Tag Archives: monitor

Top 10 best designed gaming monitors to deck out your desktop in 2023

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Say whatever you want about the GPU market or the general atmosphere of the games industry at the moment, but gaming (particularly, PC gaming) probably isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Besides, even if the gaming industry collapsed, there’ll probably always be a niche community of PC builders who just want to make cool-looking builds.

It’s just unfortunate that some of the best-looking and best-feeling screens that’ve ever existed are finally coming down in price at a time when so many people are unable to get their hands on high-end video game hardware and gaming PC components.

That’s why I compiled a list of the top 10 best designed gaming monitors on the market in 2023, spanning everything from 1080p to 4k and ultrawide – making room for gamers on a budget while showcasing some of the best gaming displays you can find. Note that it’s a little bit different than the list I already created that specifically targets ultrawide monitors that use OLED displays.

1. Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (Best all around)

Alienware’s AW3423DWF is the best all-around PC gaming monitor, featuring a curved 34-inch 3440x1440p 21:9 ultrawide display with 1800R curvature, HDR 400 support, VRR, 0.1 ms response times, and support for both DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0.

Why is it noteworthy?

The AW3423DWF hits that incredibly hard-to-reach sweeet spot in PC gaming monitors, blending the richness of QD-OLED with the wide field of view provided by ultrawide monitors. It somehow manages to juggle all the best parts of high-end gaming displays while remaining, miraculously, under the $1000 MSRP ballpark.

What we like

  • Low price for the volume of modern features
  • Ultrawide
  • QD-OLED display with 1000 nits peak brightness
  • Extremely low 0.1 ms response time

What we dislike

  • Relatively low maximum (165 Hz DisplayPort 1.4 / 100 Hz HDMI 2.o) refresh rates
  • You have to choose between FreeSync Premium Pro support and Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate support

2. ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM (Best 1440p)

ASUS’s ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM is a feature-packed 27-inch 2k OLED gaming display that pushes impressive refresh rates and over 1000 nits peak brightness in HDR mode.

Why is it noteworthy?

OLED is still an expensive luxury in modern gaming monitors, and the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM packs a lot of high-end goodies like a 240 Hz refresh rate, 0.03 ms response times, and intelligent voltage optimization (to combat burn-in) to name just a few – all for $999.

What we like

  • Fantastic price performance
  • OLED display with 1000 nits peak brightness
  • Blazing fast

What we dislike

  • No FreeSync support out of the box

3. LG UltraGear 32GN650-B (Best budget 1440p)

LG UltraGear monitors are generally great across the board, but if you want to play games in 2k for a low price, the 32-inch LG UltraGear 32GN650-B is a fantastic option at between $250-400, depending on whether you find a good deal.

Why is it noteworthy?

It balances strong performance with a relatively low asking price, featuring a relatively high maximum refresh rate of 165 Hz, HDR 10 support, and 1 ms Motion Blur Reduction.

What we like

  • It’s a 32-inch 2k monitor with decent specs for less than $400
  • 165 Hz refresh rate and 5 ms GtG response times are great for this price range

What we dislike

  • Underwhelming contrast ratio
  • Low peak brightness

4. LG UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE (Best 21:9 ultrawide)

The LG UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE is a bit more feature-packed than the Alienware we mentioned earlier, only narrowly taking the trophy for best 21:9 ultrawide. It’s a fantastic 45-inch ultrawide 2k monitor, both blazing fast and featuring incredible HDR support thanks to its OLED display.

Why is it noteworthy?

The UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE is a massive, 45-inch OLED 3440x1440p gaming display with support for 240 Hz refresh rates, all types of VRR out of the box, HDR 400 with a 1500000:1 contrast ratio, and a 0.03 ms response time.

What we like

  • It’s probably the best 45-inch ultrawide gaming display you can buy right now without delving into 32:9 or 4k territory

What we dislike

  • Only 800R curvature, meaning the far edges of the screen will seem farther apart

5. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (Best 32:9 ultrawide)

The Samsung OLED G9 is an absurdly impressive super ultrawide (5440x1440p) gaming display, spanning a 32:9 aspect ratio with a visual style that makes it look like a piece of futuristic art, thanks to its chrome look and LED back array.

Why is it noteworthy?

It’s the world’s first OLED super ultrawide display. That alone is a huge deal, but yes, it even has all the bells and whistles you could want: 240 Hz refresh rate, 0.03 response time, TrueBlack HDR 400, and a contrast ratio so high it probably doesn’t need to be mentioned.

