Explode your gaming prowess into something out of this world with Alienware’s newest 34 inch QD-OLED Curved Monitor.

From the box there is a need for some basic DIY.

And I do mean basic.

The base, monitor stand and screen are all in separate bits. While there are instructions, it’s straightforward with the monitor stand neatly screwing in to the weighted base and the stand clip and securing in to the back of the monitor, with an easy release.

You’re not going to need tools, unless you decide to wall mount the screen.

Then it’s straight in to some curvy eye candy, and I don’t just mean the OLED popping screen visuals, there’s some lighting going on at the rear.

The Alienware 34 inch Curved QD-OLED Monitor (model: AW3423DW) has a looped RGB LED effect around the stand mount, with the signature ‘Alien’ branding illuminating to match.

The monitor is NVIDIA G-Sync compatible. If you have a graphics card that is enabled with G-Sync you’ll get silky smooth gaming graphics.

Battles, tearing up the asphalt or looting can go beyond the screen and project an LED lit atmosphere to the wall behind.

It’s bright, and depending on the game played or synced to, is also effective, but you will need a darker gaming den or room. In a well lit environment you’re not going to experience much at all.

Now for that screen.

Coming in at 3440 x 1440 px with a 175Hz refresh and a 0.1 ms response rate the screen is just absolutely crisp and detail loaded.

For those who like to game and multitask, being the wideness that this monitor is, you can have the likes of Discord chat (if not already integrated into your game) fully open to one side and gameplay in another window without compromising the play view scope.

And sure, if you’re a super multitasker use this screen to have multiple windows open at once.

The Alienware 34 inch Curved QD-OLED Monitor while it is primarily designed for gamers, also has the vivd detailed visuals for content creators.

The monitor has a full suite of ports as well, 2x HDMI, 3x USB3, 3.5mm audio (in and out), 1x Display port and of course AC power. These are discreetly tucked away in the back allowing for a natural cable drop.

The stand allows for tilt and swivel and while heavy does not have a large footprint – the monitor itself does require a large scope though, so a wide desk is recommended.

While there is a line-out port for audio the Alienware 34 inch Curved Gaming Monitor does not have built-in speakers.

Pricewise, it’s actually a bit less than I thought it would be.

This QD-OLED beast will set you back at around $2.5K. Given the visuals, port array and additional RGB G-Sync this is a truly outstanding investment.

The Alienware 34 inch Curved Gaming Monitor (AW3423DW) is the best gaming screen I’ve reviewed this year at it’s current price point.

Game like you mean it and as it should be seen and experienced with this must-have.

The post ALIENWARE 34″ CURVED QD-OLED GAMING MONITOR REVIEW appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Serious gamer but can’t (or wont) pay a hefty sum to get you in to the game?

Then Konic has the solution for you with their Konic 27” Full HD Curved Gaming Monitor (KD27712GF).

The Konic 27” Full HD Curved Gaming Monitor has a almost zero bezel curved screen with a visually stunning and gaming specific 144Hz refresh rate. This is heightened when you make use of the built-in ‘Game mode active sync’.

At FHD 1920 x 1080 the 27 inch monitor has three connection options; HDMI, Display Cable and old skool VGA. I recommend not using the VGA to get the best out of what this monitor can offer.

Oddly Konic do not supply you with a HDMI cable – but you do get the Display Cable in the box which is the preferable use to maximise your visuals to a eye blistering 165Hz, should your laptop or PC be compatible.

The Konic 27” Full HD Curved Gaming Monitor missed out on the USB-C display connection which a lot of the more recent gaming laptops are opting for. There is also no built-in speakers.

From the box there is a bit of DIY.

But it is super simple to screw on the back stand and wide angled base.

Unlike last years Konka KD32908GC there’s no lighting effects on the back, which is a shame, as this really set the range apart from it’s more pricier counterparts.

Still if you’re after some stunning visuals – this has it.

Whether you’re a PC gamer or console, both play stunningly visual wise either from HDMI or the Display Cable. Whatsmore there’s zero onscreen latency and with that higher refresh rate coupled with a hefty graphics card, or latest gen console at 60 fps you’re at pro level.

The Konic 27″ Full HD Curved Gaming Monitor is going to cost you just under $400 NZD. For what this monitor offers that makes it the cheapest out there without compromising on the eye-candy.

Stealthy in it’s black and red build the Konic 27″ Full HD Curved Gaming Monitor is superb as a solo primary screen or an addition to a multi screen setup.

The post Konic 27” FHD Curved Gaming Monitor Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Ever since LG graced all productivity enthusiasts with the first ever edition of an Ultrawide monitor in 2014, Samsung has opened it’s arms to the market and constantly come at full force.

Their 2017 launch of the CF791 WQHD is no exception, boasting strong performance, features, and design with any downsides hard to find in most cases.

34 inches is still quite a size that most gamers are trying to get used, and for the next year most likely won’t, but that hasn’t stopped South Korean firm Samsung from pulling out another banger in their fantastic range of curved monitors and televisions. With a whopping 30 degrees of curve, the 100Hz behemoth will dominate any desk with ease, and commands a presence with even the most colourful of setups.

The perfect purchase of productivity with the intention of either being a single extremely wide screen or the replacement for dual screens that can connect easily with most accepted video formats, although you are left wanting for a USB-C connection.

Although a bit pricey coming in at a retail of $799 NZD MSRRP, Samsung has once again delivered another flagship product in this monitor. Across my use in broadcasting, photo / video editing, office work, and an attempt at gaming, I was constantly blown away by the vivid colours and eternally surprising 100hz refresh rate. How Samsung managed to create such a behemoth of a monitor at that refresh rate will forever stun me.

However, the CF791 is not all butterflies and rainbows.

It has a limited IO and restricted stand will leave many looking for more. At this stage, it should be a guarantee that flagship technology features USB-C ability, and this monitor forced my laptop into a dongle setup that would be better off being avoided. As more and more lightweight top of the line tech becomes the norm, it’s a disappointment that Samsung isn’t spreading the love to us USB-C enthusiasts.

In saying that, it is without a doubt Samsung has created a great product. And although I am yet to buy one of these monitors as gaming devices, their place on a productive work desk has been all but solidified in my mind. I am excited at the prospect of seeing Samsung’s next move in this space, as their television and mobile device screens become a worldwide standard and continue to break barriers.

Do yourself a favour and get one of these CF791’s, unless of course you’re stuck like me on an HP Spectre with your USB-C ports.

*NOTE: In this review, I compared the experience of the CF791 to my personal use of my LG 34UC99-W. Both devices were used and directly compared in both a single and multi (4 monitor) display setup. Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @SheepOCE if you would like to see my full setup details.

The post Samsung CF791 Curved Widescreen Monitor Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.