Understanding Ultrawide Monitors
In today’s fast-paced and multitasking work environments, having ample screen space is essential for efficiency and productivity. This is where ultrawide monitors come into play. Unlike standard monitors that typically have a 16:9 aspect ratio, ultrawide monitors boast a broader 21:9 or even 32:9 aspect ratio like the Philips 32:9 SuperWide Thunderbolt™ 4, providing significantly more horizontal screen real estate. This extra space allows users to comfortably view multiple applications side by side without the need to constantly switch between tabs or windows.
Compared to a dual-screen setup, an ultrawide monitor offers a seamless and uninterrupted viewing experience without the distracting bezel gap that separates two screens. This not only enhances visual continuity but also reduces desk clutter by eliminating the need for multiple cables and stands. Additionally, ultrawide monitors often come with advanced features and technologies that further boost productivity and provide an immersive experience, making them an excellent choice for both personal and professional use.
The Philips 32:9 SuperWide Thunderbolt™ 4 monitor is one of the best SuperWide monitors I have reviewed. In under five minutes set up time, with an effortless plug-and-play experience, it has completely transformed my workspace, delivering unparalleled performance and versatility tailored for modern workspaces.
Alongside the display, the monitor stand is the best I’ve encountered, offering incredible stability and adjustability. I’ve ditched my traditional dual-screen setup for good. Let’s explore why this monitor is a remarkable addition to any modern office.
Expansive and Immersive Display
At 49 inches, this SuperWide monitor delivers an expansive viewing area equivalent to two 27-inch 16:9 monitors placed side by side. The 32:9 aspect ratio ensures a panoramic and immersive experience, whether you’re working on complex spreadsheets, editing videos, or engaging in intense gaming sessions. The 1800R curved design further enhances immersion by wrapping the display around your field of vision, reducing eye strain and providing a more natural viewing experience.
Stunning Visual Quality
Equipped with a VA LED panel, the monitor offers vivid and crisp images with wide viewing angles of 178º (H)/178º (V). The DisplayHDR 400 certification ensures remarkable brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy, bringing visuals to life with deeper blacks and brighter whites. With a resolution of 5120 x 1440 and support for 1.07 billion colours, users can expect exceptional detail and colour fidelity, making it ideal for professionals in graphic design, video editing, and content creation.
Ergonomic and Sustainable Design
Understanding the importance of comfort during prolonged use, the monitor offers height adjustment, swivel, and tilt functionalities to help users find their optimal viewing position. Additionally, features like Flicker-Free technology, SoftBlue mode, and EyeSafe certification ensure reduced eye strain during extended work hours.
From a sustainability perspective, the monitor is designed with energy-efficient technologies such as PowerSensor 2, which detects user presence to adjust brightness and save energy. It’s also constructed using 85% post-consumer recycled plastic and comes in 100% recyclable packaging, aligning with eco-friendly practices.
Enhanced Productivity Features
• Thunderbolt™ 4 Connectivity: Allowing lightning-fast data transfer speeds, high-resolution video support, and up to 100W power delivery through a single cable. This simplifies your setup by reducing cable clutter and enabling daisy-chaining of multiple devices.
• SmartKVM Technology: Easily switch between multiple connected devices using a simple keyboard command, allowing seamless control and multitasking across different systems without the need for separate peripherals.
• MultiView Capability: The monitor supports simultaneous dual connections and views, enabling you to work with multiple devices, such as a PC and a notebook, concurrently. This feature is perfect for multitaskers who need to manage various tasks efficiently.
• Integrated Webcam and Audio: A built-in 5MP webcam with noise-cancelling microphones and dual 5W speakers make video conferencing effortless and clear. The webcam supports Windows Hello™ facial recognition for quick and secure logins, while the adjustable design and auto framing feature ensure optimal framing during calls.
• Busylight Functionality: Indicate your availability status with an easy-to-use Busylight feature. A simple press of a button turns the light red, signalling that you’re busy and minimising interruptions.
Selling Points for Resellers
For resellers aiming to market this monitor effectively to businesses and end-users, here are key selling points to highlight:
• Improved Productivity: Emphasise how the expansive screen real estate and multitasking features can significantly improve workflow efficiency and reduce the need for multiple monitors.
• Versatile Connectivity: The Thunderbolt™ 4 port and multiple input options make it compatible with a wide range of devices, simplifying setups and future-proofing investments.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Integrated video conferencing tools make remote meetings seamless, which is essential in today’s hybrid work environments.
• Space and Cost Efficiency: Replacing dual or multiple monitors with a single ultrawide monitor saves desk space, reduces cable clutter, and can be more cost-effective in the long run.
• Ergonomic Benefits: Adjustable design and eye-care technologies contribute to healthier and more comfortable working conditions, reducing the risk of fatigue and related health issues.
• Sustainability: Eco-conscious design appeals to organisations committed to reducing their environmental footprint.
Guest Editor’s Verdict
The Philips 32:9 SuperWide Thunderbolt™ 4 monitor embodies the perfect blend of functionality, innovation, and design, catering to the diverse needs of modern professionals and businesses.
Its expansive and high-quality display, coupled with productivity-enhancing features and sustainable design, make it an invaluable tool for boosting efficiency and fostering seamless collaboration.
Whether it’s streamlining complex workflows, enhancing virtual meetings, or creating a more organised and ergonomic workspace, this monitor stands out as a versatile solution poised to meet and exceed the demands of today’s dynamic work environments and for this reason, we are awarding it UC Advanced’s Editors’ Choice award.