LCD Monitor was a big upgrade for me — especially because I use it extensively for work purposes. From the moment I connected it, I realized how much more productive and efficient I could be. I typically have multiple windows open on my desktop simultaneously and having the extra monitor real estate has been an absolute blessing to me. I’ve been able to easily customize my layout no matter what applications I’m using.

The monitor provides nice, vibrant colors that truly enhance the viewing experience. After weeks of extensive testing, this device has proven to be absolutely reliable without encountering any issues whatsoever. I have utilized this monitor for long hours daily, averaging 8-10 hours over the past couple of weeks, using it for a wide range of activities from watching movies and shows to completing tasks related to my job.

The monitor, which exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic, seems to be very durable. The overall performance of the device has been nothing short of stellar, consistently delivering impressive visuals and smooth operation. Additionally, its seamless design seamlessly blends into any workspace or living area.

In terms of functionality, this monitor showcases impressive versatility. It effortlessly adapts to different requirements thanks to its wide range of customizable settings that allow for optimal personalization. From adjusting brightness levels to fine-tuning color calibration, users can easily tailor their viewing experience according to their preferences.

Furthermore, connectivity options are abundant with multiple ports available for different devices such as laptops or gaming consoles. This convenience ensures seamless integration with various devices without any hassle.

Overall, my experience with this monitor has been nothing but positive. Its stunning display capabilities coupled with its reliable performance make it an ideal choice for both entertainment purposes and professional use alike.

Pros

1. Low blue light technology for eye protection.
2. Ergonomic design with tilt.
3. Doubles as a gaming monitor.
4. Great value.

Cons

1. Only provides 1080P resolution.
2. No DisplayPort
3. Refresh rate meets the basic requirements for gaming, but not for advanced/competitive gaming (recommended144Hz).

Conclusion

The J-Link 32-inch FHD 1920X1080P 60HZ LCD Monitor is a top-notch display that offers incredible visual clarity and performance. With its Full HD resolution and high refresh rate, users can enjoy stunning visuals and smooth gameplay. The monitor’s size is perfect for both work and entertainment purposes, providing ample screen real estate without overwhelming your desk space. Additionally, it offers multiple connectivity options, including HDMI and VGA ports, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. The J-Link monitor is a very budget-friendly option for any workstation.

For more information, visit jlink-global.com and Facebook.

Achieve a truly immersive gaming experience with the J-Link 34-inch Curved Gaming Monitor.

Ultrawide monitors have been gaining popularity over the past few years. On November 25, 2022 J-Link launched their new line of monitors which included an Ultrawide display. Due to their wide viewing angles, these monitors are great for Gamers who want a truly immersive experience. Ultrawide monitors are also great for Content creators and business-oriented consumers who may need to open and view multiple windows at once to increase productivity and make workflow easier.

There are things to consider. These monitors are large and can take up a considerable amount of desk space. Also older applications may not be compatible resulting in black bars on either side of the display or a stretched-out distorted image. These things should be considered before making the leap to an Ultrawide display.

Included in Package

• Base stand and mount
• Power supply
• Instruction manual
• Display port cable

Setup

Installation was pretty straightforward. The base connects to the monitor mount and is held together by three Phillips screws. With the monitor facing down the mount is slid into place and is secured by a sliding locking mechanism. The base which is mostly metal feels heavy and solid. The mount which is mostly plastic felt solid as well. The display is also VESA mountable.

Features

• 1500r Curved glare-resistant display
• 3440×1440 Ultra WQHD 2K Resolution
• 4000:1 Contrast ratio
• 128% SRGB
• Freesync Premium
• PIP/PBP function
• 1ms 144Hz refresh rate
• HDMI X2
• Display port
• USB type C port
• LAN Port
• Headphone Jack
• RGB lighting on the rear of the monitor

Performance

First I tested out the display connected to an Xbox Series X. I was pleased to see the Series X did indeed support the Ultrawide format at 120hz. Out of the box the picture was a bit overexposed. I was able to produce a much better-looking image by adjusting some of the picture settings. Gaming felt great and immersive and I didn’t notice any input lag. Freesync is helpful for users to prevent screen tearing. Just be sure to activate it on the monitor and activate the variable refresh rate on the console itself. Auto HDR would not activate with the Series X. To be fair HDR is not advertised as a feature on the Amazon store page, although the option is available to activate in the system settings.

Next, I tested it on a PC and the display faired much better. Being able to tweak settings both on the monitor and on the PC itself made a huge difference in picture quality. Connecting via HDMI I was only able to use the 3440×1440 resolution at 100hz for some reason. I found this strange since the monitor had no problems using a higher refresh rate on the console and swapping HDMI cables did not rectify the problem. Using the display port included in the packaging did however resolve the issue and I was able to run at full 1440p resolution at 144 hz.

HDR did work on PC but resulted in only a slightly brighter picture with significant ghosting. So I would advise against using this feature. This monitor really shined when video editing and multitasking. Being able to see an extended timeline made editing easier. PIP functionality is here and eliminates the need for a second monitor and both inputs are able to display at full resolution.

Price and Availability

This monitor is available to purchase currently on amazon.com for $499.00 USD. Interesting to note this particular model isn’t listed for sale on J-Link’s official website so it may be an Amazon exclusive.

Verdict

Ultrawide monitor prices in general seem to be all over the place. Well-known brands like Samsung, Sceptre, and Philips just to name a few are available sometimes as low $299.00 USD albeit at slightly lower refresh rates to well over 1,000.00 USD for 4k displays. Although this monitor falls somewhere in the middle regarding price I came away overly impressed by the picture quality and performance.

So it comes down to what you want or need out of a monitor and what brand you trust to give your hard-earned money to. If you want a higher refresh rate for gaming or just more space for multitasking I think this monitor is a great option. To me the picture, build quality, and price are good enough for me to make the jump.

For more information, visit jlink-global.com and Facebook.

Use coupon code CRJBQH4T and receive $70 + 5% off the list price.
Start Date: 2023-04-18 05:01 PDT
Expire Date: 2023-04-30 23:59 PDT

Drawing display makes creative tasks limitless – as long as the software works properly.

Adding a drawing tablet to your workstation can make creative tasks like photo editing/touchups and drawing much easier to complete. I remember working with a pen and tablet on video graphics many years ago and feeling that for precision edits, the pen and tablet worked better than a standard mouse did.

This was during a time when iPads weren’t even released yet. So, full touchscreen displays were completely unheard of. Today, they are much more commonplace and over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out the Studio VK2200 Pro by Veikk. It’s a massive 21.5-inch touch-sensitive display that is designed to take the place of your mouse for creative tasks.

About Veikk & Studio VK2200 Pro

Veikk was founded in 2009 and has focused on connecting users with innovative products that combine technology and creativity. To date, Veikk’s products are sold in more than 100 countries. They are used in a variety of tasks including drawing, signing, e-learning, and gaming.

The Studio VK2200 Pro is a 21.5-inch, 1920×1080 IPS full laminated display. It features 120s RGB/92% NTSC of true-to-life color and 16.7 million pixels. The display is slim at only 17mm thick. Users can connect it to their computer using the dual-head USB-C cable or HDMI cable that is provided.

Main Features

On-Display Shortcuts: Studio VK2200 Pro comes with two customized Quick Dials and eight SilentPress Shortcut Keys, allowing you to keep the creativity flowing. You can set functions in the driver like zoom in/out, brush+/- and undo, etc. with two Quick Dials to process eight customized functions in the meantime.

Battery-free Pen: P05 battery-free digital pen, with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, 60° tilt, and 290PPS high report rate, experience drawing and taking handwritten notes with the same feeling you get with pen on paper. Exceptional accuracy and smoothness.

Adjustable Viewing Angle: Users can adjust the Studio VK2200 Pro display to different angles between 15º and 85º.

Compatible with a Variety of Creative Apps: Designed for productivity, the Studio VK2200 Pro is compatible with apps such as Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, SketchBook, Medibang, Krita, and Clip Studio.

Compatible with Common Operating Systems: Studio VK2200 Pro is compatible with Windows 10/8/7 and above, macOS 10.12 and above, Chrome OS 88 and above, Linux and Android. Easily switch, post your artwork, and express yourself on social media.

Specs

• Model: VK2200PRO
• LED Type: IPS
• Dimension: 556(L) x 329(W) x 16.6(H) mm(Not including Stand)
• Active Area: 21.5 inch (476.64 x 268.11 mm)
• Full Lamination: YES
• Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Brightness: 270 cd/
• Visual Angle: 178°(H) – 178°(V)
• Support Color: 16.7M
• Color Gamut: 92%NTSC
• Pen: P05 Battery-free Pen
• Pen Pressure: 8192 Levels
• Tilt: 60 Degree
• Pen Resolution: 5080 LPI
• Reading Height: MAX15 mm
• Keys: 8 Shortcut Keys, 2 Quick Dials
• Interface: DC Power in, USB-C, HDMI
• Input Voltage: AC 100~240v 1.4A
• Output Voltage: DC 12V 3V
• OS Support: Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS 10.12 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), Linux(Ubuntu/elementaryOS/Pop!OS/ezgo/debian/mint/mageia/centOS/Arch), Android 6.0 (or later)

What’s in the Box

• 1 x Pen Display
• 20 x Pen Nibs
• 1 x Power Adapter
• 1 x HDMI Cable
• 1 x Drawing Glove
• 2 x P05 Battery-free Pen
• 1 X Nib Extractor
• 1 x Power Cable
• 1 × USB-C to USB-C Cable
• 1 x Cleaning Cloth
• 2 x Pen Case
• 1 x Pen Stand
• 1 x USB Cable
• 1 x Quick Start Guide

Some Bumps in the Road

Overall, my experience with the VK2200 Pro has been positive. I have, however, had a few bumps in the road. Let me get through those first.

When I first received the drawing tablet, I got it out and set it up with my M1 MacBook Air. Then, the pen wouldn’t work. I had to go through the process of uninstalling and reinstalling all the software and drivers for the display before it would work.

Then, once I got it working, I discovered that my MacBook Air doesn’t have dual-display support natively. So, that meant that I had to disconnect my MacBook Air from my main workstation dock and its external display in order for the Veikk to register as a connected display.

Finally, after I got everything ready to go, the settings for the Veikk tablet would occasionally appear invisible. This is a ‘known’ problem with Veikk if you have a driver for another tablet installed. At this time, I do not have any other tablets on my system other than the Universal Control from Apple that allows me to connect to my iPad.

I read where other users have been able to restart the Settings Panel for the Veikk tablet and get the settings to reappear but even after a complete restart of the computer, the settings remained invisible. Fortunately, I was able to adjust the area for the pen’s mapping because the images were still available otherwise the pen would have remained on my laptop’s desktop as a mouse cursor.

I also noticed that when I started using the VK2200 that my laptop started slowing down. There were little tasks that my computer normally tears through that it stuttered on when I started using the tablet. I tried simply scrolling on a website and my entire computer would simply lock up. I don’t really know if the display caused this issue or it if was just a coincidence but after I unplugged the display, my computer started performing normally again.

Since this is a known issue with Veikk, I’m hopeful that they will be able to update the software and provide a better experience for the tablet’s users. This handful of issues definitely soured my experience with the Studio VK2200 Pro but like I said, even with these issues, my experience was still positive overall.

Overall Experience

The build quality of the VK2200 Pro is wonderful. The screen is incredibly thin but it’s very sturdy. The stand that the display rests on is fully adjustable so that you can have it standing practically vertical or laying almost completely flat if you prefer. It’s a heavy plastic stand that locks into place as you lift it up or lower it. There is a push button latch on it that must be pressed to unlock the stand for adjustment I never had any issues with the stand not supporting the display.

The display itself seems fairly tough as well. I like that Veikk includes a glove along with the accessories so that you can avoid unsightly smudges as you work and because the screen seems to be scratch resistant, it can endure a lot of standard use. With long-term use, the screen may start showing signs of wear. I did also notice that while it doesn’t affect the general use of the screen, it does collect a lot of dust. A cleaning cloth is enclosed with the display which would be adequate for wiping the screen off.

The pen is lightweight and feels durable. Two pens are sent with the display and they have two customizable buttons on them. Many pen tips are also enclosed with the display so that you can easily replace them when they wear down. I thought the pen was sensitive enough for my basic use and it seemed to be pretty accurate based on where I was touching the screen. I would have liked to be able to calibrate them better, but given the issues I had with the tablet settings plug-in, that wasn’t an option for me.

The pens come with travel sleeves that appear to be made from felt. There is also a single stand for the pen to be stored on a desktop when it’s not in use. One of the biggest perks of the pen is that it does not contain a battery. I used the pen for some touch-up work in Affinity Photo and it was adequate for my needs. If I were an artist though and wanted to do pen & ink style drawings, I’m not sure if it would be accurate enough for me.

Final Thoughts

The display, size, and overall performance of the Veikk Studio VK2200 Pro Display Tablet are very good — especially for its price point. At a 1080p HD resolution, I think the screen looks remarkable and the pen was very responsive to commands. I do feel strongly that the software/drivers need a lot of work.

