Dell refreshed its UltraSharp lineup today unveiling the U3417W, an ultra-wide 34-inch curved monitor aimed at business and creative professionals. The latest curved monitor from Dell follows in the footsteps of the 2015 UltraSharp, and based on our review of the U3415W, that’s a very good thing.
The UltraSharp U3417W features many of the same technical specifications of the 2015 model, including the same size and resolution, but the steeper curve and improved viewing angles make for an appealing update to a solid monitor.
UltraSharp U3417W
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| Panel | 34-inch IPS |
| Resolution | 3,440 x 1,440 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 5ms in fast mode, 8ms in normal mode |
| Brightness | 300 cd/m2 |
| Contrast | 1000:1 |
| Viewing Angles | 178° horizontal / 178° vertical |
| Curvature | 1900R |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.233 mm |
| Pixel Density | 109 ppi |
| Diagonal Viewable | 34.14 inches |
| Display Area | 31.49 inches x 13.18 inches |
| Inputs | 1 x DP 1.2, 1 x mDP 1.2, 1 x DP 1.2 (out) with MST, 2 x HDMI 2.0 |
| USB Hub | 4 USB 3.0 hub, 2 USB Type-B ports |
| Audio | Two 9-watt speakers |
| Price | $1200 |
According to Anandtech, Dell’s latest UltraSharp follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, doubling down on the pursuit of creative professionals over entertainment enthusiasts.
Rather than chase after the highest dynamic refresh rates with the UltraSharp line, and compete for the attention of gamers, Dell has opted to market the U3417W to professionals who might otherwise consider a dual monitor setup for work.
According to Dell, this decision is based on research conducted by the International Data Corporation (IDC), a massive consulting and market research firm. Curved monitors, Dell claims, can reduce eyestrain and increase efficiency in the workplace by providing more “contiguous workspace” to the user.
The research conducted by IDC included a double-blind study of eye fatigue in users of flat panel and curved displays, and it seems to back up Dell’s claims that curved monitors could potentially reduce eye strain in some individuals.
“Companies and IT departments that get such displays earlier in the game also stand to benefit from the efficiencies in productivity that competitors won’t have,” said the IDC during its Technology Spotlight earlier this year.
So it’s something to keep in mind when you’re asking your boss to shell out for that curvaceous new monitor — it’ll make you more productive. Probably.
The UltraSharp U3417W starts shipping on September 16.