What we like

  • 32:9 aspect ratio looks incredible with QD-OLED
  • Samsung Gaming Hub means you don’t even need a PC to play games on it

What we dislike

  • It costs $1799 – even though the price is coming down slowly

6. ASRock PHANTOM GAMING PG34WQ15R2B (Best budget ultrawide)

The ASRock PHANTOM GAMING PG34WQ15R2B is a powerful 34-inch 3440x1440p ultrawide gaming monitor that gets rid of a few bells and whistles to maintain wildly good cost performance.

Why is it noteworthy?

It’s hard to call this a bad purchase when it’s literally a 2k ultrawide gaming monitor for $379. It doesn’t include an OLED display or G-Sync Ultimate support, and its VESA DisplayHDR 400 is probably questionable without the former – but that’s a ridiculously low price for something this feature-packed. Its 165 Hz refresh rate, FreeSync support, and 1 ms response times make it a steal at that price.

What we like

  • Mind-boggling cost performance at $379
  • 21:9 ultrawide with 1500R for immersive 2k gaming
  • Relatively high refresh rate/response time for cost

What we dislike

  • It’s not an OLED, and the HDR probably suffers for it

7. Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 UHD (Best 4k)

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 UHD is a high-performance 32-inch 4k curved gaming display – which even won a CES Best of Innovation award in 2022.

Why is it noteworthy?

It was the world’s first 4k gaming display with a 240 Hz refresh rate. More importantly, it’s also an ultrawide display with HDR 2000 support – meaning its peak brightness goes up to 2000 nits.

What we like

  • High performance 4k ultrawide
  • Deeply impressive HDR 2000 support thanks to Quantum Dot technology
  • 240 Hz refresh rate

What we dislike

  • A bit small for an ultrawide with 4k resolution
  • Like all 4k monitors, it’s quite expensive at around $1499

8. GIGABYTE M27U Gaming Monitor (Best budget 4k)

The Gigabyte M27U is a well-balanced 27-inch 4k gaming display that does some genuinely interesting stuff for its low price of $549.99.

Why is it noteworthy?

It pushes 2160p resolutions at 160 Hz, while maintaining a tight 1 ms response time. At a price below $600, this makes it one of the stronger performers, and is a great alternative to a similarly-priced 2k monitor if you have the horsepower to drive games in 4k.

What we like

  • Strong cost performance
  • Multiple HDMI connections – making it a good console gaming monitor

What we dislike

  • It’s a bit small for a 4k display at 27 inches

9. ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM (Best 1080p)

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM is an impressive 27-inch 1o80p gaming display that checks every single box you could possibly want, minus OLED.

Why is it noteworthy?

If you value extremely high frame rates over fidelity, you can’t get a much better display than the ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM. Not only does its 1080p max resolution make it a lot friendlier with older gaming hardware, but it can also run at up to 280 Hz refresh rates, has excellent support for motion blur reduction, and it even does HDR 400.

What we like

  • One of the fastest monitors on the market thanks to 280 Hz max refresh
  • Gorgeous IPS display

What we dislike

  • At $299, it’s a bit pricy for a 1080p display

10. Samsung Odyssey Ark (Most excessive)

The Samsung Odyssey Ark is an oddity; this 55-inch Quantum Mini LED monitor shifts between being a 1000R 4k ultrawide display… or turning vertically into something totally different.

Why is it noteworthy?

It’s an absurdly large 4k ultrawide monitor with a 1000R “sound dome” and the ability to turn vertically, enabling cockpit mode – which lets you stack three screens vertically instead of having a single wide-spanning ultrawide view. This allows it a level of versatility unseen in any other monitor that – mixed with its Quantum Mini-LED display – combines to produce an experience that can only really be described as excessive for most gamers in 2023.

What we like

  • Its Quantum Mini-LED display makes its colors pop and produces incredibly rich blacks
  • It’s huge at 55 inches
  • You can switch between ultrawide and cockpit mode

What we dislike

  • It probably won’t fit on most desks
  • Its 165 Hz refresh and 1 ms response times underwhelm for the price and size
  • It’s expensive at $2699

The post Top 10 best designed gaming monitors to deck out your desktop in 2023 first appeared on Yanko Design.

This distinctive, asymmetrical monitor will hold up your phone while charging it

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Our reliance on smartphones these days means that we have another screen to pay attention to even when we’re already focused on the computer monitor in front of us. Productivity gurus naturally discourage anything that would distract us from the work at hand, but they don’t always consider cases where the smartphone is actually an integral part of that work. Rather than fighting the flow, some designs have instead embraced this kind of multi-screen setup, creating a special nook on our desks for smartphones. This rather lopsided monitor is one such example, keeping your mobile companion charged while also holding it up, putting it at a more comfortable eye level to stop you from bending and craning your neck so often.