Do I recommend this tablet? Yes. It is much more affordable than most of the alternatives and out of the box, you can start using it with its default settings. The Studio VK2200 Pro is an impressive display with a few kinks that need to be worked out. And over time, I’m sure updates will be made that will cover most of the issues I saw.

For more information, visit veikk.com, Facebook, or Twitter.

Portable monitor provides a powerful mobile workstation companion.

A few weeks ago, we released a review of the SideTrak SOLO PRO HD 15.8” Portable Monitor. SideTrak does a great job creating products for mobile workstations. Their monitors are beyond amazing and while the HD option is great for basic tasks and enhancing productivity while you are on the go, the next iteration – the SideTrak SOLO 4K Ultra HD Portable Monitor – is ideal for creative professionals who need a higher resolution for their content creation purposes.

DETAILS

SideTrak currently has two 4K monitor models – a touch screen compatible version and a standard monitor. This review will focus on the standard portable monitor. The screen is a 4K monitor that is designed for creative projects, gaming, and streaming high-resolution content. It has an anti-glare LED display and comes with a cover that doubles as a kickstand.

The portable monitor features a 1000:1 contrast ratio and 3840 x 2160 resolution (4K UHD). This resolution indicates that the monitor has twice the horizontal and vertical resolution of full 1080p HD monitors. This is the 4K resolution recommended and recognized by the television industry. There is another 4K resolution (4096 x 2160) that is recognized as a 4K resolution for cinema projectors.

The portable monitor also features HDR & FreeSync technology. FreeSync helps provide a smooth viewing experience, especially when used for gaming. AMD FreeSync is a technology that helps to fight screen tearing, stuttering, and input latency during fast-paced games and videos.

HDR, on the other hand, stands for ‘high dynamic range’ and is designed to enhance the display’s contrast ability. HDR pushes the limits of standard broadcast contrast levels and provides a brighter, more colorful image for viewers. These two technologies – HDR and FreeSync – are a powerful combination to add to a 4K monitor.

The SOLO 4K portable monitor also has a wide color gamut, 8-bit color display, and DCR (dynamic contrast ratio) to enhance the other features of the monitor. The monitor is fully adjustable through onboard settings. The brightness, blue light filter, volume, and display settings are all adjustable.

SPECS

Dimensions & Weight

• Dimensions: 14.5″ x 8.9″ x 0.4”
• Weight: 2.5 lbs

Screen Specs

• Screen Size: 15.6″
• Panel Type: TFT
• Display Type: LED
• Resolution: 3840×2160
• Brightness: 340 cd/m2
• Response Time: 25 ms
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
• Power Consumption: 6W

Compatibility

• Operating System: Windows, Chrome, & Mac
• Ports Required: Thunderbolt USB-C or USB-A and HDMI (may require 2 cords)
• Device Size: Any
• Download: Not Required

What’s in the Box

• Solo 4k Freestanding Portable Monitor
• USB-C to USB-C cord with USB-A adapter
• Mini HDMI to HDMI cord

USER EXPERIENCE

SideTrak makes using their portable monitors super easy. I used this with my MacBook Pro (M1, 2021) and didn’t have any issues with it whatsoever. With my machine, I used the provided UBS-C cable to connect the monitor and it was immediately recognized as a second screen. Once it was connected, I just used the monitor as I normally would.

As a photographer and online content creator, I do end up using a second screen quite a bit for layouts and photo editing. It is hard to compete with the MBP’s screen which has a Liquid Retina XDR display (3456-by-2234 native resolution at 254 pixels per inch). But, the 4K SOLO monitor holds its own. There were a couple of observations I made about the portability and general use of the SOLO monitor.

I had an opportunity to take a quick out-of-town trip with this monitor in tow and was able to set it up in a hotel lounge area. This was a perfect opportunity to test it out because I had my 16-inch MacBook Pro, the monitor, my phone, and my camera with me. The first thing I noted was that I was able to set it all up on a small dining-style table and I still had room to spread out a little. If I had paperwork, I would have still had room to lay that out, too.

The second thing I noticed was the layout of the ports and buttons on the monitor. There are four ports on one edge (2 x USB-C, 1 x HDMI, and 1 x headphone jack) and one port and three buttons (1 x USB-A, power, up/down buttons) on the other edge of the monitor. The placement of the onboard buttons was convenient. You could easily reach along the edge of the monitor, feel where the buttons were, and be able to use them.

The only downside to the placements of these interface points is that the cables stick out and you are limited to which side you want the monitor to sit on. The USB-C cable is long enough to stretch to the left or the right side but it could put a strain on the cable or make for unruly cable management. This is a very minor criticism, in my opinion. I would have liked to see a short cable included with L-shaped USB connectors this way I can keep the second screen right up next to my Mac without hardly any space between them. THat’s just me being picky.

The third thing I noticed while using the monitor was the kickstand design of the case. I love that the case is dual-purpose. The case is protective for the monitor and its screen but the kickstand function of the case is lacking stability. I was able to get the joints to pop out the way they were supposed to but the kickstand slipped out of its locked position a few times.

This made me wary. With that in mind, I’m looking for other options to keep the kickstand stable because I really like using this monitor when I’m on location. The viewing angle was great, but it just wasn’t very stable. This could be a user error but it happened more than once so I am not sure.

Finally, the screen is supposed to be anti-glare but it does show quite a bit of reflection. When I was working in the hotel lounge I mentioned, that it was early afternoon. There was a large bank of windows to my left and tons of natural light spilled into the area I was sitting in.

This made it a bit difficult for me to do any type of color correction on photos because the monitors (on my laptop and the portable one) were reflecting the light in the room and I had to avoid the glare from the windows. The laptop screen did a better job with the glare than the SideTrak did. In fact, the SideTrak screen is much more glossy than my MacBook Pro’s screen.

Aside from these fairly minor observations about the SideTrak SOLO 4K monitor’s performance and function, I really enjoy using it. The monitor has come in very handy and I’m looking forward to using it for a long time. It’s found a permanent home in my Laptop bag so I can remember to always have it with me on the go. It’s just that awesome!

CONCLUSION

Having a second monitor can be a godsend especially when you are responsible for creating content such as videos, photos, or any other visual medium. The SideTrak SOLO 4K portable monitor is ideal for this type of purpose. It’s also great for other purposes such as gaming and even just watching videos.

For more information, visit sidetrak.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

A portable monitor creates a workstation anywhere you are.

Working remotely can be a pain – especially if you are used to using multiple monitors as a part of your standard workstation. Fortunately, there are options available for adding a portable second monitor to your remote set-up, and one of them is the SideTrak SOLO PRO HD 15.8” Portable Monitor.

DETAILS

The SideTrak SOLO PRO HD 15.8” is a freestanding portable monitor designed to boost productivity from anywhere. The 15.8” screen provides full 1080p HD resolution on an anti-glare LED display. It features HDR & FreeSync for an amazing streaming experience and it provides a wide color gamut on an 8-bit color display. The portable monitor is lightweight, durable, and easily connected. It has ultra-thin bezels and a matte finish that keeps it looking slim and sleek. The monitor has inline controls to adjust brightness, volume, and other display settings. The Solo HD is one of nine monitors in the Solo product line.

Dimensions & Weight

• Dimensions: 14″ x 9″ x 0.4”
• Weight: 1.2 lbs

Screen Specs

• Screen Size: 15.8″
• Panel Type: IPS
• Display Type: LED
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Brightness: 300 cd/m2
• Response Time: 9 ms
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Contrast Ratio: 800:1
• Power Consumption: 8W

Compatibility

• Operating System: Windows, Chrome, & Mac
• Ports Required: Thunderbolt USB-C or USB-A and HDMI (may require 2 cords)
• Device Size: Any
• Download: Not Required

USER EXPERIENCE

The SOLO PRO HD 15.8” Portable Monitor came in a basic retail box. An image of the monitor is on the front of the box along with some details about the product. When you open the box, you’ll find the monitor, three cables, and a user manual.

One of the nicest things about this portable monitor is that it’s just plug-and-play. There is no special software that has to be installed for it to function properly. You just plug a cable into the monitor and the other end into your computer and you are off to the races.

The monitor comes with three cables – one (1) USB-C to USB-C, one (1) USB-C to USB-A, and one (1) HDMI to Mini-HDMI. The manual states that you should first try to use the USB-C to USB-C connection. It also says, “Some laptops may not provide enough power to the monitor. If the monitor won’t turn on, connect the USB-A to USB-C cable along with the Mini-HDMI cable.”

I was using the SideTrak monitor alongside my 2020 Macbook Air and my work computer a 16-inch 2019 MacBook Pro, which has USB-C/Thunderbolt ports on it. So, connecting using the USB-C to USB-C cable was no problem. The ports on the monitor are on the side of the stand.

When I plugged the monitor in, it automatically came on and started acting as my laptop’s second monitor without any manual programming from my end. I opened up System Preferences just to see how the SideTrak was configured. The only options available to me were the “Use as” setting, the Resolution, the Color Profile, and the Rotation.

When it came on, I noticed right away that the brightness was very low. On the left side of the monitor on the stand, there is a dial just above the power button. This dial is the control to access the menu of the monitor. Once you open it, adjusting it is very much like adjusting a TV’s settings. This is really the only criticism I have of the SideTrak monitor – the lack of setting controls remotely. It would be nice if the brightness could be controlled by the computer rather than a tactile control on the monitor itself. NOTE: there are third-party apps that will allow you to control the settings of the monitor but you will need to download them. My suggestion is, Monitor control lite. But DisplayBuddy might work for you as well.

Aside from that, the SideTrak Solo Monitor did an excellent job of being a second screen for my MacBook Pro. Since I had the USB-C functionality, I only had to use one cable between the two devices.

One thing that would make the connection between devices nicer is if the cable had 90-degree right angles for the plugs so that it wasn’t sticking straight out. I turned the SideTrak on its end so that it was vertical in orientation – which was really cool by the way – but it was somewhat unsightly because the USB-C plug was sticking out the top of the monitor. A right-angle cable would have clean that up a bit.

Since the resolution on the MacBook Pro’s screen is 3072 x 1920 and this Solo’s resolution is 1920 x 1080, there were some noticeable differences between the way the two screens looked and rendered visual information. With that in mind, if you are a designer or content creator, I wouldn’t use the SideTrak to judge color correction or other visual adjustments over the MacBook Pro’s screen. That said, the SideTrak is great for tools, emails, chat windows, and other types of productivity functions. In fact, it’s the best option for a portable monitor for your laptop.

CONCLUSION

At around $290 (at the time of publishing), the SideTrak Solo Pro HD 15.8” Portable Monitor is a nice investment for someone who works remotely on a frequent basis. It’s thin enough to slip into any laptop bag and with a single cable (in most cases), you can connect to a second screen with little difficulty. Having a second screen can increase productivity and having the Solo HD available is a great way to have that option.

For more information, visit sidetrak.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Meural has come a long way, but still a pricey option for a digital display.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. The experience was out of this world and, as luck would have it, I got to see moving photographs in action. Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there were large-scale moving photographs. They were the ultimate “Live Photos.” And now, I have the opportunity to check out the Meural Canvas II, which can bring photos to life in your home or office, too. 

DETAILS

The Meural Canvas II is a digital display that allows users to combine modern design and state-of-the-art technology into one device. With this display, users can show off photos, art, and NFTs easily with the help of the Meural app, which is available for Android and iOS devices. The app allows users to update their canvas throughout the day as well as adjust settings, create playlists, and share photos with other canvas users. 

The canvas can be controlled through the connected app or through gesture controls on the display. The display is available in two sizes – 16 x 24 and 19 x 19 – and the frame has four different color options – black, white, dark wood, and light wood. A standard hanging mount is included with the display, but an optional swivel mount can be requested. There are other add-ons that users can order with the display such as a protective cover, cable cover, an extended warranty, or an art membership. The canvas comes with 42 preloaded images and access to 100 sampler images from Meural’s art library.

SPECS

• Display: 21.5 inch (54.61 cm) 1080p AHVA LCD display with anti-glare technology. Optimized for art 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution
• Memory & storage: 2GB DDR3 RAM; 8GB storage 
• Processors: 1.8 GHz Quad Core ARM Cortex-A17
• Sensors: Gesture detectors (for both vertical and horizontal orientations); Ambient light sensor; Power button sensor 
• WiFi: WiFi 5 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz)
• Ports: Micro USB; SD card slot; Ethernet; DC Power Port
• Hanging Location: Drywall with access to power outlet
• What’s in the Box: Meural Canvas II, power adapter (8ft power cord), cleaning cloth, wall anchors (drywall), wall mount with liquid level, no-slip grip

USER EXPERIENCE

The Meural Canvas II arrived in a retail-ready box. The front of the box features an image of the display and details about the product. Our canvas was shipped to us so it had an outer plain cardboard shipping box, too. The canvas is well-packaged on the inside of the box as it is surrounded by various foam pieces and all the accessories for the device are in a separate cardboard box. Despite the high-quality packaging, there was a little bit of damage to our unit out of the box. 

The canvas is designed so that you can swap the frames out. It comes with a color you pre-select when you order it, but you do have the option to change the frame. There are two switches on the right side of the frame that unlock the main display from the frame. When I removed the foam from the canvas and attempted unlocking the switches, I noticed some wood flaked out of the top right-hand corner. When I pulled the canvas away from the frame, I could see that there was a chunk missing from the frame. 

