Curved monitors - fad or useful?

[Bikerjon]

Just wondering about these curved monitors that seem to be growing in popularity. For extra large displays (over 27") then I can how they might be useful but I've never actually used one myself. Anyone here bought one? Are they good?

I'm currently using an Apple 30" cinema display which is good but I think maybe reaching it's end of life. I'm thinking I should either get two 24" Dell ultrasharps or one big curved screen. I think I'd prefer one screen if possible. Usage is general purpose with a little bit of photo editing in lightroom - but nothing too serious.

[C0ffin D0dger]

I'm not in anyway qualified to comment on this but immediately when I read you were doing photo editing and photos are generally flat then would a curved screen not distort the image in some way. Therefore what you edit isn't going to be quite the same as what you'd get printed out.

For big TVs I think it's a massive gimmick and as my current screen is wall mounted not sure this would work well with a curved screen. The whole point is having it flat against the wall not sticking out into the room.

[MysteryLemon]

I do a lot of artwork and photo editing and I can't see how a curved screen could be of any benefit. It might even be a hindrance, distorting the image if not viewed from the optimal distance or angle.

I can potentially see a benefit for gaming though. Could make the viewing experience a bit more immersive. Probably make no real difference though.

[malman]

Bikerjon said:

Just wondering about these curved monitors that seem to be growing in popularity. For extra large displays (over 27") then I can how they might be useful but I've never actually used one myself. Anyone here bought one? Are they good?

I'm currently using an Apple 30" cinema display which is good but I think maybe reaching it's end of life. I'm thinking I should either get two 24" Dell ultrasharps or one big curved screen. I think I'd prefer one screen if possible. Usage is general purpose with a little bit of photo editing in lightroom - but nothing too serious.

I recently bought the Dell 25" Ultrasharp which comes pre calibrated from the factory and its very nice and spot on straight out the box - my first thought was I want another. Unfortunately graphic card limitations prevent running 2 on my PC.

You get an extra inch compared to the 24 but the res is much higher
24" versus 25"
http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/dell_u2415.htm

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/dell_u2515h.ht...

It uses a really nice LG panel (AFAIK Apple use these too). It does portrait if needed and the bezel is very thin if you want to run 2 together. Just make sure your GFX card can push the pixels and has displayport or HDMI 1.4 to run at 2560x1440 (some need to be convinced to run this over HDMI)

I had considered the 2 x 24 route @1920x1080 but the I think 2 x 25 would be great - just need to upgrade the PC and PSU so I can upgrade the GFX card so I can .........

[Bikerjon]

Thanks for the comments. I hadn't considered how the curved screen might affect photo editing! They are probably very good for games though.

[jjones]

Curved monitors are old hat, I used to have a 14" CRT and it was as curved as a fish bowl!

[RobDickinson]

I think curved TVs are a serious gimmick , but curved monitors may actually be useful

[PorscheGT4]

They work, I thought it was a fad , but using a 34" curved it feels flat looking at it.

Only when I get up and see its curved I am shocked lol.

[Beati Dogu]

I don't think I've seen a curved monitor. I've seen the curved TVs in Currys, but I'm not convinced.

[RobDickinson]

Beati Dogu said:

I don't think I've seen a curved monitor. I've seen the curved TVs in Currys, but I'm not convinced.

Difference with a curved tv is you dont really worry about focus point.

Monitors are so close that a wide/34" monitor is quite a different range of focus points, having it curved solves that and also means less head movement to see stuff. Plus you position yourself at the key central spot. quite a difference.

[jjlynn27]

Bikerjon said:

Just wondering about these curved monitors that seem to be growing in popularity. For extra large displays (over 27") then I can how they might be useful but I've never actually used one myself. Anyone here bought one? Are they good?

I'm currently using an Apple 30" cinema display which is good but I think maybe reaching it's end of life. I'm thinking I should either get two 24" Dell ultrasharps or one big curved screen. I think I'd prefer one screen if possible. Usage is general purpose with a little bit of photo editing in lightroom - but nothing too serious.

Curved ones are overpriced with a lot of marketing bull. Dell ultrasharps are amazing value for money, especially if you can get them in their outlet store. My money would be (actually is) on two monitors.

[Composite Guru]

I think its a fad. Its like trying to re-invent the wheel.

[ZesPak]

RobDickinson said:

I think curved TVs are a serious gimmick , but curved monitors may actually be useful

This.

Depends on the use and the curve.

Curved tv's, to me, are a big . Unless you're in a completely dark room, I always get the feeling you get a reflection from somewhere, there's no getting away from it.
Also, the distortion really shows when you're watching for example tennis and they show the field from above.

Basically, 3D didn't caught on, tv's bought 5 or more years ago are still working perfectly fine, and they want to give people a reason to buy a new one anyway.

[theaxe]

I recently got a Samsung S34E790C 34" monitor to replace my Apple cinema display and I can't say I notice the curve at all. I wouldn't pay extra for it, but neither has it caused me any problems.

Bit of a gimmick I'd say.

[Zod]

I see absolutely no point in curved TVs, but you sit much closer to a monitor. My gaming PC at home now has a 34" curved monitor and I find it helps with immersion. At work I have two 27" curved monitors and it helps to bring the far edges closer to my line of vision.

[Digitalize]

Curved Monitors are not at all a gimmick, TVs are, Monitors absolutely not.

HOWEVER.

For anything where you need to work to straight lines etc, I'd avoid them personally, and have done.