Designer: Nex Computers

It’s not uncommon to keep our phones on our desks, presuming office policies don’t bar you from having them out in the open. Disregarding real distractions from social media and incessant but unnecessary notifications, some people do need to keep tabs on their mobile devices for some information or communication, without having those apps clutter their work screen. At the same time, however, most of these people probably don’t want to leave work with a nearly empty battery because they forgot to top up the work while using it at work.

The NexMonitor addresses both use cases in a way that’s both more ergonomic and also a little more stylish. Rather than just a simple stand that props up the phone off the side of your workspace, the monitor actually holds up the smartphone at the same height as the screen itself. That saves you from having to look down and away from your monitor, minimizing the time it takes to glance at the phone. At the same time, it helps reduce potential neck strain and injury from repeatedly switching between a monitor at eye level and a phone closer to the desk’s surface.

The monitor holds the phone up almost by magic, but of course, it’s all about magnets. That clearly marks it for MagSafe-compatible phones, which are primarily recent iPhones, though the company also says that Android phones are welcome to the party. Presuming they support magnetic wireless charging. And yes, the NexMonitor also charges the phone while it’s up there, so it’s pretty much a vertical magnetic wireless charging pad attached to the side of a monitor.

The NexMonitor’s design is quite intriguing in how it doesn’t go for visual balance, though it is definitely stable in its construction. The “stem” of the monitor is off to the right side, nearer to the phone than in the middle. Even the stand itself isn’t centered, which could potentially stress out some people because of its asymmetrical composition. That stand is designed to match the size and the color of Apple’s Mac Mini and the new Mac Studio, but any other mini PC can also find a home there, even if it clashes with the brushed metal look. The NexMonitor was announced back in 2022 but has yet to become available for purchase, which unfortunately leaves plenty of opportunities for other monitor makers to put out something similar, presuming there’s actually a good market for such an ergonomic yet unusual design.

The post This distinctive, asymmetrical monitor will hold up your phone while charging it first appeared on Yanko Design.

How the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 monitor helps level up your gaming and productivity

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We live in an age where using a computer is as normal as using pen and paper. That’s true not only for work and school but also for gaming and entertainment. Most computers come with only a single monitor, but there’s a school of thought that espouses having multiple monitors to have more room for the things you need to be effective. Still, the complexity of maintaining even just two monitors, plus the considerations of desk space, makes such a setup less appealing to most people. And that’s not even considering how it’s often less aesthetic to have two or more screens with frames creating boxes in your view. That’s where the new breed of ultra-wide monitors comes in, and Samsung’s latest monitor steps up the game with a curved monitor that not only flings the entertainment doors wide open but also sets up a beautiful piece of tech on your desk.

Designer: Samsung

Curved screens started invading living rooms as expansive TVs that promise a more cinematic viewing experience that matches more closely how our eyes naturally view the world. Of course, movies aren’t the only kind of digital visual content you’d want to feast your eyes on, so it was really only a matter of time before those gentle curves to the computers sitting on our desks. The new Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, however, is more than just a curved monitor but is also an eye-catching gateway to entertainment and productivity.

The 49-inch monitor has a resolution of 5120×1440 and an aspect ratio of 32:9, giving you a very wide field of view that conforms to the way your eyes work thanks to its 1800R curvature. In a nutshell, this means that you’ll be able to enjoy a more immersive visual experience, whether you’re playing a game or watching videos. It’s practically the equivalent of two QHD or 2K monitors side-by-side, but without the distracting borders that break up what should be a seamless scene.

That extra-wide screen also means there’s plenty of room for all the application windows you need to get your work done, whether it’s reference data for writing a report or reference images for creating graphics. Samsung’s Multi View feature even lets you put two screens from two different sources playing at the same time, including content from your phone.

Beyond its tempting functionality, the Odyssey OLED G9 also bears the futuristic aesthetic of Samsung’s flagship gaming monitor line, with crisp lines that make up the seams on its back and dazzling RGB lights that help set up the mood. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a prolific content creator, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 promises to expand not only your view but also your productivity, all while looking handsome despite its imposing stature.

The post How the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 monitor helps level up your gaming and productivity first appeared on Yanko Design.

Watch how this tiny HDMI dongle turns your iPad or Smartphone into a secondary touchscreen for your Laptop

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Imagine playing PlayStation games on a smartphone, watching Netflix on your Nintendo Switch, browsing your laptop on a Raspberry Pi, or using your iPad as a viewfinder for your DSLR. No fancy rigs, long cables, or expensive equipment/apps. All you need is the AURGA Viewer, an all-in-one plug-and-play dongle that creates a seamless wireless bridge between two devices.

Designer: AURGA Design

Click Here to Buy Now: $72 $99 ($27 off with coupon code “YankoAurga”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Although the AURGA Viewer looks like a mere HDMI dongle, it’s capable of much more than that. Most dongles only broadcast video (and audio IF you’re lucky). Plug the AURGA into a device and it lets you broadcast low-latency, high-resolution video and 48kHz stereo audio to a secondary display, and even works as an input controller. So, not only can you use your phone or tablet as a secondary screen for your laptop, but you now even tap, swipe, pinch on the touchscreen of your secondary device to control your primary one.