This small amount of damage actually prevents the display from locking into place on the frame properly. As a result, it can easily slip out of the frame. I don’t know if this is a defect from the factory or a result of it being a media sample unit, but either way, I would recommend a replacement frame if you find this is the case with your canvas out of the box. 

Another observation I made was that the specs (as listed above) note a Micro USB port should be located on the side panel of the canvas alongside the SD card slot. At first, I did not see this Micro USB port. It was covered by a white piece of tape (as shown in the photo below). I’m not sure why it was covered with tape or even what the port’s intended use is since there isn’t much description about it. In addition to that, the specs on the website refer to the Ethernet port being located on the side panel as well. It is not. It is on the back with the DC power port. 

While these aren’t deal breakers for me I think it is important to have accurate information provided for user evaluation. If I was looking at the specs of the device and ordered it based on the fact that the Ethernet port was located on the side and it wasn’t, I wouldn’t be too happy about that. 

The display is powered by a DC power cable. It comes with a compatible power adapter with an 8-foot long cable attached. This should be long enough to stretch from any placement on a wall to a power outlet. The only downside to this is that a cable has to be hidden. I know it would likely be problematic, but it would have been really cool (and a little more magical) if the display was powered by a rechargeable battery. Then the display could be plugged in to charge and unplugged when it was fully powered. Again, this isn’t really a dealbreaker point for me, but it would have been nice since I’m kind of a stickler for cable management.

As you might assume from the images included, I didn’t mount this display on the wall due to the corner damage I mentioned. That said, I do really like the set-up that Netgear included for mounting hardware. There is a wall mount that has a built-in liquid level on it. You simply screw that into the wall and then slide the canvas onto the mount. It’s really very simple as far as mounting options go. Heavy-duty drywall anchors are even included. 

As one might expect, an app download is required in order for the Meural system to work. And, because Meural is owned by Netgear, a Netgear account (free to sign up) is required as well. Set up of the canvas is easy as long as you follow the on-screen prompts. Users have to grant certain access permissions to the app in order for the setup to work from start to finish, but as long as it can connect to your WiFi network, you shouldn’t have many issues. 

The canvas can be controlled through on-screen gestures or through the app. Please note though – it is not a touch screen display. The gestures are picked up by vertical and horizontal sensors. They are sensitive to movement, but I have to admit that I found the controls in the app to be more accurate and reliable than the gesture controls. 

Since I just visited theme parks last week, the first thing I wanted to see on the screen was a photo I took of Cinderella’s castle at night. I took the photo on my iPhone 12 Pro. I used the wide-angle lens on the phone and it captured the image as a JPG file. It was a 12MP image and the file size is 1.5MB with the dimensions of 4032 x 3024. I want to call those specs out because the iPhone image loaded directly from the iPhone looked really good on the display. 

As I mentioned, the castle image was taken at night and had a lot of black in it. The black looked really crisp and it made the color that was in the photo pop out really well. The second image I uploaded was of a landmark in EPCOT. This image was taken in the afternoon when the sun was at its peak. Again, this photo was a 12MP image and measured 3024 x 4032 (taken vertically). This image, however, was 4.1MB in size. I was impressed with how well the Canvas showcased the lighter tones in the photo (the included image really doesn’t do the Canvas justice). 

Loading images onto the canvas is a pretty straightforward process. You simply tap the upload option in the app and then select if you are going to grab a photo from your library, take a new photo through your camera, or link an album. For me, I was uploading images I captured directly from my library. This process took a little bit of time – well, more than I expected it to. A single image from my iPhone took 10-15 seconds to upload. When it came to uploading the Async sample album, which was 26 images, the process took around two minutes. 

In the information provided in the app and the description on the website, I could not find a guide for formatting files for use on the Meural. This is something that would be really helpful – especially for people looking to display high-resolution art. As a digital layout specialist, I take pride in ensuring my creations are as high-quality as possible for their intended output. I hate to see pixelated images when I know they didn’t start that way. So, even though part of the allure of this device is being able to upload directly from your smartphone, it would be nice to have some sort of guidelines to follow for users that want them. 

I was able to find a list of compatible file formats on B&H Photo, a distributor of the Meural Canvas II. According to their specs, the display is compatible with the following file formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, MOV, and MP4 (MPEG H.265). This means users should be able to play HD video with little issue. The Meural does only have 2GB of RAM built-in so I wouldn’t expect fast-moving video to play well and I definitely wouldn’t think that a full-feature movie would work, but smaller video clips should function well. There are no speakers built-in as this is only a visual-based display. 

With this in mind, I uploaded a short video. It was only 18 seconds in length and was a simple recording of a single object slowly turning. The clip took several minutes to load to the canvas and actually failed on the first upload attempt. This video was taken in a dark room but was captured as a 4K video at 24fps. On the iPhone, the video quality is good. The image is clear and you can see the motion easily and it plays through smoothly. There is a point where some lighting effect happens in the room (it’s meant to simulate lightning) and on the Meural it blanks out the entire screen rather than playing as lightning. The iPhone doesn’t show it that way. 

I didn’t expect the video to be perfect, but considering that it’s a 4K video file playing on a 1080HD display, I figured the quality would be better than what it showed. It was almost like the original file was a low-resolution file that the display was attempted to up-res and that processing was causing the video quality to degrade. 

In addition to native video files, there is also an option in the app to “Upload Live Photos as Video.” I selected this item thinking that would mean Live Photos from my iPhone would upload and play successfully. I attempted to upload a Live Photo and it was a static image. That was somewhat disappointing given the ‘magic’ of Live Photos. Maybe there is a setting I’m missing, but again, there are a lot of options in the app that aren’t explained well and I really think this system would benefit from a guide or knowledge base that describes all the features. 

CONCLUSION

When I first heard about the original Meural Canvas in 2015, I was thrilled that a digital display like that was going to be available to consumers. Technology has evolved a lot since then and so has the canvas, but I still see some room for improvement. The display is gorgeous and if you have the right files to upload to it, the Meural can be an exquisite centerpiece in your home or office. Given its price point though (starts at $499), one must consider if this display is the best option for their use. I do think there is merit in investing in the Meural, but only if you are seeking to display high-quality art. 

For more information, visit netgear.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Upgrade your home computer setup and enhance your productivity

Whether completing work documentation, various work-related tasks, researching topics, streaming, or gaming, I likely spend more than 14 hours a day in front of a computer/tablet.  With a growing need to multitask, one of the most considerable productivity upgrades was a second monitor.  The dual monitors allowed me to open more panels and decreased the need to move back-and-forth between frames.  Thus, it was an easy decision to upgrade my home setup by adding a portable monitor to my home computer.  

UNBOXING:

The USB-C Portable Monitor arrived in a 15 3/4 inches long by 10 9/16 inches wide by 2 11/16 inches thick clean white retail box. The cover displayed an attractive silvery-metallic “Portable Monitor,” while the top/front panels provide the same information in bold black font.  The left side panel was left unadorned, while the right-side panel provided a product SKU barcode. The bottom panel provided the Portable Monitor name along the top left of the panel and contact information along the bottom of the panel.  I appreciated the clean white background, the shimmery metallic font, and liked the contrasting black-on-white theme.

I lifted the top panel of the box, removed the thin white foam padding, the 13 3/4 inches wide by 7 3/4 inches tall (15 3/4 inches diagonal) screen protector, then the 2 pounds 6.7 oz portable monitor from the box.  With the main product removed from the packaging, I lifted the 3/4 inches thick foam spacer and found a secondary foam layer with three cutouts.  Along the top left of the panel, I found a  2 1/2 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches tall cutout, which contained the black-colored 1 7/8 inches tall by 1 5/8 inches wide by 1 inch thick Type A Wall adaptor with USB-A output.  Just beneath the cutout, I found a second cutout, which measured 5 5/8 inches wide by 4 inches tall.  The medium-sized cutout contained a black-colored, flat-style 39 3/4 inches long USB-A to USB-C power cable, and a matte-black 47 1/2 inches long rounded-plastic USB-C to USB-C cable. The final cutout was the largest of the three and measured 5 7/8 inches wide by 6 1/2 inches tall.  The cutout contained the product user manual, 3-year warranty card, an upgraded accessories panel (monitor stand, portable battery, dongle adapter, streaming stick), two packets of screen protector installation kits (2 15/16 inches wide by 1 15/16 inches tall cardboard presser/scraper, a dust absorber, three guide stickers, and a  3 7/8 inches square microfiber cloth), and a 48-inches long micro-HDMI to HDMI cable.  

INSTALLATION:

The 19-page instruction manual proved to be quite valuable.  The first two panels provided similar information to the included accessory panel and added a protective sleeve to the possible upgrades.  The third panel provided a list of the table of contents (About the Monitor, Using the Monitor, Troubleshooting, and Warranty and Support).  The first segment, “About Your Monitor” (pages 1-3), provided a list of packaging contents (as listed above), then provided a helpful paragraph about each of the items.  The second page provided a detailed product specifications panel (15.6inch screen size, IPS screen type, 1920×1080 resolution, 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 100% sRGB, 16.78 Million color depth, 9300K temperature, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 178 degrees horizontal and vertical viewing angle, 60 Hz refresh rate, 1.6 pounds, 14.8 x 8.8 x 0.2-inch dimensions, HDR support, Free Sync Support, 6W power consumption, Mini HDMI/3.5mm Audio Jack/USB-C port x 2 connectivity, 1W x 2 built-in speakers).  The third panel provided a left and right side view of the monitor and the corresponding ports (3.5mm Audio Jack/Menu/Power/exit buttons on the right and mini HDMI, plus two USB-C output ports on the left).  Similar to the previous panels, the instruction manual did a great job at detailing the features in prose format.  

The next panel provided utility information for the portable monitor and information about the ports (Mini-HDMI, USB-C (supports PD2.0 5-20V), USB-A (wall adapter).  The subsequent three panels labeled “Connecting your Monitor” provided various picture/prose connection options.  For a Laptop/PC with Type-C ports, use the included USB-C to USB-C cable and power adapter.  For a Laptop/PC with HDMI ports, use the HDMI cable for A/V and use either the USB-A to USB-C between computer/monitor, or use wall power if needed.  If the computer has a miniDP, you may need to purchase an adaptor.  You can connect the device to modern gaming systems via HDMI and wall power, or you can connect the current generation portable gaming system via USB-C cable and wall power.  You can connect the monitor to USB-C capable phones similar to the laptop example above, or you can purchase a separate adapter/dongle for phones that use proprietary charging ports.  

The user manual instructions proved to be quite detailed regarding the on-screen display (OSD).  The panel provided a menu layout and reviewed the brightness/contrast, color settings, audio settings, other settings, and input source.  You can use the menu/+/- button on the right side of the monitor to enter the OSD menu, use the +/- toggle to move up/down within the list, and then press the button to activate your selection.  You can adjust each of the parameters, select between 4 image modes (Standard/Game/Movie(MY FAVORITE)/photo), adjust the screen tint ( 9300k, 6500k, sRGB, User), Hue, saturation, low blue light, and the color gamut (sRGB, Adobe RGB, DPI-P3, Native color).  The low blue light mode reduces the ambient blue light, which breaks down natural melatonin, the sleep hormone.  By reducing blue light, the monitor becomes less stimulating and may improve sleep.  If you navigate to “Audio Settings,” you can mute on/off, or increase/decrease the volume.  Under “Other Settings,” you can adjust the aspect ratio to full screen or 16:9, turn freeSync on/off, adjust the language (English, German, French, Japanese, and Korean), adjust HDR to auto/off/2084, or reset to factory default.  Through this panel, you can also adjust between the input sources Type-C or HDMI. The last few panels provided a detailed overview of the duplicate/extend/second screen options for Windows and for macOS, and provided a few troubleshooting steps.

Testing:

To test the monitor, I paired it with my MacBook Pro 15”.  I removed the magnetic cover from the monitor screen and laid the monitor down face up.  I used Woosh/microfiber cloth to clean the surface, and I removed the thin layer from the top of the screen protector. I then laid the screen protector down onto the screen surface.  I found a few bubbles along the outer edges, I lifted the edge of the screen with tweezers, then used the dust-absorber to remove as many of the bubbles as possible.  Despite several attempts, I had about ten tiny bubbles along the periphery that would not go away.  I did not feel that this was a negative aspect of the product, rather a problem with my installation technique. I plugged the power adapter into a standard wall outlet, the USB-A to USB-C cable from the adapter into the lower USB-C port, and the USB-C to USB-C cable between the monitor and my computer.  I navigated to the Apple option, chose System preferences, then Displays. I moved the computer display and accessory monitor display from left to right, or I could hold the option key and drag it onto the computer monitor display to mirror the image.  I did not find that feature useful unless I wanted to specifically show someone else what I was doing on the computer.

