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[CES 2025] Dell Introduces New UltraSharp Monitors

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Dell has consistently been a frontrunner in display technology, and their latest UltraSharp monitors are no exception. This new trio showcases significant advancements in color accuracy, eye comfort, and even audio, catering to creative professionals, engineers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a top-tier visual experience.

UltraSharp 32 and 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitors

The Dell UltraSharp 32 (U3225QE) and 27 (U2725QE) 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitors are designed with professionals in mind, emphasizing exceptional image quality, eye comfort, and streamlined connectivity. A standout feature is the world’s first enhanced IPS Black technology, which delivers a remarkable 3,000:1 contrast ratio. This translates to significantly deeper blacks and an 89% improvement in ambient contrast ratio compared to conventional IPS panels, especially noticeable in typical office lighting.

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Both monitors boast 4K resolution and VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, providing excellent color accuracy, enhanced color depth, and sharp details even in challenging lighting conditions. Dell has also prioritized eye comfort, achieving the world’s first 5-star eye comfort certification (TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort 3.0) for 4K monitors. This certification is based on several key features: reduced blue light emission (up to 30% less than competitors without impacting color accuracy), an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness and color temperature, a low reflectance panel to minimize glare, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate to reduce flicker.

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As Thunderbolt Hub Monitors, these displays offer extensive connectivity. They include Thunderbolt 4, USB-A and C, and RJ45 ports, and can deliver up to 140W of power via USB-C Extended Power Range (EPR) for compatible laptops. Convenient front-facing pop-out ports offer easy access for connecting peripherals and provide 15W USB-C charging for phones and other accessories. Both monitors are certified to work seamlessly with Windows and macOS, supporting multi-monitor setups for enhanced productivity.

Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED Monitor

The Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED Monitor (S3225QC) represents a significant leap forward in display technology, combining stunning visuals with a revolutionary audio experience. This monitor utilizes QD-OLED technology, which offers incredible clarity, vibrant colors, and near-infinite contrast. This makes it ideal for content creation, gaming, streaming, and general entertainment.

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A key differentiator of this monitor is its AI-enhanced 3D Spatial Sound. This next-generation audio technology dynamically adjusts the soundscape based on your position, creating a truly immersive auditory experience. AI-driven head-tracking ensures that sound from the built-in speakers remains precisely aligned with your location, providing pinpoint accuracy. The integrated 5x5W speaker array uses advanced beamforming technology to focus audio directly towards each ear and leverages destructive interference to cancel out sound at the opposite ear, resulting in remarkable clarity and a truly unique listening experience.

Visually, the Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED offers spectacular image quality. The 4K resolution combined with QD-OLED technology delivers exceptional color accuracy and depth. Gamers will appreciate the smooth visuals provided by the 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium technology, which minimizes motion blur. An ultra-low 0.03ms response time further enhances fluidity for fast-paced gameplay. The monitor also supports Dolby Vision and VESA Display True Black 400, elevating the streaming experience with breathtaking realism.

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For connectivity, the Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED offers single-cable USB-C connectivity with up to 90W of power delivery. Convenient pop-out quick access ports further enhance connectivity options.

Sustainably Built

Dell continues to work on their sustainability commitment incorporating sustainably sourced and recycled materials into its products. The new line up of UltraSharp monitors are crafted with up to 100% recycled aluminum, 85% post-consumer recycled plastics, 50% recycled steel, and at least 20% recycled glass. The UltraSharp 32 and 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitors carry the latest TCO designation and are registered EPEAT Gold with Climate+, while the Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED Monitor meets high standards for energy efficiency with ENERGY STAR certification.

Dell Display and Peripheral Manager (DDPM)

Starting in February 2025, users will be able to manage and optimize all Dell displays and peripherals through a single application: the new Dell Display and Peripheral Manager (DDPM).

Pricing & Availability

  • Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U3225QE): Priced at USD$949.99 (approximately RM4,450) and CAD$1299.99 (CA) (approximately RM6,100), will be available globally beginning February 25, 2025.
  • Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE): Priced at USD$699.99 (approximately RM3,280) and CAD$959.99 (approximately RM4,500), will be available globally beginning February 25, 2025.
  • Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED Monitor (S3225QC): Priced at USD$799.99 (approximately RM3,750) and CAD$1099.99 (approximately RM5,150), will be available beginning March 27, 2025, in China and the rest of the world beginning May 22, 2025.

Disclaimer: These RM prices are approximate conversions based on current exchange rates and may not reflect the final retail prices in Malaysia. Actual pricing may vary due to import costs, taxes, and retailer markups. Please check with local retailers for the most accurate pricing information.

Computers, News

Intel Introduces Thunderbolt Share Technology

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For users juggling multiple PCs, the dream of seamless file sharing, screen control, and peripheral access might seem far-fetched. However, Intel‘s latest announcement, Thunderbolt Share, aims to bridge this gap. Let’s delve into this technology and explore its potential benefits and limitations.

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Source: Intel

Thunderbolt Share builds upon the robust foundation of Intel’s Thunderbolt technology. Renowned for its high bandwidth and versatility, Thunderbolt allows for blazing-fast data transfer, high-resolution display connectivity, and device charging through a single cable. Thunderbolt Share leverages this existing infrastructure to establish a direct connection between two Thunderbolt-equipped PCs.

Imagine being able to control your work PC from your laptop at home. With Thunderbolt Share, this vision becomes a reality. Users can access and manage files on both PCs, synchronize folders, and even drag and drop content seamlessly. Additionally, the technology allows for shared screen control, enabling users to work on one PC while viewing the display on another.