For Designers – Turn your tablet into a pen display for Windows 10.

For Professionals – More screen space by seamlessly extending your desktop.

The fact that this simple dongle creates a two-way bridge between any set of devices unlocks an entire list of possibilities. You could turn your iPad into a secondary display for your laptop, pinching, swiping, and tapping away at elements, or even using the Apple Pencil to sketch the way you would with a Wacom Cyntiq. Your smartphone could even turn into a viewfinder for your DLSR, giving you a better view of what you’re trying to capture (even more so if you’re trying to capture images/videos for social media).

Amplify your Mini PC – Connect your iPad for greater computing power.

For Photographers & Videographers – A larger monitor screen to make sure your videos are perfect everytime.

Outside work, the AURGA Viewer lets you even play console or desktop games on your smartphone or iPad, thanks to the dongle’s incredible low-latency connection. You can use the AURGA Viewer to turn smart devices into monitors for your all-in-one machines like connecting your iPad Air to your Mac Mini for powerful touchscreen computing, or even to something like a Raspberry Pi device.

For Developers – Seamless coding experience with extra screen real estate.

For Gamers – Turn your mobile device into a portable gaming console.

The AURGA Viewer is deceivingly small, mimicking the form of a regular USB stick, yet it’s a powerhouse that creates a bridge of compatibility across devices that would otherwise never be compatible. It comes with an HDMI port for data transfer, and has a small USB-C cable too to draw power (sort of like Amazon’s Fire Stick). The AURGA Viewer works seamlessly with iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices, and uses a combination of Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 5G to make its operation buttery smooth.

Use it to revive a dormant device in your house, giving your old smartphone a new purpose, or to multitask by using your laptop/desktop on your iPad. The AURGA Viewer is a remarkably handy dongle to have, whether you’re a designer, developer, photographer, tinkerer, gamer, or just someone who likes the idea of a cross-platform world where devices can connect and communicate with each other without needing tonnes of cables, apps, or expensive gear… All you really need is this small $72 dongle.

Click Here to Buy Now: $72 $99 ($27 off with coupon code “YankoAurga”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

The post Watch how this tiny HDMI dongle turns your iPad or Smartphone into a secondary touchscreen for your Laptop first appeared on Yanko Design.

This triple-screen laptop accessory upgrades your productivity where you go

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Laptops have long surpassed desktops as the personal computing of choice because of their convenience, portability, and smaller footprints. Despite those advantages, laptops are still physically limited exactly because of those traits. Even as laptop hardware becomes more powerful, they’re still limited in the kind of keyboards they can accommodate and, most especially, the number of screens they can carry. Sure, connecting multiple monitors to a laptop has always been possible, but that also means being chained to a desk all the time. Fortunately, the dream of having a productivity monster on the go is now possible thanks to a sleek triple monitor laptop accessory that frees you to get work done in the best way possible, whether you’re in the office, at a coffee shop, or even in a boardroom meeting.

Designer: Zikang Feng

Click Here to Buy Now: $379 $599 ($220 off). Hurry, only 5/165 left! Raised over $380,000.

There is still some debate on whether productivity is proportional to the number of monitors that you have, but there are plenty of computer users, especially those labeled as “knowledge workers,” who swear by it. Many of them use laptops and wish they could take their multi-monitor desk setups with them wherever they go. The idea might have been met with ridicule at first, but those doubts are easily dispelled by a well-designed solution like the Trio and Trio Max.

Designed for laptops, big or small, the Trio and the Trio Max provide a convenient and portable way to add one or two extra screens to your laptop without actually bulking up your portable computer when you don’t need them. They come as plug-and-play accessories that you can simply stand on your desk or, optionally, magnetically attach to the back of your laptop as they are needed. A new second-stage sliding mechanism lets the screens slide in and out smoothly while still allowing them to pivot and fold about your laptop to protect your privacy.

Three Screen Mode – Both monitors.

The Trio and the Trio Max are still easy and convenient to use, only requiring that you plug them into devices with USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt capability, which includes the Nintendo Switch. Even better, these triple-screen accessories are now compatible with M1 and M2 Macs using Mobile Pixels’ proprietary USB driver. The Trio’s design offers the utmost flexibility on how to arrange your multiple monitors, whether it’s a single screen off to the side, a detached portrait mode monitor, or both screens rotated backward for 360-degree coverage.

Landscape Mode – One monitor, left or right.

Portrait Mode – Detach and set it up vertically.

