For 15 days, I tested a monitor UltraSharp gives Dell more specifically the model InfinityEdge U2717DA to do this review. I tried to analyze several issues that certainly do not cover everything that the monitor has, but the main features are listed and commented here.
Before we get into the review itself, I need to warn you beforehand that I am not an image professional, designer or anything. Therefore, I make my assessment according to a light / moderate use, focused mostly on readings and videos. For the test, I also ran some games and video / image editing programs. The computer used was a Mac mini (end of 2012).
Carton Content
As usual, we find in the box the power cord, some quick setup manuals, safety information and also factory calibration. Unlike many monitors, the included connection cables are a DisplayPort for Mini DisplayPort and a USB 3.0 for upstream.
Along with that comes the media with the drivers and documentation, as well as the monitor itself and the articulated stand that holds it. A small Allen wrench to tighten the arm screw completes the kit.
Design
This U2717DA model equivalent to the U2717D is the difference beyond the last letter and is almost $ 300 more than the first has an arm as a support, while the second comes with a base (as on most monitors on the market).
The panel itself already has a considerable weight (4.5kg) and, together with the weight of the support (5kg), ends up requiring a table that can hold it and that can fit it. My computer desk, for example, closed behind, so I had to look for another firm place to put it. Despite this setback, the feeling of not having a traditional base is definitely a plus, as it looks like the image is “floating”.
The mobility is wonderful, it can be leveled up, down and sideways, and it is also possible to put the wide screen in both landscape (portrait) and portrait (portrait) mode.
The monitor is all coated in matte black and silver (almost a "space silver") and has five buttons located at the bottom, which are slightly sloping; they are very discreet. Another plus point is a compartment inside the arm that lets you run the cables so they don't get messy behind the monitor.
The superfine edges on all four sides measure less than 1cm and provide an optimal immersive experience. This feature can be greatly enhanced if you want to set up a multi-monitor layout next to each other with the continuous image.
Connections
The U2717DA has two DisplayPorts, one input and one output, a Mini DisplayPort and only one HDMI. Along these, on the back, there is still a headphone audio output and what I found very good is a USB 3.0 port upstream, two USB 3.0 ports downstream and two more of these located on the left side to serve as a hub to the computer.
Assembly
As I said, the arm was a little hard just finding a place to fit it in the best way. Despite this, the assembly itself was quite quiet.
The bracket came in two parts and to join them, it was enough to fit each other and tighten a screw with the Allen wrench. Then I hooked the arm to a surface and tightened the thumbscrew until it was firm. Finally, I hooked the panel to the arm very easily, threaded the cables through the compartment, and closed it with the lid. All right!
Screen
With a large 27 inches, the LCD panel has a 16: 9 aspect ratio (widescreen) and a resolution of 2560 Ă— 1440 pixels at 60Hz (QHD) which gives you a much wider view of the image. This resolution and screen size make for a very good immersive experience, be it in video, games, and especially in productivity.
With all the space it provides, you can see several windows side by side and all of a satisfactory size. It is also a beauty for video editing, as it is possible to view a much larger part of the timeline as well as work with images. Not to mention that in portrait mode we can have the exact notion of sheet size when we need to print.
LED backlighting like most on the market, which in layman's language means that if you turn on Netflix to see that cool movie and it's in widescreen, the black bands at the top and bottom of the image will look like a simple gray light that can disturb you a little in the dark. Even so, it is not so aggressive and difficult to find a monitor that runs a lot from this standard.
One combination I really like about it is the combination of the anti-glare screen and the IPS. The latter means that, unlike TN screens, you can see all colors normally from any angle. If you've had contact with old TN monitors, you'll remember that when people gathered in front of the screen to see something, those in the corners saw the distorted colors almost as a negative; In IPS, this does not happen.
Its 1,000: 1 contrast ratio, which is considered a great standard in the market and the 99% sRGB color scheme is also very good. If you work with a more precise configuration as designers, for example, you can adjust it to your own preference. But for those who do not understand much, there is a function of “preset modes”, named according to the appropriate situation: movie (with more realistic tones and higher brightness), game (removing the blue tones a bit), sRGB , multimedia, color temperature, custom color, standard and what I used most of paper, with very low brightness and tones that do not harm the eyes of those who read for a long time on the monitor. You can also change both the sharpness and the PC (darker) or Mac (lighter) gamma.
To the gamers, the monitor is not exactly what it says “ideal” because its response time is 8ms in normal mode and 6ms in fast mode. For the game to do better, it is advisable monitors for this, with a maximum of 3ms. This does not mean, of course, that you will not be able to play with him; it just means the performance is going to be a little lower.
Funes
In addition to the last function of preset modes, Dell also offers the option to enable DDC / CI, which allows you to change color settings by software, not just in the monitor menu. Another really cool function is to see at the top of the menu how much power the monitor is using.
Finally, a wonderful option is the ability to customize both menu buttons to function as shortcuts to the functions you use most (brightness / contrast, preset modes and more).
Price
This U2717DA (articulated stand) model is more focused on business environments, but can be suitable for anyone as it is the only experience. His price on the Dell website $ 2,865.
Already if you prefer a traditional base and would like to have exactly the same monitor, you can buy the model U2717D also from the Dell website for $ 2,576.
https://youtu.be/P4f40dBsUuE
Worth it?
Monitors widescreen They are always a great choice to help with productivity. One of the things that really fascinated me was his mobility, both with and without the hinged stand, because you can still tilt the screen or rotate it to portrait mode. In this mode, the reading experience is great because I could see the entire page without having to scroll.
I also found the U2717DA to be very beautiful and with excellent image quality. The price is a bit salty, but with 27 inches, 1440p resolution and this quality, the price range ends up matching the rest of the market.
For those who like good quality both image and external components and can invest this value, highly recommended.