When I moved files/folders to the second screen, I immediately realized the screen felt a little dark.  I pressed the menu option, changed the brightness from 30 to 100%, and immediately appreciated the improvement.  I liked the ability to control/adjust the settings, but I would have preferred a preset feature/memory and the ability to decrease the brightness. My Laptop provided sufficient power via USB-C to power the second monitor without a secondary power supply.  However, If I plugged a pair of headphones into the 3.5mm port, I found that the power was a bit lacking.  In that case, I needed to plug the monitor into the included USB-A/Adaptor to add the required power.  I loved the intuitive button combination, the mini HDMI out, the added USB-C, the cable’s length, the magnetic stand, and the quality of the display.  I did not miss that the screen was not a capacitive touch surface, but I had a similar issue with my computer. As I moved between my tablet and my laptop, I forgot that the screen was not touch-sensitive. I watched several movies through popular streaming services and enjoyed the quality of the videos. The sound was a bit lackluster, and I found headphones improved that limitation quite easily. I changed the mode to gaming mode and plugged my handheld gaming console into the USB port. I was able to plug my Nintendo Switch into the monitor via USB-C and enjoyed the larger/portable screen.  Similar to the video viewing experience, I enjoyed a lag-free gaming session. However, I did not like how the gaming mode changed the imagery to a more blueish hue. Instead, I turned it back to movie mode, and found the imagery more vibrant and warm.

When on the go, I slid my MacBook Pro 15” into my Timbuk2 messenger bag and then slid the Cocopar monitor in front of the MacBook Pro.  I slid my MacBook Pro power adapter/USB-C cable alongside my computer and then the adaptor/cable for my new monitor.  I appreciated the add-on monitor, the ability to run Netflix while working/typing, and the increased screen real-estate.  If I had a few wishes for the screen, I would have liked a stand-alone volume toggle that was not linked to the single button and more powerful speakers. Despite the request, I believe that the company created an amazing device and the OSD button/menu tree was well laid out and easy to navigate. I was pleased that they included the screen protectors and found the small bubbles beneath the screen protector did not detract from my viewing/streaming. Whether you wish to add an extra screen to your desktop, to a laptop, for a standard home gaming system, or for a portable gaming session, the Cocopar screen will not let you down. 

Learn more about the Cocopar Monitor.

A great option for portable workstations.

I’ve been using a laptop as my primary computer now for at least 10 years. And, I usually have that laptop connected to an external monitor so that I have a large workspace to work from. That doesn’t work when you need to work remotely away from your desk. Fortunately, there is a unique accessory called the SideTrak that gives laptop users a second screen when they need it. 

DETAILS

The SideTrak Swivel Monitor gives users the opportunity to instantly double the size of their laptop screen real estate. The Swivel is a 12.5” full HD IPS portable monitor that attaches to the back of your laptop’s screen using magnets and an adhesive metal plate. The screen is compatible with all laptop sizes and operating systems. The screen will rotate 270º and swivels 360º. You can use it attached, freestanding, or in portrait mode. It has a built-in kickstand and users can adjust the brightness and screen auto-rotation. There are no downloads required for operation. The monitor uses either the USB-C or HDMI cables (provided) to connect to the computer. The monitor weighs 1.3lbs and measures 12” x 7.4”. 

SPECS

• Screen Size: 12.5″
• Panel Type: TFT
• Display Type: LCD
• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Brightness: 300 cd/m2
• Response Time: 30 ms
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Contrast Ratio: 600:1
• Power Consumption: 3.65 W

USER EXPERIENCE

The SideTrak Swivel comes in a box that is reminiscent of a laptop box. It has the kickstand pre-installed and the metal plates that affix to the laptop are in a small box. The two cables are nestled in a couple of recessed storage spots under the monitor. There is a paper attachment guide included with the monitor. It’s intended to help the user line up the location of the metal plate. On the guide, there is a QR code that takes you to a YouTube channel with video installation instructions. I actually found that more helpful than the paper guide. The installation video instructs you to affix the metal plate to the magnet on the monitor and then use the monitor to line up the correct placement on the laptop. I actually used the paper guide before I watched the video and the video instructions seemed a lot easier to follow. 

The metal plate has 3M adhesive strips pre-installed on its back. Once you have the plate positioned on the laptop, you will remove the protective paper and stick the plate onto the laptop. The video mentions that this is a semi-permanent installation and if you don’t want to stick it directly onto your laptop, you could put a protective case on the laptop first. I used my 16-inch MacBook Pro for the installation. The plate stuck to the laptop just fine and then I placed the mounting magnet, which is attached to the monitor, onto the plate. While the magnets seemed strong enough, I had a little trouble with the monitor staying level with the mount. It kept dropping and hitting my desktop rather than remaining a floating monitor. After a little bit of adjustment and realigning the monitor’s mount, it stayed secure. Given this issue though, I wouldn’t attempt to move the laptop with the monitor extended. I feel that it could potentially fall completely off the laptop. That said, if you are remaining stationary – say at a coffee shop or library – then the monitor should stay in one place. One feature that is really nice about the Swivel is that you can flip the monitor into a position so that it is folded flat against the laptop. This is great for mobility. It keeps the laptop compact and the monitor stays secure. 

As far as operation goes, once I was sure the monitor wasn’t going anywhere, I plugged in the USB-C cable to both the laptop and the monitor. Since the port on the MacBook Pro is actually a Thunderbolt 3 port, power ends up being delivered through the USB-C cable, and no other connection is needed. If you end up using the HDMI cable, you will need to also use the USB-C cable to ensure the monitor has power. This is really the only ‘complaint’ I have about the monitor – cable management. The cables that were included are very sturdy, solid cables, but because they are a thicker cable type, they aren’t very pliable. That means they are a little harder to work with if you want to hide the cables from view. Now, I realize that the monitor is really meant for turning your laptop into a more productive workspace without needing a full-size external monitor, however, it would be nice if there was a way to clip the cable to the back of the monitor so that it’s not just hanging around while you are trying to work. For me, it is a distraction and I will probably find a cable clip that can be used to tuck the cable away. As soon as I plugged the monitor into my laptop, it was immediately recognized. The Swivel powered on, I saw the SideTrak logo, and then the extension of my laptop’s desktop. At this point of the installation, you just treat the Swivel as you would a second monitor. You can set it up through System Preferences (on a Mac) as a mirrored screen or as an extended screen. The quality of the picture is fabulous. Text is crisp and colors are vibrant. I really don’t have any concerns whatsoever about the picture from the monitor. It’s quite impressive. 

CONCLUSION

The SideTrak Swivel isn’t something I really thought I needed, but I’m glad I have it. I will definitely be taking it with me when I go on vacation in case I need to have that second screen while I’m out of town. It’s a better alternative to taking a full-size monitor and it’s much easier to pack around. It is a little on the pricey side since a standard monitor would cost around the same price ($330 at the time of publishing). If you are in need of a portable workstation though, it’s a really great option.

For more information, visit sidetrak.com, Facebook, or Twitter.

We’ve been trying for many years to create the perfect workspace for my fiancé, Nick. It’s taken many hours and tireless moves to make it what it is today and even though I’m sure we will always be making adjustments here and there, it’s a nice space for productivity as well as relaxation. The one element that has continued to be a point of contention is the monitor on his desk. He’s had curved ones, ultra-wide ones, and he’s even just worked off of his laptop. A couple of months ago, we acquired the 43-inch CrystalPro Curved Ultra-Wide Monitor from Monoprice and it changed the landscape of his desk. 

DETAILS

The Monoprice 43-inch CrystalPro Curved Ultra-Wide Monitor is considered the “ultimate wide format general purpose productivity monitor.” The monitor is ideal for spreadsheet power users, photo or video editors, musicians, or anyone who wants maximum visibility and control over their workflow. The monitor has an 1800R curvature and features a 3840 x 1200p (DFHD) resolution with 120Hz refresh rate. The monitor supports AMD FreeSync technology and comes equipped with a single DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, and two HDMI 1.4 video inputs. The panel is a Samsung LSM430YP01 VA featuring Quantum Dot Color technology. This brings brilliant colors, wide viewing angles, and fast response times. The DFHD resolution is the equivalent of two 24” HD monitors. The monitor is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified so that users experience a wider, richer range of colors, bright whites, and deeper blacks with High Dynamic Range support. While the monitor comes with a wide base support, it is also VESA compatible and feature a 75 x 75 VESA mount pattern. 

FULL SPECS

USER EXPERIENCE

The monitor arrived in a typical product box. It was well packaged with styrofoam surrounding it and the parts were stored in such a way that it wouldn’t damage the screen. The monitor arrives separated from its stand and has to be assembled. The stand is two pieces — the base and the pole support. The monitor connects to the pole and then the pole connects to the base. It really only takes about 5 minutes to put together. While the stand is quite minimalist and very thin, it does still take up desktop space. 

My fiancé prefers to keep his desktop as clean as possible so we acquired the Workstream Tilting monitor mount. While it’s description says it’s rated for screens up to 42 inches, we confirmed with Monoprice that this would work with the 43-inch monitor before installing it. The Workstream is a simple, stationary monitor arm that gets the monitor off of the desktop and allows for tilting, but other than that, there is not articulation with the arm. While the monitor features a 75 x 75 VESA mounting pattern, it’s sort of a faux mount that’s built in. In order to use a mount other than the stand that comes with it, you have to use mount adapters since the back panel of the monitor is not flush. The adapters do work, but I’d prefer to have a more solid mounting option rather than pieces that screw into the back of the monitor. 

The size of the monitor is nothing to laugh at. It’s 43 inches of display so you really have to have the desktop space to support it. A lot of modern computer desks/tables are longer by design, but some do fall short. So, you’ll want to make sure you have the space to accommodate this beast before investing in it. That said, if you are already rocking a pair of 24-inch monitors, this will save you a little bit of space as it eliminates the frame from two separate monitors. The extra space really comes in handy when you are editing video or trying to monitor newsfeeds while working on something productivity-driven. 

One of the things I wasn’t a big fan of was the menu button structure. The power button and directional buttons for menu selection are underneath the monitor. When you have to cycle through the monitor’s menus it gets really cumbersome because you have to remember which button does what. There is no label on the front of the monitor to give you a hint about which button is which. I had a lot of missed entries when trying to calibrate the monitor and I feel like if the buttons were laid out better or more intuitively, it would have saved me some time. As far as the input ports, I was pretty impressed with their layout. The ports are located on the back of the monitor, which is concealed by a magnetic panel. When you need to access the buttons, you simply pop the panel off and route the cables as needed. I do wish a USB port had been included simply because I have a USB light that I usually power from my monitor. That’s not a dealbreaker in my opinion, but it would have been a nice add-on. 

To test the monitor’s performance, we paired it with my fiancé’s 15-inch MacBook Pro (2018). Because Monoprice calls this the “ultimate wide format general purpose productivity monitor,” I tested it out with those perimeters in mind. 

Video Editing: As I mentioned, I feel that this large format monitor is great for video editing projects. You can not only stretch your project timeline out as long as you would like it, but you can also have all your tool bars open at the same time. As far as efficiency goes, the Monoprice monitor gets an ‘A’ rating for video editing. It only gets a ‘C’ rating for resolution though since it’s only the equivalent to standard HD resolution and not 4K. Efficiency: A, Resolution: C, Overall Rating: B

Photo Editing: This is the main activity my fiancé use his computer for so he really wanted the monitor to excel at it. He ran into the same type of issue we had with video editing. The resolution while good isn’t exactly where he want it to be for photo editing. He ran into problems while photo editing where the monitor just wasn’t as clear as he wanted it to be. Efficiency: A, Resolution: C, Overall Rating: B

Productivity: When my fiancé isn’t editing photos, he is usually monitoring emails, watching news feeds, or skimming through social media. Because the landscape of the CrystalPro is so vast, he had no problems with setting up a workspace using the monitor that worked really well for his needs. With the enhanced desktop space, he was able to layout all the different windows he normally uses and he still had space to spare. For standard productivity work, the monitor’s HD resolution was just fine. Efficiency: A, Resolution: A, Overall Rating: A

CONCLUSION

While the 43-inch CrystalPro can do a lot for a workspace and help make someone who does general computing activities more productive. That said, this monitor has a lot going for it and is a tremendous value for its cost based on what it does offer.

For more information, visit monoprice.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Ideal for stationary TVs and Monitors

When we moved into our current house, we decided to try and maximize our floor space by mounting TV and monitors on our walls. It was my first experience mounting a TV and even though I understood the basics of how to get it done, I was still a little uncertain of myself. It can be tricky to locate a stud after all. I’ve used the articulating mounts and the stationary ones to mount TVs. I found the non-articulating ones to be a bit easier to deal with so when it came time to mount our TV in our office, I decided to go with something fairly simple. The Gabor TM-3700 Tilting Wall Mount was perfect for this particular job. 

This mount is designed to hold flat panel screens 37-70 inches in size. It will support up to 176 pounds. It has a 2″ mounting depth with a 75 x 75 to 640 x 400mm mounting pattern (VESA compatible). The mount provides a tilt adjustment of -10/+5º. The mount will sit almost flush against the wall but can be tilted. There is extra security included as the mount comes with an anti-theft locking bar for additional security when monitors are mounted in public places. The mount comes with 2 brackets, an anti-theft locking bar, bubble level, mounting hardware, and a limited 1-year warranty.

The mount is well-built and all the parts seem solid. I really like that the plate that affixes to the back of the TV is a solid piece instead of individual bars. It just makes the installation feel much more secure than the ones that are individual bars. All the parts fit together really well and I didn’t have any difficulty with finding the right hardware since it comes with a large assortment of parts. 

