Predator X34... Is it worth it?

[SeaW0lf]

Guys, I bought the Predator X34 (bank slip to be payd in three days). When I was checking its measurements -- to see the space that it would take on my desk -- I realized it is not that bigger than my Philips 298P4QJEB (IPS screen). Then I went to check the dot pitch, and the Predator has a dot pitch more than 12% smaller than the Philips one, which I already consider premium stuff / really smooth images (I just checked the backlight bleed with this app and it has absolutely zero bleed. The screen looks simply turned off (I was happy with that because I can get a better price for it on the resale). 

 

But the dot pitch scared me tons. I already consider the Philips a challenge to my sight and I use Windows 7, which people say gives little room to rework the size of things. But I don't even know if Windows 10 allows me to resize program interfaces / windows such as Photoshop and stuff. So if the Predator has even smaller stuff on my screen than I have now, I most likely won't buy it.

 

The other aspect is that I'm paying basically three times the price of my current monitor to not gain much screen space (image below). I was really expecting the full scale from 2560 to 3440 (or near it). But to be short in almost 13% is too much for my taste.

 

So how are the icons / program interfaces / windows and letters in the Predator? I know that I can set the size on Google, but I work everyday with the monitor, so it can't be a strain to my sight when using interfaces like Photoshop and video editors.

 

Am I worried for nothing? Although the size of the screen is a huge letdown and I am not sure I'll pay triple just to get some bit of extra space.

 

Any Feedback is appreciated,

 

 

 

In the image below, the center is my monitor, the middle one is the Predator and the outer one is the Predator I expected.

Edited December 20, 2017 by SeaW0lf

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Google "Oculus dashboard presentation".

 

Realize what is going on, keep your current monitor, get a Rift in the sale now. Write me PM to me later to ask for my PayPal, so you can thankfully gift money to me. Send wine and flowers to my home address, and in 10 years a boat.

 

 

I bought a 34" right before getting a Rift in summer. Could have saved 600€..

[SeaW0lf]

Google "Oculus dashboard presentation".

 

Realize what is going on, keep your current monitor, get a Rift in the sale now. Write me PM to me later to ask for my PayPal, so you can thankfully gift money to me. Send wine and flowers to my home address, and in 10 years a boat.

 

 

I bought a 34" right before getting a Rift in summer. Could have saved 600€..

 

I'm following the VR scene, but what drives me to buying new hardware is my job (the gaming scene just speeds up the process). I upgraded from a 770 to a 1060 and I gained a lot in terms of queuing videos (I'm updating to a GTX 2070 or 2080 in 2018). Then I think it is a mix of work and gaming that makes me update my hardware. On that matter, VR is off the table right now. Perhaps in the future.

[SeaW0lf]

I pulled the plug on the Predator. I'm finding lots of reports of severe backlight bleeding and no one is sure if the newer versions fixed it. I'm searching for options if I really settle for the smaller dot pitch (all the 34" 3440X1440 have similar dot pitches), I found the Dell Alienware AW3418DW, a new model on the market. G-Sync as well, better overclocking capabilities, signal processing of only 0.35ms (see on the review input lag) and a better panel so they say. And looks like the warranty is more flexible regarding dead pixels and backlight bleed.

 

Will see.

Edited December 21, 2017 by SeaW0lf

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

I would not buy expensive monitor without HDR support today.

BTW In this year Asus and Acer will start selling monitors with G-SYNC, 4K, 144Hz and HDR.

Edited January 1, 2018 by 307_Tomcat

[SeaW0lf]

I would not buy expensive monitor without HDR support today.

BTW In this year Asus and Acer will start selling monitors with G-SYNC, 4K, 144Hz and HDR.

 

The problem is that those new monitors will mostly like arrive above U$ 1.700. There are 34" 200Hz monitors coming too. And by the time HDR is supported by IL-2 / DCS and you can buy a 34" ultrawide for 1000 / 1300US$, VR might just be ready, cheaper and better.

 

I might get the Alienware and a Volta GTX 2070-80 this year. I'm still browsing and waiting for a sale (the Predator costed U$ 250 less here ). HDR would be nice, but these changes seem to take a lot of time to become staple. 

[JG7_X-Man]

That monitor was on my short list - but I had to pass. Why you ask: 307_Tomcat - no HDR for that price is not a smart purchase.

[Kandiru]

On 12/20/2017 at 9:31 PM, SeaW0lf said:

I pulled the plug on the Predator. I'm finding lots of reports of severe backlight bleeding and no one is sure if the newer versions fixed it. I'm searching for options if I really settle for the smaller dot pitch (all the 34" 3440X1440 have similar dot pitches), I found the Dell Alienware AW3418DW, a new model on the market. G-Sync as well, better overclocking capabilities, signal processing of only 0.35ms (see on the review input lag) and a better panel so they say. And looks like the warranty is more flexible regarding dead pixels and backlight bleed.

 

Will see.

After my painful experience with VR I sprang for the Alienware. I almost got the Acer Predator X34a but the AW was a no brainer given the faster native refresh and the three year unconditional replacement warranty extendable to 4 or 5, they can't fix it over the phone, ship you a new one:)

Overclocked in two clicks to 120Hz with TFT Central ICC custom calibraton profile it offers breathtaking views 20" from my face on an OmiMount Play25x ( industrial design, once I tensioned the spring the monitor floats 3D movable).

Displays frame rates on demand and has touch activated bottom light configurable to any color.

The sound card is good but the mini stereo connection at the very bottom awkward as keyboard is right under it, so I just use the cardioid mic's own sound card with the AKG 702s. Thanks to the built in USB3 both recessed and under the screen TrackIR cabling is nicely hidden, and the Clip PRO flimsy wiring supported by the aftermarket headphone cabling (used silicone tubing fasteners, not shown here, and yes my rig is on an old treadmill).

Edited August 25, 2018 by Kandiru