Collaboration Mode – Rotate both screens back to form a triangle to collaborate with others.

Today’s laptops are powerful enough to run almost anything as long as they fit inside a single screen. With the Trio for 13-14.5″ laptops and the Trio Max for 15-17.3″ sizes, you can quickly add two rich 1080p anti-glare displays to have more room for all your apps and content. Free yourself from your laptop’s constraints and expand your creativity and productivity whenever and wherever you need it with the Trio and Trio Max triple-screen monitors, only $379 and $419, respectively.

Click Here to Buy Now: $379 $599 ($220 off). Hurry, only 5/165 left! Raised over $380,000.

The post This triple-screen laptop accessory upgrades your productivity where you go first appeared on Yanko Design.

This 5-in-1 HDMI dongle gives you a second monitor using a phone, tablet, or computer

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The jury is still out on whether having more than one computer monitor increases or decreases your productivity, but there’s no denying that we sometimes wish we had more space for our apps. That said, not everyone is willing to give up their prized desk space for another monitor, especially when that need doesn’t happen all the time. In those cases, having an actual second monitor could be wasteful, both in terms of space and money, when you can get that same experience using something you most likely have in your possession. This miracle accessory does exactly that, turning a smartphone, a tablet, or even another laptop into a second monitor or even a first monitor, all with a single HDMI dongle.

Designer: AURGA Design

Click Here to Buy Now: $72 $99 ($27 off with coupon code “YankoAurga”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Thanks to the Google Chromecast, the idea of sticking an HDMI dongle to stream content to a TV is no longer that alien to most people. That technology, however, is quite limited in many ways. You can only send a video feed to the dongle, for example, and not get input from the display. It also only works on TVs or external screens that have an HDMI port, and it only mirrors what’s being shown on the source device.

For Designers – Turn your tablet into a pen display for Windows 10.

For Professionals – More screen space by seamlessly extending your desktop.

The innovative AURGA Viewer flips this idea on its head in more ways than one and opens up a whole new world of productivity and entertainment. Instead of connecting to a TV or display, the 5-in-1 HDMI dongle connects to the source of the video instead, such as a console, a computer, or a “headless” board like the popular Raspberry Pi. Once that’s done, you simply run the AURGA Viewer on an iOS or Android device or even a computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux, and that device immediately becomes a second monitor as if it was directly connected to the source via an HDMI cable. Work is also underway to support VR glasses such as Nreal and Meta Quest, just to name a few.

For Developers – Seamless coding experience with extra screen real estate.

For Gamers – Turn your mobile device into a portable gaming console.

That, however, is just the tip of the iceberg because the AURGA Viewer is capable of so much more. When connected with a Raspberry Pi or a similar board, a mobile device can become that computer’s solitary display. When connecting from a desktop or laptop, on the other hand, an iPad or even another laptop can become an extension of the primary screen, expanding the available desktop space. It isn’t limited to wireless streaming, either. AURGA Viewer also has a wired USB mode that lets you connect any HDMI device to a computer using a cable. For example, you can connect an Xbox to a laptop with a USB cable so that you can play your favorite console games without having to leave your computer or use a separate screen.

Amplify your Mini PC – Connect your iPad for greater computing power.

For Photographers & Videographers – A larger monitor screen to make sure your videos are perfect everytime.

It also supports two-way communication, so if you have an iPad with Apple Pencil support, you can use your tablet as a makeshift pen display to let your creativity fly. The app also turns touch screens into virtual keyboards and mice, so you don’t have to scramble for peripherals when you need one in a pinch. You can use the AURGA Viewer to turn a smartphone into a monitor for a camera or a portable screen for your Xbox or PlayStation console. You can even connect multiple phones, tablets, or computers to a single AURGA Viewer to really maximize the multi-monitor experience.

A lot of people have multiple mobile devices lying around, and they aren’t always in use, especially when you’re working. With a compact, easy-to-use, and low-latency 5-in-1 HDMI dongle, the AURGA Viewer lets you turn these dormant screens into productivity tools, expanding the amount of virtual space you have without eating up precious desk space permanently.

Click Here to Buy Now: $72 $99 ($27 off with coupon code “YankoAurga”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

The post This 5-in-1 HDMI dongle gives you a second monitor using a phone, tablet, or computer first appeared on Yanko Design.

This flexible high-load monitor arm can support a wide range of screens + provide the perfect ergonomic position

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I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving my productivity goals! The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home/corporate office. Colebrook Bosson Saunders recently designed an innovative and ergonomic single monitor arm called the Flo X – which would make for a great desk accessory. Designed to hold 43-inch screens and provide “the perfect ergonomic position in seconds”, the Flo X is the latest version of Colebrook Bosson Saunders monitor arms. It was designed to raise and elevate not only computer monitors but laptops and tablets as well.