I love the inclusion of the anti-theft locking bar. That was a new piece of hardware that I’d not seen before with other installations I had done. The tilt angle on the TV is ideal for our particular use and while some people may want more flexibility for their mounted TV, I feel as though this option is perfect for a stationary, tilt-only mount. 

For more information, visit madebygabor.com.

An excellent all-purpose monitor with premium features.

I work in the nonprofit world. That is a world of tight budgets and scrimping to save on things that will ‘get you by’ until the next budget cycle. As a result of this field, you learn to live with what you have as being ‘good enough’. When I unboxed this LG monitor, I didn’t know what I had been missing. The 32” Class UltraFine 4K UHD LED Monitor is an incredible, elegant option for any style of workstation.

DETAILS

The 32’’ Class UltraFine™ 4K UHD LED Monitor has a 31.5” UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) display. It’s compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and can handle 4K video daisy chaining, which is great for video professionals. This monitor is also compatible with Apple computers.

4K with Detailed Color Grading: The display provides breathtaking clarity and fine detail with four times the resolution of Full HD (1080p).

Nano IPS Display: With this type of display users experience more accurate color and a broader contrast ratio. High dynamic range (HDR) is even brighter and darker than on a standard HD monitor.

Color Range with DCI-P3: This color standard makes it possible to edit on-site footage with full color expression.

Delicate Color Expression: Nanometer-sized particles on the screen’s LED absorb excess light wavelengths

VESA DisplayHDR 600: The monitor is rated for delivering peak luminance of 600 nits (VESA certified)

Thunderbolt 3 Versatility: This allows users to set up this display with a single cable for video/audio plus data transfer and laptop charging. The included Thunderbolt 3 port is rated to provide 40Gbps of data and high-bandwidth video.

On-screen Control: Allows for brightness, picture mode presets, Screen Split 2.0 and additional settings can be adjusted with mouse clicks instead of hard buttons on the monitor.

SPECS & FEATURES

PICTURE QUALITY

• Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Brightness: 360cd/m²(Min.), 450cd/m² (Typ.)
• Color Gamut: Yes
• Response Time: 5ms (Faster)
• Contrast Ratio (DFC): 910:1 (Min.), 1300:1 (Typ.)
• Viewing Angle: 178°(R/L), 178°(U/D)
• Surface Treatment: Anti Glare, 3H
• Dynamic Action Sync: Yes

INPUTS/OUTPUTS

• Headphone Out: Yes
• Display Port: Yes x 1
• USB: Yes x 2
• HDMI: Yes x 1
• Thunderbolt 3: Yes x 2 (in x 1 (PD 60W) / out x 1)

POWER

• DC Off: Under 0.3W
• Type: Adapter
• Input: 100 ~ 240, 50/60Hz
• Normal On (EPA Typ.): 70W
• Normal On (factory out condition Typ.): 200W

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Smart Energy Saving: Yes
• Super+ Resolution: Yes
• Black Stabilizer: Yes
• Speaker: Yes
• Color Calibrated: Yes
• Color weakness: Yes
• Adaptive Sync: RADEON FreeSync™
• Dynamic Action Sync: Yes
• Reader Mode: Yes
• Wide Color Gamut: Yes
• Nano IPS™ Technology: Yes
• HDR Effect: Yes
• VESA DisplayHDR™: Display HDR 600
• HDR10: Yes
• H/W Calibration Ready (True Color Pro): Yes

DIMENSIONS/WEIGHTS

• Shipping Weight: 25.6 lbs
• With Stand (WxHxD): 28.3” x 23.5 x 9.1” (Up)/28.3” x 19.2” x 9.1” (Down)
• Without Stand (WxHxD): 28.3” x 16.3” x 1.8”
• Shipping Dimensions (WxHxD): 36.5” x 8.4” x 20.3”
• With Stand Weight: 16.1 lbs
• Without Stand Weight: 13.7 lbs

CABINET/ACCESSORIES

• Wall Mount Size (mm): 100 x 100 mm
• HDMI™: Yes
• Display Port: Yes

USER EXPERIENCE

The monitor does require minor assembly, but the set-up takes less than 5 minutes. The monitor itself is one piece while the stand is 2 parts — the base and the arm. The arm locks into place on the back of the monitor and the base then screws into the arm with a thumbscrew. One of the things I love about this design is it’s easy to disassemble it needed. The stand is a curved design and surprisingly it does not take up a lot of desk real estate. The arm is telescoping and so you can raise and lower the monitor to your desired height and it even twists so that you can change he viewing angle, too. The screen is virtually borderless and features the ArcLine stand.

After I powered on the monitor, I was shocked at how bright it is. My standard monitor is 24 inches in size and it does a remarkably great job of displaying vibrant images, but it was nothing like this beast from LG. Since this is a 4K monitor is provides UHD 4K resolution and detailed color grading. And, it’s designed to work with calibration devices for precise adjustments. With that in mind, it makes it the perfect monitor for photo editing, which is something I do on a daily basis. I was very impressed with amount of detail I was able to see when trying to adjust the exposure of some photos I took during ‘blue hour’.

One of things that was most eye-catching to me was how crisp text appears on the screen. For me, it was like moving from standard definition to high definition television programming. You really can see the difference between monitors when you put this LG into play. The UltraFine definition lives up to its name. I did run the Eizo Monitor Test, too, and found that this LG did a great job with all the 13 different checks the Eizo test runs. It looks at test pattern, defective pixels, uniformity, color distances, gradients, sharpness, viewing angle, gamma, and response time.

I was really impressed with the sound quality from the built-in speakers in this monitor. I turned on some music while I was working and couldn’t believe the what I was hearing. My fiancé walked into the room and thought I was using my desktop speakers and not the built-in ones from the monitor. Normally, we don’t talk a lot about the built in speakers on a monitor, but these really are exceptional. Now, I wouldn’t recommend them for sound engineers or for proofing detailed audio, but if you just need audio output available, these speakers will get the job done.

When a monitor I’m testing is specifically designed for gaming, I will see how a video game runs on it, but with this LG UltraFine, I saw right away that it was designed for entertainment, general productivity, and photo/video editing. To test this even further, I turned on Netflix and pulled up Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse. The video I was watching was also incredible. Part of the reason I chose that particular movie is because of its vibrant colors and quick action. I didn’t notice any pixelations or tearing with movement. The LG does a great job of displaying movies that are high quality like Spiderman.

CONCLUSION

I know that a lot of people these days are moving to UltraWide monitors, but I think this 32-inch beauty is worth a second glance based off of its easy set-up and gorgeous display of colors. It does an excellent job of showing off high-quality graphics and works well for detailed work like photo editing. At around $1300 it is quite an investment, but in the end, I think it’s worth the quality you get.

For more information, visit lg.com, Facebook and Twitter .

Indiana based company plows competition with its 49-inch display

When it comes to tech I am what you call a super fan. I love seeing innovation and when the bigger companies start to think more about how to make a big profit over making a better product innovation starts to get stale. That is unless someone decides to toss their name in the hat and punch the rest right in the gut. That’s what I feel VIOTEK does. They are a smaller company based out of the Midwest in Indiana. I have used monitors from them in the past and they have held strong against the likes of LG. So when I first saw the 49-inch monster that some other company put out I couldn’t wait to see what VIOTEK would put out and they didn’t disappoint.

DETAILS

The 49” Super Ultrawide Curved HDR Gaming Monitor (SUW49C) is a mammoth monitor that features 32:9 aspect ratio with 3840 x 1080p resolution at 144Hz. It comes with a remote and has FreeSync as well as additional features. The concept behind this behemoth of a monitor is that you can sit at a single monitor and get the same effect that you would have from multiple monitors.  With it, you can experience vibrant images with one of the only super ultrawide monitors in the market to support High Dynamic Range (HDR). The monitor has been built with an industry-leading VA panel. It’s calibrated to deliver 16.7 million colors at 3000:1 contrast ratio. The SUW49C provides flexible options for connectivity to peripherals. It uses DisplayPort 1.2 port, 3.5mm audio, or HDMI 2.0 and 1.4 ports. With the 49-inch screen real estate available you have the ability to multitask with dual-input PIP/PBP functions so that you can have two sources displayed on a single screen. 

SPECS

• Resolution: 3840x1080p
• Screen Ratio: 32:9
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Response Time: 4ms with Overdrive
• Curvature: 1800R
• Viewing Angle: H178° / V178°
• Display Colors: 16.7M Colors
• NTSC: 85%
• Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
• Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 1M:1
• Brightness: 320cd/m2 (320 nits)
• VESA: 75x75mm
• Ports: 1x DP 1.2 (cable included), 1x DVI, 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5mm audio input
• Speakers: 3W
• Backlight: E-LED
• Tilt Adjustable: Yes (-5° ~ 15°)
• Dimensions (with Stand): 47.2 x 17.6 x 9.5 in
• Weight: 25.2 lb (net), 33.5 lb (gross)
• Additional Features: GamePlus, Overdrive, AMD FreeSync™, PIP/PBP, Low Blue Light mode, RGB LED Backlight, Remote, Cable Management
• Color Availability: Black (Silver stand)

USER EXPERIENCE

The monitor comes in pieces and you have to attach the main monitor to the stand and its base. Viotek makes it pretty easy though and includes all the hardware needed. Similar to other Viotek monitors I’ve seen, this 49-inch beast does not include a standard VESA mount. It does come with adapters but I would much rather see the monitor come with a standard VESA mount so that I could use it on a monitor arm. There are no height adjustments available on the stand, but you can tilt it. Other 49-inch monitors average $1,200 but the Viotek model is only $900. While it’s still a substantial investment, it’s far less than other brands offering the same size monitor. This automatically makes this monitor more appealing in my book. 

To test the monitor’s performance, I plugged my MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018) using a USB-C dock (for the gaming tests, I also used the Acer Nitro 5, model: AN517-51-56YW). Something that all Viotek monitors have in common is the unfortunate lack of cable management options. All the ports are located on the back of the monitor but they face downward so all the connected cables end up dangling out of the bottom of the monitor. It causes a lot of unsightly cable mess. I would really love to see Viotek develop their monitors so that their stands include a way to store cables.

The main navigation buttons are located directly below the display on front-middle of the screen. There are five buttons — power and four to control the OSD. The buttons can be a pain to use, but Viotek does include an IR remote, which comes in quite handy when trying to navigate the menu system and other inputs. The internal speakers are functional, but I recommend using a different set of speakers with more depth as the internal ones are lacking.

There are a few things I noticed right away. First, sitting too close to the monitor makes everything a bit distorted and pixelated. It’s best if you distance yourself from it and sit about a 36 inches away from the screen. Even though it’s a slim form monitor, the 49-inch beast still takes up a lot of physical desk space. So, if you allow yourself a bit of depth on your desktop, not only will you have enough space for your keyboard and mouse, but the display will actually look better, too. After all, the 3840 x 1080 resolution is really just like having two 1920 x 1080 monitors side-by-side. In addition to the distortion up close, I also thought the blacks and other dark colors looked a bit washed out. The brightness of this monitor is only rated at 320 nits, which falls short of the 400-nit requirement for VESA-certification as HDR400.

When I work on my computer, I use it in a variety of ways: productivity, gaming, multimedia, and photo editing. I tested out the 49-inch Viotek monitor with these areas in mind. 

GAMING: I played through a few rounds of Code of War, a first-person shooter game, on the MacBook Pro. Code of War was released for Mac in 2018 and has the latest 3D graphics. Gameplay was very smooth. I didn’t experience any lag and movements were uninhibited. I thought the curvature of the screen really immersed me into the game, too. Using the Acer gaming laptop, I played Team Fortress 2, which is also a fast-paced, first-person shooter. Gameplay was also smooth and without lag or stutter using the Acer laptop.

The only issue I really had was that the screen of the game kept getting cut off when I went to ‘full screen’ mode. I believe this is because the game isn’t optimized for that large of a screen. When I punch in full screen on the MacBook Pro or even a 34-inch UltraWide screen, I can still see the entire field of play without it being cut off. 

PRODUCTIVITY (EMAIL/OFFICE TASKS): One of the biggest benefits of having a screen this large is that you can multitask like never before. I was able to have an Internet browser window open, word processor and even a window for editing photos. For me, this was the reason to have a the 49-inch titan of a monitor. The screen provided crisp, clear text and scrolling without any stuttering. 

PHOTO EDITING: Prior to using the Super Ultrawide monitor, I was using a 34-inch UltraWide HD monitor as my external screen real estate. While this was a much better option than my 15-inch MacBook Pro, it’s about a third of the size of the 49-inch monitor. So, when I installed the SUW49C, I found that having that huge environment to work in was so much easier. The HDR screen is perfect for being able to make color correction judgments and it’s much easier to be able to juggle photo editing with all the toolbars that are included in photo editing apps.

