Shane Cole
This year's Consumer Electronics Show has been a boon for buyers awaiting an affordably-priced entry into the world of ultra-high definition monitors, with several manufacturers unveiling sub-$1,000 4K displays.
Apple's new Mac Pro can drive up to 3 4K monitors
The price drops come as the market for 4K desktop displays begins to gain steam — Apple's Haswell-based MacBook Pros support 4K output over Thunderbolt, and the company's all-new Mac Pro can drive up to 3 of the ultra-high resolution monitors. For readers looking to make the leap, AppleInsider has rounded up this week's more affordable announcements.
Dell 2815Q
Dell's newest 28-inch display is actually the company's third entry into the 4K arena, but its previous efforts — Â a $1,299 24 inch model and $3,322 32-inch variant — Â bore premium price tags. The 2815Q, according to a report from Forbes, will cost consumers just $699.
The new 28-inch model sports a 3840 x 2160 pixel anti-glare TN panel, in contrast to the IGZO parts found on its more expensive siblings. Connectivity includes DisplayPort in and out, HDMI, and a built-in USB hub. Availability is still unknown.
Lenovo ThinkVision Pro2840m
Lenovo's ThinkVision Pro2840m is another 28-inch, 3840 x 2160 display mounted on a tilt and swivel stand. Lenovo has not specified the type of panel used on the professionally-targeted monitor, but the company does tout a 72 percent color gamut.
The Pro2840m also features touch-sensitive controls and edge-to-edge cover glass. DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, and HDMI ports provide video connectivity, while a USB hub and dual built-in speakers round out the $799 device. Lenovo expects to begin shipping the Pro2840m in April.
Asus PB287Q
Asus's PB287Q mirrors its competition with a 28-inch, 3840 x 2160 panel. The display does boast the quickest response time of any other sub-$1,000 unit released thus far at just 1ms, and sports a native 60Hz refresh rate.
Taipei, Taiwan-based Asus says the PB287Q will ship in the second quarter of 2014 for $799.
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46 Comments
I'd like to see an Apple 32" 4k Thunderbolt 2 display. I'm sure they're working on it. Maybe even a 30 and 32" or something like that...maybe larger. I'm sure it won't be cheap coming from Apple though. You typically get what you pay for with Apple displays from my experience.
1) Sure, they exist and they have the right ports but does Mavericks support these monitors? So far it seems you need to run Windows natively on a Mac to get these to work right. 2) These sub-$1000 4K monitors and HDTVs should mean quality 1080p set prices will be dropping, which is what I'm counting on as I look for a 60"+ LED-backlit ultra-slim 1080p set this year.
I'm sure these displays won't be near the quality of Apple's. Maybe this is why Apple hasn't released one yet. To me, it doesn't really matter who is first, it matters who does it better. Getting it out just to say I have one doesn't cut it for me if its a POS.
[quote name="macxpress" url="/t/161499/dell-lenovo-asus-debut-more-affordable-4k-monitors#post_2455499"]I'm sure these displays won't be near the quality of Apple's. Maybe this is why Apple hasn't released one yet. To me, it doesn't really matter who is first, it matters who does it better. Getting it out just to say I have one doesn't cut it for me if its a POS. [/quote] These are very low cost monitors. If you're coding or writing they may be great for text but I doubt any video or photo professional would consider them. Apple does sell a 4K display as an option with their Mac Pro but it's $3,600.
A TN panel for this type of monitor? (which I consider at least moderately high end, based on pixel count)
A TN 4K monitor seems like an oxymoron.