Designer: Colebrook Bosson Saunders

The monitor arm can hold a variety of screens that weigh up to 18 kilograms. It has a simple, subtle, and monochrome appearance, which allows it to harmoniously merge with any kind of desk it is placed on. “We set about designing the seemingly impossible,” said Colebrook Bosson Saunders. “A single monitor arm that could mount the growing variety of screen types, sizes and the wide range of weights necessary in the workplace of today and tomorrow.”

The Flo X has been designed specifically to hold and support larger screens, however, it can provide support to lighter screens as well, which weigh a minimum of three kilograms. This is a great feature since nowadays people are preferring light screens over heavier ones. This makes Flo X a pretty adaptable design with “future flexibility”. It also features an in-built D-ring mechanism which enables it to raise curved as well as wider screens. “[This is] all while still being able to easily adjust and tilt so you can find the perfect ergonomic position in seconds,” said Colebrook Bosson Saunders.

Flo X’s unique dual spring technology allows it to accommodate and support a wide range of screens, so you can swiftly and efficiently adjust the arm, irrespective of the number of screens it is holding in one go. “Flo X has been specifically designed to fine-tune the position of a large 43-inch screen,” said Colebrook Bosson Saunders. “Ensuring that users can easily move it to a perfect position.” It was also designed to combat “the dreaded droop”, where monitor arms are unable to handle the dimensions or weight of certain screens.

The post This flexible high-load monitor arm can support a wide range of screens + provide the perfect ergonomic position first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lenovo at MWC 2023 offers to upgrade your hybrid work experience

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Although many businesses have gone back to working in the same office space, some a bit more controversial than others, a new kind of work arrangement has also arisen that gives people a bit more flexibility in where they can sit down to do work. Of course, that also needs a different set of tools, particularly mobile computers that are able to perform as well as desktops. Then again, not every hybrid worker needs a powerful behemoth of a laptop, and some have different requirements, like portability or even price. Catering to these varied needs is a Herculean task, one that Lenovo is facing head-on with an equally varied mix of PC solutions designed to empower users in this fast-changing world.

Designer: Lenovo

ThinkPad Z13 and Z16 (Gen 2)

Right at the top of the list are Lenovo’s powerhouses, bringing the best of the best when it comes to mobile computing. AMD Ryzen 7000 processors paired with the latest AMD Radeon 700M graphics cover all your bases, especially with a maximum capacity of 64GB of RAM. Even with a larger haptic touchpad, Lenovo’s iconic TrackPoint nub still takes center stage, especially with a customizable TrackPoint Quick Menu for easy access to most-used features, functions, and configuration options. Available in 13.3-inch (Z13 Gen 2) and 16.0-inch (Z16 Gen 2) sizes, these top-of-the-line Windows 11 laptops offer all the power that both office workers as well creatives need to do their best work.

Most notable is the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 which comes with an optional new natural fiber material bonded to the 75% recycled aluminum top cover. Made from 100% agricultural product from flax plant fibers, the woven Flax material gives the laptop a unique visual as well as texture that is certain to grab the eye and envy of every passerby. Even without this distinctive cover, though, the new ThinkPad Z Gen 2 laptops convey a sleek and professional character that alludes to the powerful hardware running inside. The ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 arrives in July for $1,249, while the ThinkPad Z16 Gen 2 follows in August for $1,749.

ThinkPad X13 and X13 Yoga (Gen 4)

Some people prefer a laptop that is easier to slip into bags, and the sleeker, more portable ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 siblings definitely fit the bill. With narrower bezels, there is more room for the 13.3-inch 2.8K displays on both models, increasing the screen-to-body ratio and reducing the overall size. Powered by the latest Intel 13th-gen Core processors, with an AMD Ryzen 7000 option for the ThinkPad X13 Gen 4, these travel companions are no slouches when it comes to performance. Now equipped with front-facing speakers, they are also great for more immersive audio, whether it’s for a video meeting or for chilling with a film after work.

While the ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 comes in a traditional laptop form, the X13 Yoga Gen 4 flips that convention on its head, literally. With Lenovo’s signature 360-degree hinge, it takes almost no effort to transform the work laptop into an entertainment machine, presentation display, or creative canvas, all without having to switch computers. Available in Black and Storm Gray colors, the ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 and ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 4 will launch sometime in May 2023 with starting prices of $1,099 and $1,379, respectively.

ThinkPad T Series

Lenovo churns out new laptops year after year like clockwork. While some models are relatively new, others can trace their origins back decades, at a time when the “ThinkPad” brand was best known for high-end laptops catering to business needs. The ThinkPad T Series has long been fulfilling that role back when it was still under IBM’s watch in 2000, and this year’s newest additions to the family bring a plethora of options to meet the different needs of businesses, whether it’s for video conferencing or for comfortable use.