VIDEO STREAMING: Because I also use my laptop for entertainment, one of the first things I did once I installed the monitor was to pull up Netflix and peruse some content. I thought the monitor did a great job with showcasing high-quality video and didn’t notice any color saturation problems or digital artifacting. One thing I did notice was that ‘full screen’ wasn’t really full screen on this monitor. There was a full, widescreen viewing window inside the browser window. This is one of those times that I felt that the viewing experience wasn’t enhanced by using the 49-inch monster of a monitor. I think it will be amazing once content providers catch-up to these larger format screens, but it was a shortcoming at this point of time.

In addition to my practical/usage testing, I also ran a couple of benchmarking tests. The first was the Eizo Monitor Test. This is an online test that checks 13 different measurements including a test pattern, defective pixels, uniformity, color distances, gradients, sharpness, viewing angle, gamma, and response time. I thought that the SUW49C did exceptionally well. It passed all 13 tests with flying colors — even the gradient test, which I have had issues in the past with other monitors. 

CONCLUSION

VIOTEK is based out of Indiana – designed in Indiana repaired in Indiana but made in China – and makes some super nice inexpensive monitors that are absolutely wonderful. This beast of a monitor isn’t for the faint of heart and you definitely need to have the physical space to accommodate it. That said, the 49-inch Super Ultrawide is a great choice for gaming and productivity needs. 

For more details, visit VIOTEK, Facebook, and Twitter.

A top-notch monitor for smaller workspaces.

When you live your life on a laptop, you get used to having limited screen real estate and to be honest, I didn’t know what I was missing by not having an external monitor until I had a dual monitor set up at work. Once I became accustomed to having that type of workstation, I decided I wanted it at home, too. In the past two years I’ve had a curved gaming monitor that had a monster stand, a 34-inch ultra wide monitor that consumed most of my desk space, and now, I have a petite 24” HD monitor by HP that is just about ideal for my uses.

DETAILS

The HP 24f FreeSync Monitor is a 23.8-inch monitor that features an anti-glare panel. The monitor is virtually frameless and has a minimalist design. The monitor also has a Low Blue Light mode that helps to prevent eyestrain. The monitor provides a full HD 1920×1080 resolution for users and has a 75 Hz refresh rate. As the name suggests, the monitor also features AMD FreeSync technology, which synchronizes the refresh rate between the GPU and display to eliminate stutter. You can connect to the monitor via HDMI or VGA input and enjoy a 178º horizontal and vertical viewing angles. 

SPECS

• Refresh Rate: 75Hz
• Maximum Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Response Time: 5 milliseconds
• Panel Type: IPS
• Synchronization Technology: FreeSync (AMD Adaptive Sync)
• Screen Size: 23.8 inches
• Number of VGA Ports: 1
• Number of HDMI Inputs: 1

USER EXPERIENCE

The set-up of the monitor was super easy. The stand is only two pieces and once it’s assembled and attached to the monitor screen, you’re ready to connect cables. I have a 2016 MacBook Pro so I am connecting to the monitor through a docking station. I haven’t experienced any issues with the monitor’s connection or any type of lag either.

One of the features I like so much about this monitor is its small footprint. It has a very thin bezel and small stand so if you have compact desk space  like I do, it’s perfect as an external monitor. Prior to this monitor, I had a 34-inch Ultrawide that while I enjoyed the desktop space was just far too large for my desk. This 24-inch beauty is perfect for my needs. 

For the price point, I would definitely recommend this to users of all types. It does have an IPS screen and wide viewing angle (178 degrees), which makes it appealing even for users who do photo and video editing. The colors and brightness look great and aren’t washed out.

CONCLUSION

I live my life on a laptop. It goes with me everywhere and while I love being portable, I really love being able to connect my computer to this lovely external monitor and have a better overall experience. I’ve used several different styles of monitors, but this one from HP is just about perfect for my needs. It’s compact, provides a crisp picture, and connects easily through HDMI. 

For more information, visit HP.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Over the years I have been a super fan of ultra wide monitors as they have been super handy for editing having space to spread my tools out. I use the 15-inch MacBook Pro the amazing specked out MacBook Pro with the Vega 20 card. I use this particular computer so I have the power to edit on the go. The problem with editing on the go is I don’t have my amazing 34-inch ultra-wide monitor with me. Thanks to Vinpok, I can have a lightweight portable 15-inch monitor that I can easily slide in my laptop case and have with me everywhere. The Split from Vinpok happens to be a touch screen and seems very responsive. In fact, when using the MacBook Pro with it you can sort of get a feel for what macOS would be like if Apple laptops ever became touch screens.

DETAILS

The Vinpol Split Touch Screen Monitor works with all laptops through Type-C/Mini HDMI connections. It will also work with PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and some smartphones and tablets. It measures 15.6 inches and has a resolution of 1080P HD. It has a flexible viewing angle and is rotatable. The monitor comes pre-installed in a sleeve/cover to protect it and make it convenient for travel. Vinpok has listed on their website that having an extra monitor proves to make people more productive. In fact, a second screen can boost productivity by up to 50%. The Split monitor is the easiest option to turn MacBooks into a 2 or even 3-screen system.

SPECS

• Viewable area: 13.54 x 7.63 inches
• Display color: 16.7 million
• Contrast: 1000:1
• Input: HDMI, Type-C
• Speaker: 1W x 2
• Viewable angle: 178º H, (89º/89º) V
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Color Gamut: 89% sRGB
• Brightness: 280cd/m2
• Output: 3.5mm
• Weight: 1.38 lbs
• Touchscreen: 10-point Capacitive Touch Screen
• Supported Android Phones: Samsung S8, S9, Note8, Note9, Huawei Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro, P20, P20 Pro, Honor Note10, Smartisan R1, Pro 25

USER EXPERIENCE

I will typically try to comment on the entire package of a product but in this case, the product is being offered as a preorder and through crowdfunding on Indiegogo so the packaging my screen arrived it does not appear to be the final product. The monitor did ship with a Quick User Guide that is illustrated and has good descriptions included. The Vinpok Split also ships with a high-speed Type-C cable and a Mini HDMI to HDMI cable. I was pleasantly surprised to find that more than one cable was included with the screen. It was very convenient and I loved that I didn’t have to hunt for a cable when I wanted to use the Vinpok Split.

The first thing I connected to was my MacBook Pro. As I mentioned above, I have a 15-inch MBP and I was eager to have a simple second screen in the comfort of my living room. The instructions tell you to connect your laptop to the monitor using the provided USB-C cable to connect using the ‘full-featured’ USB 3.1 Type-C interface. It will work as either an extended display or mirrored display. With this type of connection, you don’t have to plug the monitor into an external power source. I actually attempted this and the monitor would simply shut off. The monitor ends up pulling power from the connected computer. When I started using the laptop/monitor combination, my laptop’s battery was at 70%. After about an hour, it had dropped 20% because the monitor was connected and I was actively using the computer.

The other connection I was really excited to try out was the Nintendo Switch/Split Monitor. The instructions will tell you to connect the Switch using the USB-C connection and then connect the monitor to an external power source. I tried to use the instruction/illustration as shown in the user guide, but as it turns out, there is another way to get the Switch working with the monitor. Vinpok actually provides video examples of how to connect various devices and the one that describes how to connect the Nintendo Switch gives you a different set of instructions. First, you want to make sure your Switch is powered on. You will want to disconnect the Joy Cons from the Switch main unit. Then, you want to connect to the full-featured port using the USB-C cable. The Split should automatically detect the Nintendo Switch and take over as the main screen. After the monitor detected the gaming system, I plugged the monitor into external power. When I used the sequence provided in the manual, the monitor simply flickered and wouldn’t connect. When I followed the sequence I described above, it worked perfectly.

As I really enjoy the extra real-estate and how lightweight this monitor is I don’t really care for it being a touchscreen. Even though you do have the option to use the monitor as a touchscreen that is connected to your macOS computer, it doesn’t work flawlessly and I wanted it to end up feeling like the iPad does. In addition to the touchscreen being extraneous, I noticed the screen flicker on more than one occasion. After some time being connected to my MacBook Pro, the computer’s screen would start to flicker. This could have been a power issue, but it simply ended up being annoying.

CONCLUSION

Even though I had a few issues with the monitor’s operation, I love the concept of it and see this being the ultimate solution for second screens on compact desk set-ups. The resolution is awesome and the color gamut is amazing. I was highly impressed with the quality of this monitor and think that it’s a great alternative to larger monitors.

For more details, visit Vinpok
Find Vinpok on Facebook and Twitter.

Professional productivity powerhouse that stands tall against more expensive options

I have been an avid fan of LG monitors for some time. One of my TV’s is an LG and in my opinion, it has the best blacks in the market. For the past few years, my office monitor has been an LG (34-inch ultra wide) and while it’s been a really nice monitor, this VIOTEK monitor is taking its place. Even though the aforementioned LG monitor was an ultra-wide monitor, it was not curved and that is something I’ve really wanted to introduce to my setup for some time. Another factor that pushed me to upgrade my monitor to the VIOTEK was that the LG was only 60 hertz whereas the GN34C is 100 Hertz. It was definitely time for a change.

DETAILS

The VIOTEK GN34C is designed with top gaming specs and professional business tasks in mind. The monitor features flicker-free video with superior color reproduction. The GN34C has 2.5 times the resolution of other full HD monitors. The 100Hz monitor refresh rate helps to alleviate eye fatigue while offering a greater viewing comfort than 60Hz and 75Hz monitors. The natural 1800R curve renders game environments more realistically. The widescreen monitor has an anti-glare treated screen significantly reduces glare without degrading image quality. Thanks to PIP technology, you can view content from two different sources at the same time. The GN34C also features true color precision and it brings HDR graphics to life. One of the biggest features of the GN34C is the inclusion of AMD FreeSync. The technology ensures smooth, clear movements even with intense action-packed games. FreeSync will nearly eliminate image distortions. As an added feature, users can turn on the widescreen monitor’s built-in GamePlus crosshair even when games have disabled crosshairs.

Specifications:

• Resolution: 3440x1440p
• Screen Ratio: 21:9
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Response Time: 4ms with Automatic Overdrive
• Display Colors: 16.7M Colors
• Color Gamut: 115% sRGB / 85% NTSC
• Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
• Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 1000000:1
• Curvature: 1800R
• VESA: 75x75mm
• Ports: 1x DP 1.2 (cable included) / 1x DVI / 1x HDMI 2.0 / 1x 3.5mm Audio Input
• Backlight: E-LED
• Tilt Adjustable: Yes, -5° ~ 15°
• Dimensions (with Stand): 32.1 x 17.2 x 11.2 in
• Color Availability: Black & White

USER EXPERIENCE

The monitor does require just a bit of assembly in order for it to be functional. You have to connect the stand to the monitor, but VIOTEK makes it quite easy with a simple snap closure that has become popular with monitors. Assembly only takes about 5 minutes. One thing I did notice right away with this mount was that it’s not a standard vesa compatible mount. The GN34C does come with adapters so that you can attach the monitor to a vesa mount, but they don’t seem to be the best solution for that problem. I would have preferred a straight vesa mount option because I use a monitor arm on my desk and since there are no options for height adjustment on the stand, I will likely be trying to mount this monitor as well.

So how is the quality of a monitor that costs half the price of my beloved LG? It’s surprisingly great with some issues of course. The operation buttons are impossible to see as are the input ports. There is no real cable management included with the monitor stand and the cables hang down from the bottom of the monitor. This is something that bothers me a great deal as I hate cable clutter. I have worked out an option for hiding the cables, but I would have loved to see this be included with the stand or even on the back of the monitor itself.

Because sometimes I connect my monitor to a MacBook Pro with only USB-C ports available, I have to connect the display using a dock. I was coming from a Thunderbolt 2 monitor, which included a lot of ports but when you are using a dock or a PC, the extra ports are not a must-have. I chose to connect to the VIOTEK monitor using a Display cable so that I could get the full HD/4K option as a video signal. When it comes to bezels this monitor is as close to none as you can get. Yes, it has a bezel at the bottom but the sides and top are hardly there. This is a really nice improvement from my LG. I have also been enjoying the GN34C’s curved design. There are no reflections and 100 Hertz refresh rate is outstanding. I’ve used the monitor for a variety of productivity tasks (email, word processing, etc.) as well as graphically intensive production tasks like photo editing and video editing, and the all important gaming. The monitor has provided the wide color gamut I desire and visual performance I’ve needed from a monitor.

In addition to standard performance testing, I also used MotionMark to obtain a graphics benchmark for the monitor. Since I was using the Late 2018 MacBook Pro for this test, I was able to test it in four different ways — 60Hz with the Standard GPU, 100Hz with the Standard GPU, 60Hz with the Vega Pro 20 GPU, and 100Hz with the Vega Pro 20 GPU. As you can see from the screenshots included above, there is a significant performance spike when using the more advanced GPU for graphics performance with high-quality monitors.

Even though my primary uses of this monitor include professional business tasks I did test it out with a few games. I connected my XBox One X to the monitor and played Player Unknown Battlegrounds and Mortal Kombat. I thought both of these games were diverse enough — both in graphics and movement — that they would be a good test for the FreeSync feature. The picture was beautiful and immersive thanks to the curved display. Gameplay was smooth and the picture remained gorgeous throughout my gaming experience.

