BenQ EW3280U 4K monitor
Movies on your MacBook never looked so good
$799.99 From BenQ, benq.com Features 32–inch display, 3840x2160 resolution, 2x HDMI ports, internal speakers, remote control
The BenQ EW3280U is a 32–inch 4K UHD monitor with a 16:9 IPS display. It uses proprietary HDRi technology to provide a variety of high dynamic brightness options for whatever you want to use it for, and has a 5ms response time and 24P cinematic frame rate specifically designed for gaming and movies. What’s more, the 2.1 channel speakers and digital signal processor make it possible to use this monitor without needing external speakers.
The EW3280U has a crisp, clear, bright display that really maximizes the visual experience for movies and games. It’s built with a set of pre–programmed visual and audio settings so you can quickly jump to the look and sound you want and get to the fun stuff faster. With one of the three HDRi settings enabled, you’ll immediately be able to see how brightness and color temperatures adjust. These settings may cause eye strain when you’re just typing away in a document, so you can switch over to one of the standard or low–blue light settings with just a few clicks on the physical buttons.
To make adjustments even easier, the EW3280U comes with a remote control with quick access to the HDR settings, Brightness Intelligence Plus (BI+) mode, the audio settings, and the entire monitor menu. You can also adjust speaker volume with it.
The EW3280U has a uniquely designed monitor stand. It’s a flat rectangle made from heavy, weighted metal, but it’s an open
rectangle rather than a big hunk of metal. The monitor can be angled up or downward slightly from the top for a total of about 15 degrees. However, the desktop mount does not allow for height adjustment.
There’s a very nice cable organizer embedded in the mount. It doesn’t fit much, but it cleanly hides a couple of cables, which makes things look a lot better. Speaking of cables, this monitor doesn’t need a big, awkward power brick. It plugs in with a standard three–prong cable, which can also be hidden behind the mount’s cable organizer.
The EW3280U is designed to be an entertainment monitor that doesn’t need any additional peripherals, including speakers. Are its speakers better than most monitor built–in speakers? Absolutely. Are they good speakers? No. If you’re hoping this monitor will be loud enough to watch movies, listen to music, or play video games without needing external speakers, think again.
If all you need is an affordable 32–inch display for watching YouTube or Netflix then there are cheaper options around. But if you’re going to be using your display in an office or for working at home — as so many of us are doing these days — then the versatile connectivity features will ensure that the EW3280U really earns its keep.
THE BOTTOM LINE. The EW3280U is a beautiful 4K display that gets very close to showing what’s on your MacBook in its purest form. LORY GIL