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With many users running multiple monitors on the desktop, the solution of a single monitor that offers the same shape and amount of screen real estate is a compelling one. It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting that dividing line. And two flat panels aren’t ideal either. A single, large, curved monitor delivers a unique gaming experience and feel, and can be a great way to work if you multitask.
There are many choices in the 21:9 aspect ratio, but by the numbers, they only equal one-and-a-half 16:9 screens. To get the same pixel density as a 25 or 27-inch QHD monitor, you need 5120x1440 (DQHD) in either the 45 or 49-inch size. With a reasonable curvature around 1500R, you’ll have the same effect as two monitors with no dividing line.
The Lenovo Legion R45w-30 is a very strong choice. Its VA panel delivers a true 3,000:1 contrast ratio and, with field dimming, even more, 8,000:1, in HDR mode. It has good coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut at 88% so it is plenty colorful. You can use that gamut for SDR or select an accurate sRGB mode if that color space is required. The default picture mode is fairly accurate for all content with a slightly warm grayscale, but the R45w-30 calibrates to a high standard.
Lenovo has provided decent video processing with a 170 Hz overclock, solid overdrive and available backlight strobe. There are a few minor artifacts visible, but by and large, my gaming experience was clean and smooth. Response and control lag are very quick and on the high side of average among value-priced ultra and mega wide displays. The backlight strobe is one of the better examples and though it cuts light output by 40% it is clearer than most. My only complaint is the overclock reset every 30 minutes. But honestly, that extra 5 Hz is insignificant.
The perception of objects moving past you is palpable here. That is a compelling reason to game on a 32:9 curved screen. The sensation of looking out a window, or through a visor, is strong. If you’re looking to recreate the feel of VR goggles, the Lenovo Legion R45w-30 is a great way to do that for far less money. And you get a decent computer monitor in the process. Users looking to expand to the sides should definitely check it out.
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Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.
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Neilbob Looks decent enough, and it'd be nice to have for certain things, but I just don't think I'd be able to work with that aspect ratio. Multiple smaller monitors > a monitor that could double up as a surfboard. I'm old fashioned like that.Reply
But I'd be terribly impressed if someone could legitimately tell the difference between 165 and 170 Hz. I might buy 'em a beer or something. -
pixelpusher220
Same. Something about the separate monitors that mentally works better for me. Another thing with massive wides is if you do any zoom/screen sharing. I have a colleague at work (remote) who when he shares his ultrawide it tries to share the *whole* thing into my 27" making it basically unreadable.Neilbob said:Multiple smaller monitors > a monitor that could double up as a surfboard. I'm old fashioned like that.
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cknobman I've always been curious about ultra wides like these but never quite enough to pull the trigger.Reply
As a developer I always have 2-4 screens going and really value as much screen space as possible.
Just not sure that curve would be good staring at all day. -
thors_spatula
"There are many choices in the 21:9 aspect ratio, but by the numbers, they only equal one-and-a-half 16:9 screens."Admin said:The world of extreme gaming monitors grows by one with Lenovo’s Legion R45w-30. It’s a 45-inch DQHD VA curved panel with 5120x2160 pixels, 170 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR400 and wide gamut color. It’s like a window to your favorite games.
Lenovo Legion R45w-30 45-inch mega-wide gaming monitor review: Like a window into virtual worlds : Read more
One-and-a-third. -
FoxTread3 March 23, 2024 - I think it is kind of fun the way many of us humans like big things.. I have my favorite female anatomy measurements ;):cool: I have a Dell 32" LCD monitor and an Alienware 34" OLED monitor. For sharpness and color accuracy, the Alienware wins hands down. When the Dell dies, I'll replace it with another OLED. I use the desktop PC that the Dell is connected to. To do all of the usual online stuff like surfing, reading and writing emails etc. I even watch videos on it. However, for the best video viewing I use my other desktop PC connected to the 34", and that is also my gaming setup. I guess some people really benefit from having a curved monitor, but I find my LG 55" OLED TV fills my needs for a large screen with OLED video quality.Reply -
kira-faye For $800... Just buy a used 42" 4K OLED. You'll never catch me paying that kind of money for an LCD panel.Reply
I got my 42" Sony for $600 by being patient watching local ads. -
pixelpusher220
a 4K screen isn't ultra wide. Entirely different form factor.kira-faye said:For $800... Just buy a used 42" 4K OLED. You'll never catch me paying that kind of money for an LCD panel.
I got my 42" Sony for $600 by being patient watching local ads.