Packaging, Physical Layout, And Accessories
Product 360
The first impression we got when we pulled the PXL2790MW from its box was, “boy this thing looks like an iMac!” Its slim profile, smooth face, and minimalist appearance invite comparisons to Apple’s all-in-one machine. This is a monitor that looks equally good on or off. Its front surface is almost featureless except for a textured band across the bottom. And there isn’t a single sharp corner or angle. Smooth, rounded edges and a gentle taper across the back are well-executed.
Planar bills this as a bezel-free design. Of course, there actually is a bezel; it’s just flush with the front layer. Turned on, there is a 26 mm black frame around the image. And it’s a true black, not the dark gray plastic you'd typically find. The best way to imagine it is to look at a black iPad. The frame actually enhances perceived contrast and brightness, especially in a dark room. When the lights are off, the image seems to float in front of you.
Across the bottom is a textured band that is not quite black. It has a molded Planar logo and five touch-sensitive controls on the right side. Starting on the left is the OSD button, followed by up and down arrows that double as volume and brightness hotkeys. Then we have the select key that also cycles through the inputs. Finally, there is a round power button that is actually molded in to make it easy to locate. The power LED glows a bright blue when the monitor is on and orange when it's in standby mode.
The side profile is not super-thin, but rather gently tapered to de-emphasizes the internal power supply's bulge somewhat. Sadly missing are USB ports, which appear on a vast majority of displays today. With the proliferation of mobile devices in our lives, you can never have too many USB ports.
Many style-oriented displays forgo the VESA mount in favor of an integrated base and upright, but Planar doesn't go that route. Remove the four screws and you can use your own bracket or wall-mounted solution. This is a smart decision on Planar's part too, because the only adjustment available from the included base is tilt. Fortunately, the monitor’s height is just about perfect, so you're probably only going to need to tilt it up a bit if your desk is of average height.
Inputs include DisplayPort 1.1, VGA, DVI, and HDMI. There is also an audio input and headphone output. We never really thought about the placement of headphone jacks until we reviewed NEC's EA294MWi, which is the only display we’ve seen with that connector on the side. It just doesn't make sense to put audio I/O out of reach on a down-facing panel around back.
Bundled accessories include DVI, DisplayPort, and stereo audio cables, along with an IEC power cord for the built-in supply. A printed manual rounds out the package.