CONCLUSION

I never thought I would be leaving LG as my go-to monitor so I guess the moral of the story is never say never. VIOTEK is based out of Indiana – designed in Indiana repaired in Indiana but made in China – and makes some super nice inexpensive monitors that are absolutely wonderful. If you are looking to upgrade or buy your first monitor for gaming or just everyday work, VIOTEK should be your first stop on your list.

For more details, visit VIOTEK
Find VIOTEK on Facebook and Twitter.

A premium monitor for all purposes.

I’ve spent most of my adult life with a mobile workstation that has pretty much solely consisted of a single laptop. I have at times added a wireless mouse, but for the most part, I’ve only worked with a laptop. In the past year or so, I’ve attempted to add to my home office workstation. I’ve branched out to include speakers and a dock for connectivity. I’ve been searching for quite some time for the ideal monitor to complete the set-up and while there have been a few contenders, the ‘right’ one still hasn’t graced my desk’s presence. A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to test out a new gaming monitor by LG – the LG 34GK950F-B 34-inch Curved LED Gaming Monitor. 

DETAILS

The LG 34GK950F-B 34-inch Curved LED Gaming Monitor features a 34-inch 21:9 UltraWide QHD Curved IPS display with Radeon FreeSync 2 Technology, which enables smoother motion and less stuttering while playing games. The monitor has a refresh rate of 144Hz  with 1ms Motion Blur Reduction and is designed to handle high-performance gaming. This LG monitor is gaming optimized to provide more accurate color and a broader contrast ratio. The Nano IPS controls color better with a film industry standard. With a resolution of 3440 x 1440, the UltraWide display ensures you will be fully immersed in your game or another form of entertainment. The monitor’s pixel area is about 1.8 times larger than a Full HD 21:9 monitor and about 2.4 times larger than a Full HD 16:9 monitor.

SPECS

• Screen size: 34″ Curved
• Panel Type: IPS
• Color Gamut: DCI-P3 98%
• Color Depth: 1.07B
• Pixel Pitch: 0.2325 x 0.2325mm
• Response Time: 5ms, 1ms MBR
• Aspect Ratio: 21:9
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440
• Brightness: 320cd/m_(Min.), 400cd/m_(Typ.)
• Contrast Ratio: 700:1 (Min), 1000:1 (Typ.)
• Viewing Angle: 178ª (R/L), 178º (U/D)
• Surface Treatment: Anti-glare, 3H
• Input: HDMI (2), DisplayPort, USB Up-stream, USB Down-stream, Headphone Out

USER EXPERIENCE

Even before I unboxed the monitor, I was impressed with it — it only weighs 16.1 pounds, which was a huge change from the 20.83-pound behemoth that I had been using for several months. The LG was also quite a bit thinner than the previous monitor and despite being 2-inches larger in screen size, the LG actually seems to take up less desk real estate than the older monitor. I believe that is due to the small stand it rests on. The stand keeps the monitor’s footprint at a minimum even though it stretches an impressive 32.3” wide (side-to-side). 

Once I removed all the parts from the box, I took a brief look at the assembly instructions (yes, some assembly is required) and set to work. The monitor comes in three parts — the monitor body, stand and stand base. The stand base is designed like a pair of legs. It’s actually a very light piece and at first, I worried that it may not be sturdy enough to hold the massive screen. The stand is a longer extension piece that is made out of a much heavier duty material than the base. The pieces are meant to lock together to keep the monitor secure. First, you snap the stand into the back of the monitor body and then you tighten the thumb screw on the bottom of the base into the stand. Assembly of the monitor can be completed within a few minutes. 

After I had the monitor set-up, I connected it via the provided display port to my MacBook Pro. Since I have a 2016 model with only USB-C ports, I had to use a third party docking station in order to make the connection between the laptop and the monitor. The monitor immediately took the connection from the laptop and voila! I had a second screen setup for my computer. I typically use secondary monitors for reference when I’m editing photos or videos and as a working bulletin board of sorts. I love my 13-inch laptop, but at times, having multiple windows open is simply overwhelming. I love being able to toss those windows onto a different location, which leaves them open for easy reference but also separates you from the stress of cluttering your smaller desktop. 

The image quality is of the LG monitor is really impressive. Photos, text, and video graphics were very clear and the colors were vibrant. In addition to my personal opinion that the monitor provides an awesome viewing experience, I ran an Eizo Monitor Test. This is an online test that checks 13 different measurements including a test pattern, defective pixels, uniformity, color distances, gradients, sharpness, viewing angle, gamma, and response time. The LG monitor passed each test with flying colors with the exception of the gradient test. The grayscale that was on the screen broke up a bit when the color shifted from darker to lighter colors. I’m not sure if it would have been the case for every type of gradient, but it was definitely noticeable when I ran this test. 

Before I concluded testing on this fantastic monitor, I played a first-person shooter game called ‘Game of War’ and I watched some 4K videos that were available through Netflix. Gameplay was really smooth. I didn’t see any graphics tearing or screen stuttering because it couldn’t handle the graphics. It was really enjoyable to play Code of War using the LG Monitor. Videos were gorgeous. One of the ones I typically use is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 because it has a lot of action, movement, visual effects, and bright, vibrant colors. Because the colors are so rich, sometimes they tear quite a bit and there is a lot of pixelation. The LG monitor handled the video perfectly. I immediately wanted to find a pair of speakers to match the quality of the monitor. 

CONCLUSION

While the retail price of the monitor is on the high side at $1200, I believe this monitor is worth it. It’s an amazing piece of equipment that provides premium visuals and an easy set-up. Even though this monitor is optimized for gamers, I really liked using it for other purposes in addition to gaming. It really excelled at showing off high-quality graphics in movies as well as being awesome for detailed work like photo editing. This is a wonderful investment for anyone looking to upgrade their monitor. 

For more information, visit lg.com.
Find LG on Facebook and Twitter.

Amazing TV for many purposes.

Not too long ago, I started looking at remodeling/rearranging my home office. I took some time to really plan out what I wanted from the layout and what I wanted to include with it. One of the main pieces that I wanted to include was a really great high-quality television. I had already incorporated a 4K TV into my living room (a 75-inch Sony model), but I found the LG 65SK9000PUA and felt that it was the perfect fit for my newly redesigned home office.

DETAILS

The 65SK9000PUA is a 65-inch 4K HDR Smart LED television. LG also makes a 55-inch version of this unit. It features 4K Ultra HD (3480×2160) resolution with an A7 intelligent processor. The refresh rate is ‘TruMotion 240’ or 120Hz. The TV also includes a 4K upscaler, which comes in quite handy when watching a high-quality video that is not 4K resolution. The LG 9000PUA has some very smart options built-in like Google Home and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It does have a full web browser included as well as the LG Content Store.

SPECS: All specs available on LG’s website (link below). These are the highlights for the TV. 

USER EXPERIENCE

The LG 9000PUA arrived in a large box with a full-color image of the product on the outside. Many of the details were stamped around the box and when you opened it, you are met with the stand and many layers of Styrofoam. As a television, there really isn’t a whole lot of set-up with it. You have to place the monitor on its stand or acquire a wall mount for it (we opted to use the stand) and secured it in place. This process only took about 5 minutes. I do advise others that they should have help when moving the television. It’s not overly heavy, but it is awkward and you could risk damaging it if you try to move it on your own. The most difficult part of the set-up is actually deciding where you want it to live in your space. Because it’s a 65-inch TV, I would suggest finding a long enough wall to accommodate it so that it doesn’t make your space feel closed off.

There are quite a few stand-out features that appealed to me with this television. First, I really liked the inclusion of the Magic Remote. I’ve used many, many remotes and tried everything I can to limit the amount of remote I have to use with my television (it’s usually multiple types of remotes based on the home theater system I’m using). Fortunately, with this set-up, I decided to only use the TV with its WebOS and not connect a lot of external devices. Therefore, I can use the single Magic Remote with no interference. It’s worked beautifully and I’m significantly less stressed when it comes to using the TV. I don’t have to fumble with multiple remotes and I can enjoy entertainment much easier. I also really like that the LG television has several different input ports. Even though I’m only using and antenna with this TV, I like knowing that I can quickly and easily connect through one of the three USB ports, composite connectors, Ethernet, optical audio or HDMI.

With televisions, the number one feature you look at is the picture quality. To give a little background, we had a 55” Samsung 1080P HD television with a 120Hz refresh rate. It had a beautiful picture and we have loved it as the cornerstone of our home entertainment system for the past 6 years. Earlier this year, I decided it was time for an upgrade and invested in a 75” Sony 4K television. It is a 2017 model, but the picture quality is incredible. It was definitely a step above the 1080P HD TV that we previously had. And just a couple of weeks ago, I decided to acquire this 65” LG 4K Smart TV. I thought, “Even though it’s a newer model, it can’t be that much better than the Sony TV I just purchased.” I was greatly mistaken.

The picture quality of this LG TV is nothing short of incredible. We watched the first few minutes of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 to test out the monitor because it has such a wide color gamut in a short period of time and with it being in space, you can really see darkness, too. There is one scene where the character, Drax leaps into the mouth of a space creature. We watched it several times and each time, it seemed as though we could reach out and touch the creature. The black levels were so rich that we felt as though we were there. We determined since this television isn’t an OLED display that the reasoning for the dramatic difference between the two 4K televisions in our house has to be the Nano Cell display technology.

There are two images taken below that were taken while Jurassic Park was being shown on NBC. I captured two separate scenes — one that was lighter with people in it and one that was darker with a dinosaur in it. I did this so that you could see how the LG TV handles different levels of color and upscaling from HD, which that channel broadcasts in, to 4K. These still images really don’t do the TV’s picture justice, but it helps as an example.

CONCLUSIONS

We have been very happy with the picture quality and have even considered replacing the 75” TV with the 65” TV. LG really has a great display and everything we’ve watched on it has been ‘better’ than watching on a normal TV. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this impressed with a display and I’m eager to use it for years to come.

For more information, visit lg.com.
Find LG on Facebook and Twitter.

Amazing gaming and multi-purpose monitor experience.

It can be difficult — if not impossible — to find a suitable monitor for your desk set-up when you are as picky as I am. I have been trying to find a good all-around monitor to compliment a gaming PC, MacBook Pro, and XBox One X and well, it has been complicated. I’ve wanted something that is not only good for productivity (writing, emails, photo editing, etc.) but I also wanted a monitor that will shine with personal entertainment (gaming, videos, etc.). This 32-inch beast from Viotek has been a wonderful addition to my menagerie of equipment and it satisfies all my needs.

Details

The Viotek GN32LD 32” 144Hz 1440P Gaming Monitor features high-quality performance, customization, eye strain protection, VESA compatibility, and preset settings to make for a truly awesome visual experience. The monitor has a refresh rate of 144Hz and can render 16.7 million colors. You can connect to it using DVI, HDMI, or Display Port plus you can hook up speaker or headphones directly to the monitor using the aux port. The height is adjustable (up and down) and the base of the stand has rubber feet on it so that you don’t have to worry about your desktop getting damaged when the monitor gets moved around. One really cool feature of this monitor is the LED light effects that are built into the monitor’s backside.

In addition to providing QHD quality to your gaming experiences, the Viotek monitor offers PIP or PBP functionality for multi-tasking. The monitor is set-up to deliver a complete digital immersion experience no matter what type of task you ask of it. FreeSync and Overdrive ensure that frames remain intact and that there is a reduction in ghosting and tearing. The screen is anti-glare and features low-blue light to reduce eye-strain, too. If you want to mount the monitor elsewhere, you will find that the Viotek monitor has full VESA compatibility and can be added to any entertainment system.

SPECS

User Experience

Getting the monitor set up wasn’t particularly difficult, but with it being a 32-inch beast, it wasn’t exactly light. The stand that comes with it is a tripod stand and takes up quite a bit of desk space. I noticed just out of the box that there were a couple of small flaws in the paint on the front facing legs of the stand. Other than that, the parts slid together as they were supposed to and as soon as I powered it up, I connected it to my laptop (2016 MacBook Pro), gaming PC, and XBox One X using an HDMI cable. As I mentioned above, I really wanted a good all-around monitor for my uses. Even though this monitor was designed performance-wise for gaming, I found that it works really well for all the areas I use it for.

GAMING: I found the Viotek monitor to excel at gaming. When I set the monitor up with the XBox One X, I got to take advantage of Microsoft’s recent upgraded 120Hz and Adaptive Sync (Microsoft’s take on AMD’s FreeSync) capabilities. There are not many displays on the market that are compatible with this technology, but this model of Viotek monitor is. I noticed quite a difference between the Viotek monitor and the standard TV that the Xbox is usually connected to. I played Player Unknown Battlegrounds and Mortal Kombat. I thought these were two fairly diverse games in terms of action and motion on-screen. I didn’t have any issues with the monitor being able to handle the intense graphics of either of those games. The picture was beautiful and very immersive. Since I tried Player Unknown Battlegrounds on the XBox, I decided to play Fortnite on the PC for comparison purposes. Again, the Viotek GN32LD did not disappoint. Gameplay was smooth and the picture was gorgeous.