As business workhorses, it’s not surprising to see the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4, T16 Gen 2, and T14s Gen 4 equipped with the latest high-end processors from Intel and AMD. These 14-inch and 16-inch laptops offer a variety of options when it comes to screen resolution, including a new 2.8K OLED panel for the T14 and T14s. Although video conferencing has become more common, it’s still not something universally required, so Lenovo leaves the door open to have a 5MP webcam configured for these laptops. Additionally, these cameras can be equipped with an IR sensor for better depth detection as well as face recognition. ThinkPad T14s, T14, and T16 will be available in May with start prices of $1,479, $1,239, and $1,269, respectively.

ThinkPad L Series

While everyone will probably want a powerful laptop, the sad truth is that these machines aren’t always within reach, especially when considering the price tag. Some will be willing to compromise on a few aspects for a more accessible figure, but that doesn’t mean they have to give up on the essentials. The 2023 ThinkPad L family was made especially for this situation, with a variety of sizes, forms, and hardware that customers can change to hit that sweet spot of performance and price.

The ThinkPad L13 Gen 4 and L13 Yoga Gen 4, for example, now offer a TUV Low Blue Light screen option that will help protect their users’ eyes while working or, in the case of the Yoga variant, enjoying a good video binge. The ThinkPad L14 Gen 4 and L15 Gen 4, on the other hand, now offer twice the maximum storage capacity, now up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. Whichever of these four models you pick, you’ll still have access to either a 13th-gen Intel processor or an AMD Ryzen 7000, paired with your choice of Intel, AMD Radeon, or even NVIDIA graphics. They will all land on April 2023, starting at $869 for the ThinkPad L13 Gen 4, L14 Gen 4, and L15 Gen 4, and $1,099 for the ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4.

ThinkPad E Series

You might think that “E” stands for “Economy,” and you won’t be completely wrong. Aimed at “value-conscious” customers, the ThinkPad E gives small and medium businesses the power they need without going broke. For 2023, that means access to 13th-gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 7000 processors with up to 40GB of RAM, which is definitely an odd number. You can also squeeze in two 1TB SSDs for all your storage needs, while the new 16:10 screen ratio leaves more room for content.

The 14-inch ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is joined this year by the newest member of the family, the 16-inch ThinkPad E16 Gen 1. With an increased screen-to-body ratio and a matching larger 115mm touchpad, users won’t have to compromise on productivity just because they’re setting their sights a little bit lower. The ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 will start at around $739, while the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 will go for $759, both arriving in May.

IdeaPad Duet 3i and Slim 3 Chromebook (Gen 8)

Lenovo has long expanded its portfolio to include other form factors and even operating systems, all in the name of providing people with the portable computers they want and need. The new IdeaPad Duet 3i, for example, is an 11-inch detachable 2-in-1 Windows 11 device that can be a laptop or a tablet, depending on what you need at the time. Slim and stylish, it makes for a perfect companion for students, allowing them to be productive and creative wherever they go. Power by the latest Intel N200 processor, this multifunctional computer won’t launch in North America but will be available in the EMEA region by June for 449€, roughly $479.

The IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook Gen 8, on the other hand, looks like a typical laptop but runs something other than Windows. With Google’s Chrome OS and a MediaTek Kompanio 500 processor, this thin and lightweight laptop is made especially for users often on the go, allowing them to immediately pick up where they left off. This highly portable and Web-centric laptop will go for around $340 and will arrive in May 2023.

ThinkCentre TIO (Gen 5)

Even with large laptop screens going as big as 16 inches, there are still some tasks that are better done on an even bigger display. When you do need to settle down on your desk at home or in the office, Lenovo’s fresh and new ThinkCentre TIO (Tiny-in-One) Gen 5 computers will help you get that work done. Combining a 21.5-inch or a 23.8-inch monitor with a Tiny desktop unit, this product line trades portability with modularity, letting you upgrade one or the other part only as needed.

This year’s models put special focus on everyone’s favorite video conferencing, upgrading the webcam to a 1080p shooter and equipping the monitors with a mic and two front-facing speakers. The sRGB FHD displays now also use natural blue light filtering to protect users’ eyes and can even be configured with ten-point touch capabilities. The Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One (TIO) Gen 5 starts sales in August with starting prices of $274 and $294 for the 22-inch and 24-inch models, respectively.

Changing for a Greener Tomorrow

With more and more new computers being made each year, the dangers these products pose to the planet’s health also grows. From the materials used to the manufacturing process to even shipping, consumer electronics like laptops and smartphones make human lives more convenient at the expense of the environment. Fortunately, companies have started to take notice, and Lenovo continuing investment in a more resilient and more sustainable business tries to make up for bad habits to help heal the planet slowly but surely.

