Who spends $1,000 on a single computer monitor? Gamers and digital artists are the two options. The Dell U3818DW, like the other of the Ultrasharp series, is designed for the Dell 38 latter. Its enormous 38-inch ultrawide curved screen with 38401600 resolution are impressive, but artists will appreciate the super-accurate IPS screen panel.
The U3818DW (hence referred to as “Ultrasharp”) is a pricey upgrade for virtually anyone, but it’s aimed squarely at individuals who need to get work done and want at least moderate colour fidelity across its huge display. It could be worth the investment if you’re willing to pay a premium and prefer one integrated workstation versus two. A dual monitor configuration will be more beneficial to others. With that caution in mind, I can strongly suggest this Ultrasharp to anybody looking for a unified workspace or a large display to connect a USB-C laptop to. It’s up to you to figure out how to fit it into your budget.
We’re going to require a larger desk
In terms of raw size or resolution, this 38-inch monitor isn’t the largest on the market. But, as the kids say, it’s still a chonk. With dimensions of 35 inches wide by 22 inches tall, it may be difficult to fit on any desk with a desktop. You’ll also need a Dell 38-inch curved Monitor large space for the Dell 38 included base.
Dell’s Ultrasharp line is simple to operate with if you prefer to utilise your own monitor stand or can (somehow!) fit it into a multi-monitor setup. No messy or expensive adapters are required because it has a conventional VESA mount in the same hollow as the provided monitor stand. I’m also thrilled to find the power converter built into the display, which means all you’ll need is a typical three-pronged power cord. This monitor, despite its size, isn’t Dell U3818DW attempting to be anything else. The bezels are narrower than some, but not “invisible,” and with the provided stand, you’ll need eight inches of clearance from front to back. Those searching for a slim display to go in a stylish office will be disappointed.
Shake it all around, in and out
The Ultrasharp offers the typical inputs: one DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, and outputs for standard USB-A 3.0 (four ports, two in the rear and two on the sides) and audio-out for connecting to U3821DW external speakers or headphones. The display boasts two nine-watt speakers, although Dell 38 they’re slightly better than laptop speakers and should only be utilised in an emergency.
Thanks to USB-C in for video, data, and audio, the display is also relatively future-proof. The port also provides electricity, although only at a low level of 60 watts. Most ultraportable laptops and tablets will be fine with that, but if you’re dealing with a larger, more powerful MacBook Pro or anything with dedicated graphics, you may not be able to charge it entirely over the single USB-C connector. I would have like a second DisplayPort port and 100 watts for USB-C power, but I am more than delighted with the four video connections. Anyone who spends this much money on a monitor should be able to Dell 38 inch Curved monitor Alienware connect three to four computers without difficulty. It would be more difficult to manage the inputs and anything attached via USB.
Image Quality
The Ultrasharp’s 38401600 panel is stunning. It’s warm and realistic, with none of the over-saturation that you’d get in less expensive displays attempting to boost colour saturation for retail customers. I was able to view the intricacies and clarity I was used to from my own Ultrasharp monitors (from 2012) with minimal adjustment when using it with Photoshop. The super-wide monitor is wonderful for watching 21:9 movies, but not so much for watching anything else. Even with Dell’s bundled software, 16:9 video creates unattractive bars on both sides, and arranging windows to efficiently show off smaller videos is tough. The resolution may dazzle gamers, but the 60-hertz refresh rate and poor 8-millisecond response time will give you no advantage in 38 inch monitor multiplayer.
Software and Tools
The benefit of a large screen and higher resolution for window management is evident, but combining everything into one panel eliminates some of the specific monitor functions. Dell tries to make a few concessions in this situation. You can easily set up virtual monitor zones and move windows to specified regions with the Dell Display Manager software. As someone who is used to DisplayFusion, I found the tool to be somewhat primitive, despite its much friendlier UI. Anyone who wishes to set up a regular working environment over numerous displays, or even one gigantic Dell 38 one, should use DisplayFusion. However, it’s adequate as a low-cost method of Dell 38-inch curved monitor review assigning windowing zones.
I wish I could say the same with Dell’s options for simultaneously displaying numerous PC inputs. I used the picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes for nearly an hour (a common tool in ultrawide monitors). I couldn’t obtain a good split because each one either covered sections of one machine or left large blank regions of black panel. In my experience, the monitor couldn’t successfully share a mouse and keyboard across the two (a claim claimed by Dell’s marketing). It was easier for me to manually switch between the two machines in fullscreen mode. Aside from the picture-in-picture mode issues, the on-screen display LG 38 inch Monitor was adequate.
Worth It, But Only for Some
The Dell U3818DW costs around a thousand, but it’s presently available for less than $900 on the street. It suffices if you want a gigantic, super-wide display that can manage color-dependent graphics output when needed and a slew of windows when conducting more general work. It’s also ideal for watching movies with a cinematic aspect ratio. While the monitor can handle numerous inputs, if you want something that can display inputs from multiple devices on the screen at the same time, you’ll have to go elsewhere. Other, less expensive solutions will also be suitable for gamers and people searching for a huge screen on a budget.
Display
First, let’s dispel the myth that this is a gaming monitor: it isn’t. Is it possible to use it as a gaming monitor? Sure, if you really wanted to. However, keep in mind that it will not perform as well as a display optimised for gaming. The 60Hz refresh rate is certainly not ideal for gaming, but I’m sure you can get by with it for short bursts or light games. I don’t game on my Mac, so I didn’t use this for anything substantial other Dell 38 than a couple Apple Arcade games. Apart from that, the Dell UltraSharp 38 (U3821DW) boasts a large display with enough of room for multitasking. Three windows could fit in the 37.52′′ space, but two windows are the best option. I discovered that having three windows open cut off too much of the room. Even yet, having two large windows open at the same time is ideal for multitasking.
Speakers & Features
The Dell UltraSharp 38’s speakers are excellent. People aren’t buying this for the speakers, which aren’t particularly good. The majority of customers will already have speakers linked to their laptops, therefore they are unlikely to be used. Still, they’re OK, thin-sounding as predicted and unsuitable for video/sound editing. But it’ll suffice for YouTube and podcasts in a pinch. With all of the inputs featured on the Dell UltraSharp 38, you’ve got yourself a true productivity hub. The only things I need on a monitor are electricity and a monitor out connection, I confess. For my Mac mini M1, I already have a great hub. However, if you don’t have a hub, this could be Dell U3421WE one for you.
Wrap Up
Not everyone is a fan of the Dell UltraSharp 38 (U3821DW). It is, in fact, quite costly. There are alternatives for the average customer who wants a widescreen monitor but cannot afford the UltraSharp 38, such as the Dell S2422DW, which costs US$449.99 but lacks some of the UltraSharp 38’s finer features. Business multitaskers and content makers that want a large amount of workspace might consider the Dell UltraSharp 38. Users now have a diverse platform to complement their workflow thanks to the addition of a productivity hub.