Acer Introduces Ultra-Thin And Curved Monitors To Open CES 2016
Acer introduced a line of super-thin IPS panels that are only seven millimeters thick. Available in 21.5-, 23-, 23.8-, 25- and 27-inch sizes, the all-new R1 series brings 1920x1080 resolution, a zero-flicker backlight, and slick modern styling to the desktop.
The bezel is thin enough to be barely visible, and with its small footprint, multi-screen setups will look super-clean. The stand allows for a tilt adjustment of -5 to 15 degrees, and the IPS panel claims a viewing angle of 178 degrees. To further reduce eyestrain, Acer’s Blue Light Filter feature is included. It lowers the intensity of blue in order to warm the monitor’s white point. We’ve seen this option on other Acer screens, as well as products from other companies, and it works as advertised.
A photo of the R271H’s front doesn’t quite do its styling justice, so here’s a view from above.
The 7 mm-thick panel is about the same as many smartphones. The bulge you see runs along the bottom and has just enough space to house the display’s internals and provide a connection point for the stand. Inputs include one each of HDMI, DVI and VGA. You also get an analog audio jack to power the internal speakers.
The R1 series ships in Q1 2016 and starts at $130 for the 21.5-inch version.
A few months ago, we reviewed the excellent XR341CK 34-inch curved gaming monitor. Now, Acer is offering an update in the form of the XR342CK.
With the tightest curve we’ve seen yet, 1900R, plus IPS and 3440x1440 resolution, it promises to provide an immersive experience for gaming and entertainment. Like other XR-series screens, it includes AMD’s FreeSync technology for smooth tear-free motion processing. We don’t know the refresh rate range yet, but Acer has yet to disappoint with any of its gaming screens.
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Quality has not been overlooked with things like DTS-tuned audio and a 6-axis color management system. And for fans of desktop lighting effects, the XR342CK can create a soft glow from its bottom edge that changes color with the user’s preference. Other features include a four-port USB 3.0 hub and a joystick for quick and easy OSD navigation. Unlike many other curved displays, the base adds 30 degrees of swivel to its tilt adjustment.
U.S. pricing has not been announced, but expect to see it around March for €1099.
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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DrakeFS If you are using the stand that comes with the monitor, why does it matter that the monitor is thin? I would prefer bezelless monitors over thin.Reply -
JackNaylorPE The G-Sync version comes with nVidia ULMB. With Freesync, you don't get any Motion Blur reduction technology unless the monitor manufacturer includes something, which some are loathe to do as it adds significant cost. So question is, does Acer include any MBR technology on the Freesync models ?Reply