Ultra-high-definition (UHD) is incoming for both video games and movies thanks to designers of graphics processors, developers of video games and Hollywood. Looks like the UHD hardware eco-system is also beginning to build up. Dell announced this week that its first affordable display with support for 4K (3840*2160) resolution will become available later this month for $699 (£425). Unfortunately, this monitor will hardly please gamers.

In a bid to make its 28” Ultra HD monitor (model P2815Q) more affordable compared to premium devices aimed at professionals, Dell had to use a TN panel and lower-cost electronics inside its display. As a result, while the P2815Q supports 3840*2160 resolution, it does so only with 30Hz refresh rate, which is enough for movies and productivity applications. By contrast, gamers demand higher refresh rate (i.e., 60Hz) which is only supported in 1920*1080 resolution by the P2815Q.

The Dell P2815Q display utilizes anti-glare TN panel technology that features 5ms response time (grey-to-grey), 30-bits colour depth (1.073 billion colours) and 300cd/m2 brightness, according to specifications published by Forbes web-site. The monitor comes with DisplayPort/mDP v1.21 as well as HDMI 1.4/MHL 2.0 inputs and an integrated USB 3.0 hub.

Although the world’s first affordable 4K display will hardly appeal to gamers or professionals, it still allows consumers to experience UHD video at home, add a lot of comfort to productivity applications or even serve certain needs of pro-sumers.

In case you are a hard-working professional with a need for a 4K display, then Dell has UltraSharp 32” Ultra HD and Dell UltraSharp 24” Ultra HD monitors that  support 3840*2160 resolution at 60Hz refresh rate and feature 1000:1 contrast ratio, 350cd/m² brightness, 8ms gray-to-gray switching and 176° vertical/horizontal viewing angle. Dell uses IGZO and IPS panels for the 32” and 24” professional displays, respectively. Keep in mind that the prices for such devices ($3499 for 32” and $1399 for 24” model) are considerably higher compared to the P2815Q.

KitGuru Says: Perhaps, Dell’s P2815W display is not something particularly worth dreaming about, especially if you would like to use it for gaming. However, this is the world’s first 4K monitor available at a mainstream price-point. It may not be the best option you can buy, but it just opens doors to solutions that will be considerably better. 

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