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Source: Intel

While the potential of Thunderbolt Share is enticing, it’s important to acknowledge current limitations. This technology is primarily compatible with PCs equipped with Thunderbolt 4 or 5 ports, potentially excluding older devices. Additionally, not all manufacturers may offer Thunderbolt Share functionality on their PCs, even if they have Thunderbolt ports as it looks to be an add-on feature OEMs will need to pay for. Users should check for specific compatibility details with their PC models.

Interestingly, while initially announced as a Windows-focused solution, Macworld reports that Apple has integrated similar functionality into macOS Sonoma. This integration allows M-series Macs with Thunderbolt ports to connect directly and utilize features like file sharing and screen control between devices, mirroring some of the core functionalities of Thunderbolt Share. Whether this integration represents a shift in strategy for Intel’s technology or a coincidence remains to be seen.

Computers, News

Dell Unveils New UltraSharp Monitor Line-Up Ahead of CES 2024

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Dell’s monitors have long been one of the most sought-after monitors available. Dell’s most popular is the top-of-the-line Dell UltraSharp Monitors. The lineup is packed with cutting-edge features and features most users are looking for when it comes to productivity. The UltraSharp Monitors also set the pace for Dell’s monitors every year.

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The Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U4025QW) leads the way this year. Yep. It’s a mouthful but comes with everything – including the kitchen sink; which in this case is the whole USB-C hub functionality. This USB-C Hub functionality allows for power pass-through to charge devices as well as extend your connectivity options – particularly if you’re coming from a thin and light laptop like the Dell XPS laptop. With Thunderbolt 4 support, you’ll be able to power the monitor with a single cable. The hub also supports high-speed ethernet connectivity through an RJ45 port, and display inputs with HDMI 2.1 FRL (Fixed Rate Link) and DisplayPort 2.1

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The new monitor has improvements over its predecessor including a doubled refresh rate of 120Hz. It comes with an improved version of Dell ComfortView Plus. This helps further reduce blue light exposure from 50% to lower than 35% in the new Dell UltraSharp Monitors. The built-in ambient light sensor also helps preserve eye health as it automatically adjusts screen brightness and colour temperature according to the ambient conditions of the room.

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Of course, Dell’s UltraSharp Monitor Line-up continues to have a display panel with high resolution and a wide colour gamut. It is the line’s signature feature. This year’s edition comes with a 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space. The colour accuracy can also be calibrated using the Dell Color Management software. The Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor comes with an IPS panel with VESA DisplayHDR 600 and IPS Black Panel technology. It’s also a 5K resolution display.

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You may be wondering, we’ve been saying lineup for so long but only talking about a single monitor, well, if 40 inches is too much for you, Dell is also launching a smaller 34-inch monitor. The new Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U3425WE) comes with a WQHD resolution of 2560×1440 pixels. It comes with mostly the same specifications including IPS Black technology and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. However, it has a lower power delivery over Thunderbolt 4 of only 90W.

Pricing & Availability

Dell Technologies has not announced any pricing details for the monitors just yet. However, they will be available in the market starting end of February 2024.

Accessories, Computers, Mobile, News

The Next Thunderbolt is Here Supporting DisplayPort 2.1 Specifications, but it is Confusing

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The invention of USB Type-C is a significant one. It brought the USB invention to the modern world. It ushered in a new era of standard connectivity. It is also a rather important aspect in the world of high wattage fast charging devices. It also allowed a single USB port to turn into so much more than just one port. It is a charging port, data port, DisplayPort, and even an HDMI port. Intel calls their own proprietary technology for a multipurpose USB Type-C the Thunderbolt technology.

Thunderbolt technically did not start out as a USB technology though. Thunderbolt needed its own proprietary port to work on its own. That never really caught on. The USB Type-C 3.1 standards brought in an entirely new possibility with Thunderbolt. In its current standard, with the latest available Intel processor, Thunderbolt is in its fourth generation; hence, Thunderbolt 4.

Thunderbolt 4 brings about DisplayPort 1.4 capabilities alongside HDMI 2.0, up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds, and even 10 Gigabit networking. You can even charge laptops that require less than 100W charge speeds. All that, and you still have USB 3.0 capabilities with a USB dongle.

Thunderbolt 4 is impressive, but to keep up with the times, it needs an update. It needs to keep up with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 standards. Intel does one better with USB4 v2. We are guessing that the next generation Thunderbolt would be named Thunderbolt 5 and still go along with USB Type-C port, but Intel might have a different idea when the first laptops arrive with USB4 v2 standards.

Instead of keeping up to DisplayPort 2.0, the new USB4 v2 standard is capable of DisplayPort 2.1 port standards. That also means that it can transfer up to 80 Gigabits every second in either direction. One way, up to 120 Gigabits of data can be transferred every second for the best type of display experience you can find on any device.

Like Thunderbolt 4, the new Thunderbolt standard can also support PCIe data throughput. That means you can plug in your GPU externally and make use of more powerful GPUs to run with your thin-and-light laptop. In this case, USB4 v2 is now capable of the lates PCIe 5.0 standards for twice the throughput from the previous Thunderbolt 4.

Intel says that the USB4 v2 standards will also be compatible with previous versions of Thunderbolt, USB, and DisplayPort. While it might simply mean that it will still be able to work with devices in the previous generation, it could also mean that Intel is sticking with USB Type-C as its main connection method. Even if they decided not to stick with USB Type-C, they might be able to get manufacturers and accessory makers play ball with their new designs.