Dell has launched two new 29 and 34-inch PC monitors in the ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio. The largest model is curved. Dell believes that 21:9 monitors can replace a multi-monitor setup.

New 21:9 monitors from Dell
These are certainly not the first 21:9-format monitors on the market and Dell too has offered models for some years. The two new models will replace existing monitors in the line-up; U3417W replaces U3415W and U2917W replaces U2913WM.

29-inch U2917WM has a flat design and a resolution of 2560x1080 pixels. It is, perhaps unsurprisingly, based on an IPS LCD panel. IPS is characterized by its accurate colors, wide viewing angles and low contrast ratio. Dell says that it can be connected to a PC via DisplayPort 1.2 or one of the two HDMI 1.4 ports. It also features a USB hub as well as PIP and PBP functions.


The larger 34-inch U3417W has a curved design (1900R, twice the curvature of its predecessor) and a resolution of 3440x1400 pixels. Besides that it has most of the same specifications as the smaller 29-inch model, but adds 2x 9W speakers to the package.

For all-round use
The two new monitors feature the classic Dell design that offers flexible stand adjustment options, including height, tilt, swivel and 90-degree pivot.

The monitors are not targeted at any particular group of consumers and can probably best be described as all-round monitors. Dell has made sure to calibrate them to <2 and <3 dE from the factory, which should satisfy hobby photographers and graphics artists but they cannot go beyond the standard sRGB color gamut. The monitors are specified to 5 ms (g2g) response time, which should be enough for casual gamers, but not more discerning users.


Instead, Dell has positioned the monitors as general-purpose screens that offer lots of desktop space. The company believes that an ultra-wide monitor can serve as an alternative to a multi-monitor setup. Dell also emphasizes that the LED backlight is flicker-free.

The smaller 29" U2917WM is not yet listed on Dell’s international sites but is listed for HK$4,899 in Hong Kong. The larger 34" U3417W carries an official price of $1200 in the US but is already available for close to $1000 on amazon.com. More information can be found at dell.com.