Going Ultrawide

djs

• 1 min read

I ordered a Dell U3417W today. A 34", Ultrawide 21:9, 3440x1440 IPS display. Notably it has no adaptive sync technology and only runs at 60 Hz.

Dell U3417W, not my picture

Now why did I do this?

Well, frankly it was kind of impulsive. I even tried to go through my web browser history to see how I got there and there is no conclusive trail.

Why did I choose this monitor, the Dell U3417W?

  • It's a ultrawide 3440x1440. I'm hoping to make this my only display on my desk. And I'm hoping the 1440 resolution will look sharp enough that I don't miss Retina.
  • I play very little games. Almost none, atleast not on PC, so high refresh rates and G-Sync was not a requirement.
  • It's an IPS panel. I am never using TN again after my Dell S2716DG fiasco.
  • Apparently my mid-2014 rMBP can use it in 3440x1440@60 Hz. I say apparently because Apple docs says it can't, but there are plenty of comments and forum threads where people say it works. I will test.
  • The monitor has a built-in KVM switch and this is really cool, I wish all monitors had it. This was the biggest reason why I went with this monitor instead of any other alternative. Basically, I will hook up my keyboard, mouse and headset (all USB) to the monitor. And then I will have two USB cables from the monitor, one goes to Computer A and one goes to Computer B. Then whenever I switch input source between the computers it will automatically redirect the USB ports.
  • Dell monitors are designed nicely and don't look epic.

We'll see how it works out. I am kind of excited.

My only concern is if I ever play a game in fullscreen, and I want to watch something on the side. Can't really do that with one single screen, unless you run the game windowed (which I guess I could do since I can't use G-Sync anyway.)