2560x1080 is an unusual resolution for a computer monitor. Does it change the way we work? We spent some time with AOC's new Q2963PM to find out. With some unique features on-board, we're more than curious to see what makes this radical new display tick.
Last year, LG introduced the world’s-first 21:9 aspect computer monitor, the 29-inch 29EA93P. Boasting an ultra-wide form factor, it gave users the chance to watch cinemascope movies without letterboxing (those black bars above and below the movie), and introduced a whole new look to gaming.

LG’s ultra-wide IPS panel is the basis for AOC’s all-new Q2963PM. This panel utilizes AH-IPS technology and renders 2560x1080 pixels on its 29-inch diagonal screen. AH-IPS, (Advanced High-Performance IPS) has quickly become the most common variant of IPS seen today. With a combination of excellent color accuracy, high light output, and high pixel density, it’s ideal for a majority of computing and viewing tasks. Of course, it has excellent off-axis viewing like every other flavor of IPS. The white LED backlight illuminates the screen from the both the top and bottom edges.
Even though it displays 2560 pixels across, it’s not a QHD-resolution screen, since you only get 1080 pixels of height. Basically it’s an FHD panel with extra width. Its shape matches the 21:9 size of the cinemascope screen you’d see at your local movie theater. As with LG's model, the main advantage is that you can watch films without letterboxing. And most movie fans know that the 16:9 aspect ratio of today’s HDTVs and monitors is a compromise. While some features are shot this way, most are filmed in the wider 21:9 framing.
The biggest question for computer users is: does a product like this also work for productivity and gaming? While it’s obviously great for movie-watching, a desktop enthusiast needs far more versatility. To this end, the Q2963PM offers a number of convenience features like multi-source viewing and chainable DisplayPort connectors. Even though vertical resolution is 1080p, pixel density is a respectable 97 ppi (or nearly as high as the 108 ppi offered by a 27-inch QHD monitor. In fact, the only thing you’re giving up versus a QHD display is screen height. No matter how you want to think of it, the AOC Q2963PM definitely presents a new way to work!

Selling for a street price of $450, AOC is currently the value king when it comes to this type of product. LG’s 29EA93-P checks in around $600, while the NEC EA294WMi is nearly $800!
| Brand | AOC |
|---|---|
| Model | Q2963PM |
| Street Price | $450 |
| Panel Type | AH-IPS |
| Backlight | W-LED |
| Screen Size | 29" |
| Max Resolution | 2560x1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Response Time (GTG) | 5 ms |
| Brightness (cd/m2) | 300 |
| Speakers | Yes |
| VGA | 1 |
| DVI | 1 |
| DisplayPort | 1 in, 1 out |
| HDMI | 1 w/MHL |
| Headphone | 1 |
| USB | - |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Dimensions w/base W x H x D | 28.1 x 15.3 x 8.4 in 714 x 388 x 214 mm |
| Panel Thickness | .87 in / 22 mm |
| Warranty | Three years |
- AOC Q2963PM Offers A New Way To Work
- Physical Layout, Packaging, And Accessories
- AOC Q2963PM Design And Features
- OSD Setup And Calibration Of The AOC Q2963PM
- Measurement And Calibration Methodology: How We Test
- Results: Brightness And Contrast
- Results: Grayscale Tracking And Gamma Response
- Results: Color Gamut And Performance
- Results: Viewing Angle And Uniformity
- Results: Pixel Response And Input Lag
- AOC's Q2963PM: Usability, Performance, And Our Recommendation
Having 2 in chain of those, tilted on the side, would be very nice for productivity apps, like coding, etc.
I currently run two PCs for my daily work and could probably use something like this. Two 1080p monitors side by side is too much back and forth, so this may be a good solution. But I'd want to be able to adjust the split between the sources if needed.
Thanks!
Everything in Windows 8 Metro/Modern is designed for horizontal screen orientation vs. vertical.
Besides that point this monitor seems like a great piece of hardware for the money. Nice review!
What you're looking for comes from Ergotron: http://www.ergotron.com/ProductsDetails/tabid/65/PRDID/15/language/en-US/Default.aspx
I have this stand holding up a pair of Dell U2412M displays. My only real concern when hanging displays on this stand is the panel weight, although I bet the bottom-mounted of a pair of 27" 16:9 displays would end up touching the desk...
1080 lines is too little for (advanced) productivity IMO.
For things like programming and browsing, I would be much happier with 2560x1600 on a 24" screen in portrait mode + 1920x1200 on a 20-24" landscape secondary display than 2x 2560x1080 29" in landscape.
As far as gaming goes, I'd never opt for this. As has been mentioned, the input lag may be irritating for some. Also, would you have to tweak a game's field of view setting, if it has one, to make the most of it?
Skyrim menus were messed up for me across 3 screens too.
What id really like tho is 200 dpi ~24"/~12" viewable area(27" viewable diagonal), with a slight curvature. ~4800x2400, ~120 hz. And the graphics card to drive it in next gen games at 120fps. Let me know when we have that.