I bought a Samsung U32D970Q 4K monitor to replace a 2560×1600 pixel HP monitor on my Windows 10 desktop computer.
Short review: Was blind but now I see.
Long review: I was concerned that Windows 10 and the seven dwarf applications that I typically use wouldn’t handle the high pixels-per-inch well, but it turned out to be trivial to install the monitor. I left the computer running, unplugged the old monitor, plugged the new monitor in via DisplayPort, and Windows automatically (a) adjusted the screen resolution to the new monitor’s native resolution, and (b) scaled up the fonts used for itself and nearly all application programs (exception: Canon’s crummy CaptureOnTouch scanner software, which now would make a good companion to Derek Zoolander’s mobile phone).
Text looked a little fuzzy at first, consistent with reviews that I had seen on the Web about this being a “BGR” pixel pattern instead of “RGB.” I went into the ClearType control panel and clicked on the sharpest-looking text options in each of five screens. Then everything was completely turned.
Text now seems clearer than before. The brightness and contrast is excellent. 4K video content and high-res DSLR pictures look great.
I’m hopeful that this monitor, for which I paid $950, will be good on a height-adjustable desk. Due to the fact that it is designed for use in portrait as well as landscape mode, the stand provides for a 5-inch range of height adjustments. Thus the keyboard-to-monitor separation can be significantly larger when used at a standing height (the Ergo Desktop Kangaroo provides a 6.5-inch keyboard-to-monitor adjustment range). The downside of the flexible stand is that it is… flexible. The monitor moves a bit as I type and all desk vibration is amplified.
Samsung includes all of the cables that you would ever need, including one to bridge the PC to the 4 USB ports on the monitor (a USB 3.0 hub).
I considered the Dell UP3216Q, but it is a lot more expensive and doesn’t have the range of height adjustment with its included stand.
The monitor has no speakers, which I don’t mind, and no camera, which is upsetting because the clean appearance will be ruined if you hang a webcam over the top (does anyone have a good idea for mounting a desktop webcam? Top of the monitor seems like a bad location (captures top of head). Bottom of the monitor also seems bad (captures chin).
“Top of the monitor seems like a bad location (captures top of head). Bottom of the monitor also seems bad (captures chin).”
I’m no genius but I think that leaves only the sides.
On laptops, top seems to be the default location and seems to work ok but I realize that a 32″ monitor is considerably taller (esp. in portrait mode).
I recently added a copy stand to the side of my monitor (glues on with removable 3M Command adhesive) . I assume you could clamp a webcam to a copy stand instead of to the monitor.
Personally, instead of one gigantic monitor I run two 23″ monitors next to each other – one in landscape and 1 in portrait. This gives me a lot of flexibility and 23″ monitors are dirt cheap.
Izzie: Thanks. I was looking more for a one-piece desktop webcam that was designed for and came with its own stand.
I also prefer two monitors. That’s why as soon as I get my new desk I am going to order a second Samsung (exactly the same model).
There are webcams with goosenecks but they take up desk space and I don’t know whether they would go high enough for your taste.
You can mount the copy holder at the (non-adjustable) height of your choice on the side of your monitor and it takes up no space. It is also useful for holding documents if you need to refer to a paper document when typing (or to leave yourself notes). I realize it is more kludgy than a desk mounted webcam but I think more practical.
> I also prefer two monitors. That’s why as soon as I get my new desk I am going to order a second
Do yourself a favor, skip 2 monitors and jump right to 3 monitors. For few years I ran 2×27″ and scoffed at the possibility of 3 monitors but once I tried it there was no going back (now using 30 + 2×27). 3 monitors gives you a central focus + 2 periphery. It really does make for a smoother work experience. Also the extra vertical space of the 30″ monitor was a revelation. I’m now tempted to get a 43″ 4k as my central monitor – yes I’m prepared to sacrifice pixel resolution for even more vertical space.
Having used a 30″ Samsung 2560x display for a good portion of the last decade, love the high-end displays… however, Samsung, Dell and others all sell $500 28-inch monitors with the same resolution. I’m sure there is a difference, but is it your belief that it’s such a difference as to justify 2.5X the cost?