The Dell UltraSharp U3423WE is a 34-inch curved USB-C monitor (opens in a new tab) with an integrated USB-C productivity hub (opens in a new tab) that connects everything from USB-A to USB- C, Ethernet and more.
Hemos used the UltraSharp U3423WE as our main corporate monitor (se abre en una nueva pestaña) during the last weeks and our delight and increased productivity without esfuerzo. This monitor has been a fantastic boost to our main office setup, allowing us to work with a test computer constantly plugged in and to rotate our individual laptops (opens in a new tab) depending on who is working in the pharmacy
Unboxing and first impressions
Setting up this monitor is remarkably simple. We were able to open the box and set up the monitor in minutes without any help. We chose the DisplayPort cable (opens in a new tab) for our test computer and grabbed the USB-C cable, knowing we'd be using it quite a bit for our laptops.
We primarily use this monitor on the included adjustable stand, but initially tested this monitor on an external monitor arm (opens in a new tab) using the VESA mount. Either way, this monitor looks great and performs even better.
Design and build quality.
The design of the UltraSharp U3423WE is clean and minimalist. The display bezel is black on the front and matte silver on the back and stand, the premium materials that make up this monitor match high-end monitor quality.
Due to the 21:9 aspect ratio and 34-inch screen, this is a very wide monitor and we had to adjust a few things on our desk to make sure it would fit. However, once we rearranged the desk to accommodate it, the width was easy to get used to.
Used
With a built-in KVM (opens in a new tab), this monitor can run up to two computers simultaneously, switching mouse, keyboard, and video display at the touch of a button. Interestingly, the built-in RJ45 Ethernet port locks down to a single computer, maintaining a continuous connection regardless of which computer is active on the display.
When we work with content on the screen, we like the horizontal space we have with this aspect ratio and resolution. You can put three to four web pages side by side on this screen without feeling too cramped.
Specifications
Resolution: 3440x1440
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Response time: 5ms
Panel Type: IPS
Viewing angle: 178/178
Aspect ratio: 21: 9
Brightness: 300cd / m2
Connectivity:
Dimensions: 32 x 15,5 x 9,3 inches / 81,28 x 39,37 x 23,62 cm
Weight: 25,22 lbs/11,44 kg
Multiple windows are very useful when we're researching and writing, allowing us to write in one window, have our notes in another, and still have plenty of space for release notes and more. Another practical use case for this monitor was when we used it with large (and wide, lots of columns) spreadsheets (opens in a new tab).
Outside of time-intensive research or detailed spreadsheets, we use windows that are smaller than the monitor allows, keeping some of the wallpaper visible. It's been nice and relaxing, making us feel minimalist and on top of our game.
The image that this monitor displays on a curved screen is impressive. It took me two minutes to get used to the curved screen, and now it feels weird to switch to a monitor that isn't curved. Having the edges, often the hardest to see parts of the screen, is an experience in itself and, especially for such a wide monitor, it makes a world of difference.
At first, those who are not used to a curved monitor may think that the image will be distorted due to the curve. However, this is not the case at all, as the monitor does not look like a curve at all when you use it. Instead, the screen is exactly where it should be.
final verdict
The Dell UltraSharp U3423WE is a fantastic monitor, the only drawbacks in our tests being the price and the placement of the pass-through cable on the stand. Other than that, it worked very well as a monitor for business applications, productivity, and single-screen enjoyment.
- Are you looking for a good desk to put that monitor? Check out our best standing desks - opens in a new tab.