LG at the top of the computer monitor game with a curved 34” UWQHD beauty
On a desk, this monitor is beautifully imposing. With a 34” diagonal size and 21:9 display ratio, it’s like having two monitors glued into a single display – stunning. There aren’t as many pixels on this panel (3440x1440) as a 4K UHD panel (3840x2160), but it’s still a monstrous amount of screen real estate, so ensure your computer can cope. HDMI won’t handle it at 60Hz, you need a graphics card with DisplayPort output.
At the rear, there are two Thunderbolt 2 ports for the Mac users (one input, one daisy chain output), two HDMI 1.4 ports and a DisplayPort input. There are the usual built in speakers embedded into the monitor, even given a dubious marketing moniker of MaxxAudio (that’s Maxx, not Max, remember that), but they’re not good for much beyond system notifications. A 100mm x 100mm VESA mount adorns the back if you have your own funky stand to mount it on. The included stand has height adjustment, but no pivot or swivel.
There’s a USB 3.0 hub in this monitor too, but there’s no ports on the side, making it a pain to reach around the back to plug things in frequently. On a monitor this price, it’d be nice to have a port or two within easy reach for USB flash drives and temporary devices.
Panel quality is exactly what you’d expect from a top of the line LG display. 99% sRGB gamut coverage and 10-bit colour means that colours are accurate and rich. The image is sharp and colours have been calibrated in the factory for a great out of box image. If you’ve upgraded from a TN-type display, the quality will blow you away.
The 21:9 screen ratio is fantastic. I dabble in video editing with Final Cut Pro and having the timeline stretch so wide is great. Those doing audio work will also love a wide timeline and lots of dials and faders on screen simultaneously. Even daily productivity use, having my text editor right next to my web browser, is a better experience than dual displays.
Now for the burning question - what’s the curved screen like? This is the first time a curved display has graced my humble abode and unfortunately, I can’t see what the fuss is. The curve is very subtle and only apparent at the very edges of the display. Even then, it appears to me that the image is wrong, rather than enhanced. It’s supposed to be a little more immersive, but I didn’t get that feeling at all. For those doing graphics work, it actually distorts the image, giving it a pincushion appearance that’s deceiving and counter-intuitive. Based on my experience with this display, I’d save the cash and go for a non-curved model instead for design work.
If you’re in the market for such a monitor there’s not a lot of competition. The only other curved 34” 21:9 LCDs are the similar priced Dell U3415W and more expensive Samsung S34E790C. The Dell uses the same LG panel as the 34UC87 with the main difference a lack of Thunderbolt and a better stand. Compared to the Samsung S34E790C, the LG 34UC87 has an IPS panel that’s great for colour accuracy and desktop computer use, whereas the Samsung uses a VA panel providing better black levels and contrast for movies.
The LG is cheaper, so the Samsung is hard to recommend.
What if you don’t need the fancy and in my opinion, unnecessary, curved display? LG have the 34UM95, which is only $100 less than the curved 34UC87, but the AOC U3477PQU and Philips BDM3470UP, both approximately $900 are good options too, with similar IPS panels. You can save a few hundred bucks by foregoing the actual curve.
These 21:9 monitors are beautiful and very easy to fall in love with. Sure, they’re expensive, but how much of your life do you spend staring at a computer monitor? Far too long, I’m sure, so treat yourself to all those glorious pixels, you deserve it – and if you want your pixels curved you can’t go wrong with the LG 34UC87. It’s one of the best monitors I’ve ever used. The only thing that could top it is a 4K UHD curved 40” display – come on LG, you know you want to. Anthony Agius
KEY SPECS
34in diagonal screen • 3440 x 1440 resolution • 21:9 aspect ratio • curved • 10-bit IPS panel • 99% sRGB colour accuracy • Thunderbolt support • 2x HDMI • 1x DisplayPort • 2x USB 3.0