Perfect size for work and play - even if the display tech is a little dated
by Ben B
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A couple of years back, I was looking at buying a similar monitor. At the time, I opted to go with the 27GN850, a 27 inch panel with similar image quality, as I felt that there was a risk of "buyers remorse" with the better HDR tech that appeared to be around the corner. Back then, my monitor was primarily used for gaming.
Fast-forward to working from home full-time as a Qlik analyst with external clients and my professional needs for an ultrawide become more apparent. I was correct in my assessment regarding HDR technology, but this is largely isolated to OLED displays. While OLED tech has improved - I use my panel for both work and gaming, so I would be at high-risk for burn-in.
I opted to get this panel due to the aspect ratio being both taller and wider than my 27 inch panel. It's not "too wide" either, and is "narrow enough" to squeeze in a second portrait monitor to the side, with a subtle curve that isn't distracting. Having never experienced a 49 inch ultrawide, I didn't want to risk being unhappy with a Samsung Odyssey.
All in all, the display is crisp and has the same great colours of the 27GN850, with the same drawbacks of IPS (contrast). The backlight has allowed me to unplug my Philips Hue bar when gaming and I'm able to get by with a dual "up-down" monitor setup.
As far as mounts go, I've invested in the Ergotron LX dual gas arm "tall pole" system. It's hard to get the right mount these days and it's a shame Overclockers don't sell Ergotron's range. I got mine from Ballicom.
For those of you looking for the perfect "all-rounder", this is still a great display. Despite the out-of-date display tech, I don't think I'd be as comfortable with the wider or 34 inch alternatives. Sure they have their advantages, but until a newer version of this comes out, this is still the best display on the market for my needs.
Absolutely brilliant monitor!
by Rob W
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I have had this a few days and now have got the settings adjusted to a place where I feel like I'm getting the most from it and really like the colours and performance it's delivering. I tried out a Neo G7, but MUCH prefer this, HDR was better on that, but that was about it (and it's not bad here, just not as good), viewing angles, size general finish are all much better here in my opinion. G sync works really well with my rtx 4090 and delivers a solid125-140 FPS in BF2042 maxed out on ultra at the 3840 x 1600 res and just looks absolutely beautiful. Interestingly as well the res to me looks almost the same as the 4K I saw on the G7 even though obviously it's not. I pondered OLED monitors, but given I work 8 hours a day 3 days a week on it as well as game I went with this and I'm really glad I did. One minor gripe is the LED ring that lights up every time you turn it on, you can set it to off during use but it always does a start up display which isn't my cup of tea but I wouldn't let that stop you. By far the best monitor I've ever had. Highly recommended.
Excellent
by Minky92
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Really great monitor so far. Vibrant accurate colours, tons of options for fine-tuning, the high refresh rate is a revelation coming from a 60hz panel. The extra inches over a standard 34" ultrawide adds more practical real estate than you'd expect, and the slight increase in resolution keeps the pixel density nice and on par with my other monitor. Everything from triple-A gaming to dragging windows around is buttery-smooth, I feel like it could provide good relief for eye strain during long periods of use. This is also my first IPS monitor, and honestly coming from VA, the blacks / contrast ratio so far hasn't been a problem at all. Picture quality is superb.
Only a couple of minor sticking points; the rear LED ring is a nice idea, but execution is spotty. In the dynamic display / ambilight mode, the lights don't react fast enough to action on-screen to be effective. They flicker a bit and it's pretty noticeable in games. Best used for mood lighting and not much else.
Also recommend you stick to standard 144hz mode as 160hz is a bit unstable / prone to stuttering. And the HDR support is pretty dubious at best. Not sure if this is down to the monitor or Windows' piss-poor implementation, but I'd just leave it in SDR or look elsewhere if HDR is your focus.
