Dell UltraSharp U2913WM Monitor Review

Viewable diagonal size: 29 inches
Native resolution: 2560x1080
Screen aspect: 21:9
Panel: LED back-lit IPS
Price: $699 USD
Full specification: Here

Computer display has always been a very important part of my desktop setup, because it really is THE thing that you see, and in my case most part of the day.  Its text needs to be sharp, colors vibrant, and have sufficient amount of pixel to be truly enjoyable.  This is that monitor.

I had always purchased monitors after seeing one in person.  However, I made an exception and ordered this one sight unseen, from Dell.com 1 day after it became available.  Why?  I have been buying Dell UltraSharp IPS monitors for years, and in a way, I had a faith that Dell engineers wouldn't put "UltraSharp" on something sub-par.  And I am glad I did.

I have been on the quest for that "perfect display" for the last few decades, more recently including a 3-monitor Eyefinity setup, horizontal & vertical, a large single monitor setup.  Today, I feel completely satisfied, with my new Dell U2913WM.

My first impression of this monitor, out of its box, is really how WIDE it is.  When you place the monitor front of you, turn it on, and you have the native 2560x1080 desktop front of you, it really feels like it's like twice as wide.  Your peripheral vision is suddenly so more satisfied, especially playing movies and games (FYI not all games support 2560x1080 res).  No more annoying bezels like multi-monitor setups!

The 21:9 aspect, compared to the usual 16:9, is 31.25% wider.  Whereas 2560px is 33.3% more than the common 1920px.  So, in theory, the pixels on U2913WM should look somewhat squished (~94%); it doesn't look/feel that way.

Having tried 2560x1440 and 2560x1600 in the past, I can tell you 2560x1080 has plenty of pixels.  Sure, a 4K version would be even nicer, and I'm sure Dell's working on that one.  :)  Personally, I use it for writing code, playing games, watching movies, editing photos, etc. and it's perfect for having 1 or 2 working windows at a time.  Even Windows (7) Explorer is suddenly more useful, with two windows one docked to right and the other on left.

For gaming, while I haven't seen a technical measurement of Input Lag on this model, I feel it has a moderately good (i.e low) lag.  By having less pixels than 1440p or 1600p, I imagine the real number lies somewhere between U2711 (not great) and U2413 (excellent).  My subject way of measuring input lag is how easily I get killed in a fast FPS game; so far I'm doing pretty well on U2913WM, so I can't complain.  :)

What gaming at 21:9 aspect looks like!

What I really love about these new LED backlit IPS panels is how cool they run.  The last gen IPS monitors with fluorescent backlight, while achieving wider color gamut, they tend to run (very) hot.  It's especially true for larger displays.  With this monitor, I'm done sweating.  Really, it's COOL after hours of use.  Dell spec says 32W typical, and I believe it; it's probably less (when calibrated, which I did, using Spyder3Pro).

Another thing I love, is how compact this monitor is overall.  Vertically, it's about equivalent to a 23-inch monitor.  I love its curved stand design, and it is very sturdy, while remaining compact.  And no, it would be silly to use this monitor in Portrait orientation, so I won't "complain" that it doesn't pivot.

The bezel design, is surprisingly slim.  I was somewhat surprised by it, as I was pretty used to the usual fat-ish UltraSharp bezel.  Not that I would ever do something silly like putting three of these in an Eyefinity setup (yes, I said silly and I mean it), if you really had to do it, there isn't that much bezel to go between.

Frodo in 21:9 glory

Now on the plethora of video input... I personally use the DisplayPort (it supports 1.2), and I haven't bothered with the rest.  In a way, it would be nice to see a model with less (just one?) input with much lower price.  Anyway, if having multiple input options are important to you, this has them.

If you have been longing for a nice general purpose display, do yourself a favor and order a U2913WM.  (no I don't own DELL stocks)  Really, from one human being to another, if you are like me, who cares a lot about quality & experience of using your computer (in this very short life!), then yes do it!

Dell engineers behind U2913WM, you've done a fantastic job building this monitor.  My A00 revision has been working flawlessly for the last few weeks, and I continue to have great confidence in your UltraSharp monitors.  From one engineer to another, thank you.

Roy

Disclosure: While I am not paid by anyone to write this review, I may be compensated if you purchase products through links on my blog.