Dell is kicking off a new addition to its monitor range in 2021 that aims to hit a variety of sweet spots. The Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD monitor offers 39.7 inches of screen area with a resolution of 5120 x 2160, which corresponds to the pixel density of 4K resolution on a conventional 32-inch widescreen display. It is equipped with Thunderbolt 3 for display and data connectivity as well as 90 W charging for compatible computers and a 10 Gbps Ethernet connection for the network. In a nutshell, Dell’s latest version (which will be available on January 28th) seems like a real competitor that rules them all, especially for those looking for a way to tweak their home offices.
The basics
The UltraSharp 40 from Dell has a 60 Hz display with a diagonal of 39.7 inches with an aspect ratio of 21: 9 and a WUHD resolution (not quite 5K, but extraordinary for a curved monitor of this size). It offers 100% sRGB and 98% P3 color reproduction as well as a stand with height adjustability, tilt and rotation and a hidden cable duct for cable management. The built-in speakers each provide 9W of sound, so you don’t have to worry about adding external speakers.
Credit: Darrell Etherington
In terms of wired connections, it offers Thunderbolt 3, RJ45 Ethernet, and USB-10 GPS ports (three on the back and one on the front), as well as a USB-C port for easy access to the front. There’s also 3.5mm audio out (though it’s worth noting that doesn’t work with headphones) and two HDMI ports, plus a DisplayPort for more traditional display connectivity if you’re not going the Thunderbolt route. A standard security lock allows you to anchor the display in any shared environment.
The display itself is bright, clear and visible over a wide range of angles. The matte finish provides great viewing in a wide variety of lighting conditions. A joystick control button enables easy navigation and operation of the integrated on-screen menu and functions, including picture-in-picture.
Design and functions
First and foremost, the Dell UltraSharp 40 delivered excellent visual quality. Especially for a display this size in a curved form factor with this resolution, it will satisfy everyone from teleworkers who mainly do meetings and spreadsheets to photographers and video professionals looking for high quality, high quality image quality in crystal clear detail.
The WUHD resolution means that you can run the display in different configurations, depending on how much screen space you want or need. For example, I used it at a resolution of 5160 x 2160 and it has enough workspace to arrange multiple windows side by side and tile them vertically. I usually use three displays at the same time in my day job (there are many tab and browser windows involved), and with the Dell UltraSharp 40 I can comfortably work with just one monitor instead. It works with Apple’s HiDPI modes on its modern Macs for a clear, crisp display with larger elements on the screen. But if you don’t need all of the space.
Dell’s built-in stand is simple and effective, and offers a number of maneuvering options that allow for significant lift in height adjustment. You won’t get a full swivel portrait mode in this display – but that’s not surprising considering how long it is at its longest edge compared to the vertical. You are given a tilt when you need it and the ability to move back and forth depending on your position. The end result is a display that is very large, but easily adjustable for your comfortable use.
Credit: Darrell Etherington
The display is delivered immediately calibrated, but also offers numerous options for setting contrast and brightness via the integrated menus. This also includes a very useful multi-device display facility that includes both picture-in-picture functions for multiple sources and a picture-by-picture mode where the display for multiple inputs is split into two same side-by-side sections is divided. Another useful function for working with the display with several computers: Keyboards and mice connected via the monitor automatically recognize both connected PCs and switch between their control.
In addition to the size and resolution of the display, the UltraSharp 40 is a fantastic option for a home work station. It has a number of connections and additional bonuses like built-in speakers. The speakers aren’t going to win audiophile awards, but they’re better than the ones built into your laptop and eliminate the need for additional equipment if you want to save space on your desk. With any modern Mac with Thunderbolt equipment, the Dell UltraSharp 40 is truly a one-cable marvel that offers very few compromises.
Bottom line
Credit: Darrell Etherington
With the Dell UltraSharp 40, the company continues its tradition of delivering extremely high quality display products at a reasonable price. The $ 2,100 price tag may seem steep, but for what you get it’s a very fair price, and Dell’s displays are very reliable too, which means an investment in their monitors is likely to get you going will satisfy for many years (two) My home office displays are some of the first 4K monitors from Dell that have been reliably available to me for over half a decade.
Because of its wide aspect ratio and curve, this display actually replaces two smaller 4K screens for most applications, so the cost set in this way makes even more sense. In short, Dell’s UltraSharp 40 is a home office beast that fills a sweet spot for a wide variety of remote professionals.