In addition to reducing carbon emissions through more efficient manufacturing and the use of renewable energy, Lenovo has also started to switch to sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels to similarly reduce the negative impact of shipping. These early 2023 laptops have also increased their use of recycled materials and Post Consumer Content plastic, both in the chassis as well as some components. It might take a long while before sustainable laptops become the norm, but every little step forward counts, especially when from a reputable giant such as Lenovo.

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Immersive, hooded monitor can give you googles-less VR experience

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Virtual reality doesn’t belong in sci-fi movies or TV shows anymore as we’re seeing a lot of AR and VR products in the market, to varying degrees of success. It’s still not something as ubiquitous as smartphones or tablets but when we finally get a product that everyone can afford and is pretty easy to use, we might see a breakthrough. For now though, we’re still seeing various experimental products like VR goggles, consoles, games, and now, even desktop monitors.

Designer: Brelyon

If you wanted to have a virtual reality experience but without VR goggles, this new immersive monitor might eventually become an option. The Ultra Reality Display is a 30″ monitor that will make you feel like you’re looking into a 110-degree or 155-degree screen so you don’t need to have multiple screens when you’re trying to edit a video or looking at several excel sheets or when you’re playing a game that needs a more immersive environment.

The monitor is able to do this, or at least trick your eyes, through its hooded shape and a “wraparound vision”. They claim that it is able to give you a “depth profile that emulates the curvature of the human eye”. So instead of the “flat” view that regular monitors give you an immersive screen ideal for things like gaming, training simulators, and the early days of the metaverse. The video gives some of the technical details like it has an 8K pOLED engine, a 110″ virtual screen, a 155 degree field of view, synthetic aperture, spatial acoustic field, and fusion lightfield expansion architecture.

On paper, there are a lot of things a monitor like this could be used for like simulation training, teleconferencing, gaming, and if you want to watch movies like you’re in your own personal theater. The design looks like you would fit right in with Black Mirror (hopefully with better endings) or near-future sci-fi videos. I don’t know if the experience would be comfortable or if it might bring sensory overload because of its shape and immersive feel.

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Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved monitor has an unbelievably wide span

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When curved TVs landed in the market, many pegged it as just a passing fad. Years later, that unusual shape has also made its way to computer monitors. A curved screen might make less sense on a desktop monitor since the curvature is often advertised as a boon for a more cinematic experience. That said, computers these days are used for more than just serious business or studying, with games and media taking up a large portion of the overall use cases for these devices. Samsung definitely sees it that way, so at CES 2023, it unveiled what is probably the widest curved monitor in the market, taking that commitment to a cinematic experience to almost ridiculous proportions.

Designer: Samsung

We don’t really see the world as a flat plane in front of us. Given how the world and our curved eyes work, it’s actually more natural for us to see things in a radius. That’s the principle used by modern cinemas that project videos on a curved screen compared to the very flat surfaces of older cinemas. It’s also the principle used to justify curved TVs and monitors, but the new Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 definitely takes the cake compared to even the largest curved TV.

The most obvious thing you’ll notice about the Odyssey Neo G9 is, of course, its ultra-wide size, which puts ultra-wide monitors to shame. The 57-inch gaming monitor has a resolution of 7680×2160 and an aspect ratio of 32:9, which means it is the equivalent of two 3840×2160 16:9 curved monitors. It’s no surprise, then, that Samsung calls this a dual UHD curved display. The screen uses quantum mini LED technology and has a refresh rate of 240Hz, the ingredients for a perfect gaming monitor. Of course, such a wide screen will also have enough space for all the windows you possibly need for work and then some, making it also ideal for activities like creating videos or simply multitasking.

The new Odyssey OLED G9 is like a smaller sibling of the Neo G9 at only 49 inches. It is also less curved at 1800R (the Neo G9 curves at 1000R), and is only the equivalent of dual QHD screens for a combined 32:9 aspect ratio. While still mostly designed for gaming, the monitor can also access apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube directly, even without a computer, as long as there’s a direct Internet connection.

Curved monitors might not be everyone’s cup of tea, so Samsung also has regular monitors covered. The ViewFinity S9 brings a whopping 5K resolution to a 27-inch screen for the first time and comes with a built-in Color Calibration Engine that designers will appreciate when they need precise and accurate color settings. The 27-inch Smart Monitor M8 joins its older and larger 32-inch sibling and can pivot 90 degrees in a portrait orientation that makes it easier to read long documents with less scrolling. The Smart Monitor M8 also acts as a smart home, specifically a SmartThings Hub, making it an all-in-one solution for almost anything you need a screen for.

The post Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved monitor has an unbelievably wide span first appeared on Yanko Design.