Curved monitors are the new dual-screen: Samsung Curved Monitor tested

I can remember first putting two monitors on my desk, setting up a special video card to enable the second output and extending my desktop across both screens – mind blowing stuff.  Today the revolution is ultra-wide and curved and I’ve been putting a Samsung 34 model to the test.

The specific model in question isn’t available in retail here in Australia yet, but it’s a great example of why you should consider curved for your next desktop workspace, particularly in the era of portable computing.

Many offices today don’t have computers, instead they have monitors on desks which staff connect their portable devices too.  Be it a laptop, tablet or even a smartphone (Samsung’s DEX unit is ideal for this) you now take your computing power with you and use the desk as a base.

Because of this, your device screen – in the case of a laptop or tablet – is your primary display.  Extending that to a second monitor gives you scale, extending that to a large curved monitor gives you a workspace.

In it’s simplest configuration a Windows desktop split down the middle offers two large workspaces on the curved screen plus your primary device display.

For most people the resolution here will offer an experience very similar to two separate screens, yet it is more immersive.  Samsung’s largest 49inch ultra-wide gaming monitor is an example of a joyful excess.  Priced over $2,000 it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.  Ideal for gamers no doubt.

In a workplace or home office environment I would argue the 34 inch is a genuine sweet spot and the price at much closer to $1,000 should be more palatable.

Critically, Samsung has bent the curve further than most, with a 1500R curve it wraps ever so slightly more around you – something some early curved monitors failed to do, and it’s important when your viewing distance is 1m or less.

With multiple HDMI and Digital inputs you can hook up a Blu-Ray player too if you like, or switch between computers.

The single button menu control on the back-side of the monitor takes some getting used to but is a breeze in no time. Technically the monitor is hard to fault, Quantum Dot technology means a bright and vibrant picture, the response time and refresh rates are optimal and there is built-in sound if you don’t have an external option.

Workplaces with desk after desk of dual screens would be well advised to consider the cost, support and maintenance advantages of moving toward a single ultra-wide screen setup – I’m converted!

 

EFTM has a commercial arrangement with Samsung – for full details of all our commercial relationships visit our Disclosures & Commercial Interests page.