If you're using an older computer, graphics card or cables, you might not be able to set your PC to display at the full 5120 x 1440. Luckily the screen features two HDMI inputs as well as DisplayPort and USB-C, so when using my relatively ancient desktop tower I simply ran two HDMI cables and the monitor acted as though it was two monitors side-by-side. The software still let me divide up either screen, so the experience was mostly the same.
Of course having multiple inputs means you can use multiple devices at once too. With a laptop and an Xbox One X both plugged in, I could get a full-sized 1440p image from both at the same time, for example. The on-screen menus are slick and make it simple to mix and match your inputs to create whatever setup you need.
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Multi-taskers will also be pleased with how Dell has handled peripherals, as you can effectively connect everything from keyboard and mice to controllers and cameras to the monitor's five USB 3.0 ports and never have to worry about them again. If you connect a laptop via USB-C, you'll get the monitor, all the connected USB devices and charging power (up to 12W) all through the single cable.
Meanwhile the monitor also has two USB 3.0 upstream ports, so if your device doesn't have USB-C you just need to connect a HDMI or DisplayPort for video, and then a single USB cable to access all the peripherals. This makes it neat and tidy to swap out different computers at your work station with just one or two cables, but it also makes it possible to use two computers at once with just one keyboard. You get a full 16:9 display area for each once, and you can set a keyboard shortcut that moves all your USB devices from one computer to the other instantly.
As smart and effortless as all the inputs and cable management is, this isn't going to be a monitor for everyone. For example there isn't enough vertical resolution to get a 4K image, and there's no HDR support, which could be a turn-off if you're looking for a big immersive movie display. Hardcore PC gamers might also be miffed that the refresh rate tops out at 60Hz, and creatives will find there's no colour accuracy certifications beyond a 99 per cent sRGB calibration.
But for workers who multitask between multiple programs and web pages, or even between multiple machines, this could be the ultimate format for an ultrawide monitor.









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