Super high resolution monitors in SA

If you’ve got a high-end graphics card, chances are you’re not really able to strain it with any modern game at Full HD (1920 x 1080). You’ve got two options to consider; a multi monitor setup which takes up a lot of space and has screen bevels that break the full image, or a super high-resolution monitor which costs an arm and three kidneys.

Below we’re looking at option two, a range of super high-resolution monitors available locally:

Dell 27-inch Ultrasharp U2711 (2560 x 1440)

One of the most well known and respected IPS monitors currently available, the Dell UltraSharp U2711 features a 2560 x 1440 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 12 bit processing, an IPS panel, 6ms response time and an 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.

While these specification may not sound groundbreaking by today’s standards, the IPS panel and resolution combined with the relatively cheap price tag of R9,000 makes the U2711 a good buy despite its age.

Dell U2711

HP 27-inch ZR2740w (2560 x 1440)

HP’s 27 inch offering, the ZR2740w is a 2560 x 1440 resolution monitor which also features an IPS panel. While it’s boasts a sluggish response time of 12ms, it does feature a displayport input and a built in 4 port USB hub. All this for only R11,200.

HP ZR2740w

Dell 30-inch Ultrasharp U3011 (2560 x 1600)

If the 27 inch Dell above is too small for your needs, consider the U3011 30-inch version instead. At R12,600 it features a 2560 x 1600 resolution (that’s a 16:10 aspect ration for all you enthusiasts), IPS panel technology, a 7ms response time and a 100,000 to 1 dynamic contrast ratio.

2 HDMI connections, 2 DVI connections, one display port connection and an old school VGA connector are all present, allowing you to connect many devices to this monitor.

Dell U3011

Apple 27-inch LED Cinema (2560 x 1440)

Something for the Mac gamers (all three of you), the 27-inch Apple cinema display for R12,800.

An IPS panel, 12 ms response time, 2560 x 1440 resolution, and 16:9 aspect ratio are all standard, as well as a built in Thunderbolt cable for connectivity. Thunderbolt allows the monitor to offer three powered USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 800 port, Gigabit ethernet port and a Thunderbolt port as connectivity options. A built in FaceTime HD camera rounds off the package.

Apple Cinema display

HP 30-inch ZR30w (2560 x 1600)

HP also have a 30 inch 2560 x 1600 offering known as the ZR30W, available locally for around R19,000. The screen feature an IPS panel, 7 ms response time 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. DisplayPort and DVI adapters handle connectivity, and the monitor also features a 5 port USB hub.

HP ZR30w

NEC 29.8-inch 3090WQXI (2560 x 1600)

If you really have a lot of money burning a hole in your pocket, you can fork out R36,100 for an NEC 3090WQXI.

An IPS panel, 6 ms response time, 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 1000:1 true contrast ratio are all present, along with a height adjustable stand thrown in for good measure. The monitor weighs in at 19.1kgs though, so you’re probably not going to many LANs with this thing.

NEC 3090WQXI

NEC 29.8-inch SpectraView PA 301 (2560 x 1600)

The big daddy of super high resolution displays (at least in terms of cost) is the NEC SpectraView PA 301, retailing locally for R43,600. Similar to the other monitors, an IPS panel, 7 ms response time 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 1000:1 true contrast ratio.