When using my MacBook Pro, I played two very different games using the monitor for testing — Lego Star Wars and Code of War. Lego Star Wars is a few years old and truth be told, it hasn’t been optimized for my computer. Code of War, on the other hand, was released for Mac earlier this year. It has the latest 3D graphics and is a first-person shooter game designed for action. Lego Star Wars looked decent on the Viotek monitor. Gameplay was pretty smooth. I did notice some fragmenting when the scenes would change. I don’t believe this to be a fault of the monitor at all. Since the game is older and hasn’t been updated to run on my modern systems (like my MacBook Pro) I thought that these graphics failures were more about the game and not the equipment it was running on. Code of War proved this was the case because when I started it up, it ran beautifully. I didn’t experience any lag and movements were smooth and uninhibited. The curved screen really helped to emphasize the action and enhanced the gaming experience because I felt like I was ‘in the game’ more than I do when I play on a flat monitor.

PRODUCTIVITY (EMAIL/OFFICE TASKS): The GN32LD is a pretty large monitor and I have it set off to one side of my desk (the desktop is shallow). When I’m gaming or watching videos, I will simply turn my chair to face it, but when I’m writing or completing other office-style tasks, I will sit facing my MacBook Pro with the Viotek monitor being the second screen. The enormous size of the monitor is the perfect dashboard for open windows of applications for reference while I’m researching products. I love having that extra screen real estate for that. It has helped me a lot since I’ve been using it in this fashion because I’m more productive.

PHOTO EDITING: Because the GN32LD was designed for gaming, it’s also perfect for photo editing. Prior to installing the GN32LD, I was editing photos on my 13-inch MacBook Pro screen. While it’s a retina display, the size can be less than productive for that sort of task. Having the gorgeous 32-inch display available is a much easier environment to work with. I simply slide my Affinity Photos window over to the GN32LD monitor and edit away. I feel like it’s a comparable screen to other HD displays for photo editing and it makes having an application that uses multiple windows for tools much easier than the small screen of a laptop.

VIDEO STREAMING: One of the first things I did when I had the monitor set up was to pull up Netflix and watch the first 10 minutes of Guardians of the Galaxy 2. It’s a piece of video that I use frequently when I’m testing out monitors because it has a lot of vibrant colors and movement that would easily tear on lower quality monitors. The Viotek monitor did a fabulous job of showcasing the high-quality video and I didn’t notice any digital artifacts while it was playing.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a beautiful gaming monitor, I can’t imagine a better companion than the Viotek GN32LD. It performs admirably and has a commanding presence on a desktop. It really excels as a gaming monitor but is amazing with video and productivity task as well. I can recommend this monitor to all types of users and think that gamers, in particular, will enjoy all the benefits of the Viotek GN32LD Monitor.

For more information, visit viotek.com.
Find Viotek on Facebook and Twitter.

A brilliant addition to any set-up.

My first personal computer was a hand-me-down laptop with a busted hinge on the screen. I had to keep it upright by propping it up with a bookend or other weighted object just so I could see the screen clearly. The computer part worked fine and so did the screen but the hinge was unrepairable. Soon after, I invested in an iMac. That suited me well for quite some time but as time wore on I decided I wanted to be more portable and I found myself with a new iBook. Ever since I’ve been blessed with hard-working laptops that do the job of a much larger desktop computer. It was only recently that I found myself wanting more — like a second screen. I use two screens at work and it can make for a much more pleasant workflow. But when you have a Retina display on your laptop, what will do for a second screen? As I contemplated this question, I was presented with the opportunity to review a gorgeous 27-inch 4K UHD monitor by LG. This was something that I could not pass up. 

Details 

The LG 27UK850-W 4K UHD IPS LED Monitor is, as its name describes, a 27-inch, widescreen monitor. It’s compatible with USB-C and provides a sRGB 99% color gamut. The display is considered virtually borderless and it provides the user with HDR 10, which supports specific levels of color and brightness that exceeds the capabilities of ordinary monitors. This monitor is HDCP 2.2 compatible so it will display video from 4K streaming services, game consoles, and Ultra HD Blu-ray disc players.

SPECS

• Screen size: 27 inches
• Panel type: IPS
• Color gamut: sRGB 99% (Typ)
• Color depth: 10bit (8bit + A-FRC)
• Pixel pitch: 0.1554×0.1554mm
• Response time: 5ms
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Brightness: Typical 350nits, Min 280nits
• Contrast ratio: 1000:1
• Viewing angle: 178/178
• Surface treatment: Anti-glare 3H
• HDMI (2)
• DisplayPort (1)
• USB Type-C (1) with PD 60W
• Headphones Out
• USB Down-stream (2) (No Service Only Port, ver 3.1 gen 1)
• Power adapter: 140W

User Experience

Assembly of the monitor and its stand was very easy. I really appreciate how LG makes it simple to get started. While there is a utility available for color/display presets, it’s not required for monitor operation. Even though there are other ports available, I connected to the monitor using USB-C. Given that I have a 2016 MacBook Pro, my options for connections are limited. I do have a docking station that provides me with added connectivity, but I still wanted to connect through USB-C so that I could retain all of my computer’s functionality.

One of the best features I found on the LG was its OnScreen Control. This utility gives you the option to change color settings from your computer rather than the monitor’s internal menus. This app also makes it possible for you to set up to 15 different applications to their own color preset. This is great if you work in a lot of different areas like I do. I typically have my monitor set to bright, vibrant colors but that’s not always the best option for your eyes. So, with the help of LG’s OnScreen Control, I was able to set my photo editing application to HDR while the applications I read and write in stay with the Reader option. This makes it much easier on your eyes if you are looking at the screen for much longer periods of time. When I switched Safari (I was writing in a WordPress editor at the time) from HDR to Reader, I could feel my eyes relax immediately.

When I thought about how to go about this review, I considered what people use monitors for. I came up with three main categories — work, entertainment, and gaming. Now, one could argue that gaming and entertainment belong in the same category, but I beg to differ. You see, I’ve learned over the years that gamers are their own people. And the settings you would use for a gaming monitor are far different than what you would use for a video. Therefore, gaming is its own category. With these areas defined, I set out to test the LG 27UK850-W. 

WORK
This was my primary use for the monitor. I found some time ago that I enjoy using two monitors as a workflow because I could place reference materials on the second screen while working on my primary one. With set-up I currently have with this LG monitor, my MacBook Pro is the primary screen — depending on the type of work I am doing. If I am editing photos, I pull the Affinity Photo window over onto the LG monitor so I can take advantage of its HDR display settings. But, if I am typing in Pages, I will continue to use the MacBook Pro’s display as my primary monitor and utilize the LG monitor as my reference screen. The monitor will work in both landscape and portrait modes and even though I don’t have much use for it, I did try out the portrait option. The monitor turned quite easily on its stand and I enjoyed reviewing some website code in this viewing mode. I can see how people who need to look at code a lot would use this viewing mode. It’s very easy on the eyes and you have a much easier time keeping track of your place then you do when you are looking at a smaller, landscape screen. One other feature I got to test out was the closed-clam shell mode of my MacBook Pro. Because I typically use it as a single monitor system, I’ve not worked with the lid closed before. I was able to do so with the aid of a wireless keyboard and mouse. The LG monitor did a great job interpreting the connection from the MacBook Pro.

ENTERTAINMENT
In order to make a judgment about how the quality of the monitor affected my viewing experience, I pulled up Netflix on my computer. Since I typically watch movies and TV shows through Netflix, I decided that I would use the platform to test out cinematic videos. I watched portions of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and several documentaries that are part of Netflix’s 4K content. All of it held up really well. I used the Cinema preset and HDR Effect preset for watching videos. I thought it was beautiful. Video — especially 4K content — looks amazing on the LG monitor.

GAMING
Since I’m not really a big gamer, I decided to the best way to test out the monitor with gaming was to download a game from Steam and play a few rounds. I downloaded a game called Tactical Monsters Rumble Area. It’s a fairly straightforward action/strategy game that has a point-n-click function to it. While it’s not particularly flashy, the game does have vibrant colors and quick actions. The LG monitor did a great job of interpreting colors and movements — no matter how quick — played very well on the screen. I love the different color options for the monitor. My favorite is HDR but I can see how the presets for gaming can be quite helpful, too.

Conclusions

Even though the LG 27UK850-W 4K Monitor is designed for gaming and other ‘heavy’ display functions, I think it’s a really nice all-around monitor. The picture quality is impeccable and my eyes aren’t tired after using it for several hours at a time. The LG monitor retails for around $700 currently and that seems to be a bit on the high side of the price spectrum. At a glance, there appear to be many 27-inch 4K UHD monitors between $400-500. While I haven’t compared them side-by-side with this LG monitor, a $700 price tag seems just a bit high. Aside from that, I really don’t have any major issues with this product.

For more information, visit lg.com.
Find LG on Facebook and Twitter.

At some point in time, you’ve probably had a moment where you’ve had to show a presentation to multiple people in a conference room. I know that on more than one occasion I’ve had the panic moment when I’m not sure how I’m going to get my presentation from my computer to the computer or projector in the meeting room that is being used. It’s a stressor that you shouldn’t have to live through when you should be focused on the presentation itself. What if you could go into a situation worry-free by having a simple plug-n-play device that would stream media wirelessly from your computer or mobile device? Airtame provides that option for you and it actually works!

Details

Airtame is a small HDMI dongle that connects to the HDMI port of any screen or projector. It operates through wireless networks so nothing needs to be plugged into your computer or smartphone in order for the Airtame to pick up the input signal. With the device, you can mirror your entire desktop to a larger display or use the presenter app on a mobile device to share wirelessly from your Android or iOS device. Airtame makes it possible for you to not only create a single presentation within a meeting room, but you can also use it to send media to digital displays. Airtame can stream to multiple screens (as long as each display has the device connected) at one time using a computer. This gives you the ability to create customized digital displays throughout a single facility without having to integrate more expensive systems that require subscriptions.

Airtame does operate through its own software — available on both desktop and mobile devices — but it’s very intuitive and easy to use. It’s mainly a connection utility. The dongle is compatible with Windows, macOS X, Linux Ubuntu, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android operating systems. The Airtame device is just a bit larger than a standard USB flash drive and is very portable. That’s what makes it so great for business applications; it can go everywhere you do with minimal installation requirements. Airtame even has a Cloud database for device management and monitoring remotely.

Even though Airtame is built to work with wireless networks, Ethernet support is still available with the use of an adapter. The same is true of DVI/VGA connections. There is an adapter available that makes it possible for you to use the Airtame with screens that don’t have HDMI support. Airtame is built for businesses and education settings. It supports many wireless features like WPA2 Enterprise, Access Point mode, and connect with IP.

User Experience

Airtame comes packaged in a simple but elegantly branded box. It’s bright blue with an outline of an Airtame device on the cover. The cover is a sleeve that slips over the inner box. When you open the inner box, you will see the steps needed to connect the Airtame to your monitor and input device. The Airtame device is sitting inside a molded piece of plastic and then beneath that, you will find a USB charging cable, an HDMI extension piece, and a power adapter for the wall. There is also a packet with how to use, safety, regulatory, and warranty information.

When I first got the device out of its box, I wondered if it would actually work as advertised. I have used other wireless streaming devices that claim to do the same thing as Airtame but were failures. The process to get started was easy. You plug the dongle into an HDMI port on your output screen — in my case a 4K television — and then download the software needed to broadcast. I was using my MacBook Pro so it took the form of a menu bar utility. When you first set up the Airtame, you have to connect it to your WiFi network. Then, the connected Airtame will show up in your menu so that you can select it. It’s a simple play/stop button to broadcast. You can include audio or mute it depending on the circumstances of your broadcast.

The setup is similar to mobile devices. You download the app to your phone or tablet and as long as you are connected to the same WiFi network, it should appear as a device you can connect to. With the mobile app for iOS, you cannot mirror your display unless you use the Beta option. You have the broadcast options of Photo, Files, or Dropbox. It works in a similar manner to what AirPlay does. Airtame does have a Presenter app that is meant for presenting static files and images. NOTE: At the time of this article being published, the Airtame iOS app had not been updated for iPhone X.

During my testing of both devices, I mirrored my MacBook Pro desktop and opened various files to test out on the screen. I also played video on YouTube. There was about a 2-second delay between my computer and when the signal reached the TV, which I thought was acceptable. The same was true of the mobile connection. We experienced a small delay in transmission, but it was acceptable. For our tests, we were broadcasting in the same room as the Airtame. I don’t know how well the signal would be accepted across a larger space or across a building though. It’s also possible that our broadcast signal was slowed by the number of wireless devices connected to our network (lots of smart home tech). Despite the small delay, the picture quality was very good and so was the audio stream. Connecting to the Airtame was painless and switching between input devices was as easy as selecting stop on one and play on the other.

Conclusion

The Airtame is the portable working companion I’ve been looking for for a long time. I remember having to find the right adapters to connect my MacBook to a simple TV monitor. It took 3 separate adapters! Now, I just have to plug in this tiny dongle and broadcast over the wireless network. It’s an amazing device and I’m eager to see how it works in bigger applications — schools, businesses, etc. I didn’t have any problems using it and it didn’t seem to get overly hot after being used. Airtame is a really slick piece of technology and I think anyone who gives presentations on a regular basis should add it to the ‘go bag’.
BUY FROM AMAZON

For more information, visit airtame.com.
Find Airtame on Facebook and Twitter.