A Creative’s Review of BenQ’s PD3220U Monitor
As a digital artist and a gamer, it is important, if not necessary for me to have the top of the line tech. Thus, I decided to upgrade from the BenQ PD3200U monitor to the PD3220U.
When the monitor arrived, I thought it would be interesting to create an unboxing video. Just like the PD3200U monitor, the PD3220U is very easy to assemble. It literally takes less than 10 minutes to set up.
I also noticed that the box that it came in was slightly smaller than the box for the previous monitor. BenQ is really striving to be eco-friendly. It is hard for companies to do so, but every little bit helps the environment.
Find the BenQ PD3220U on Amazon.
After I assembled the monitor, I simply connected it to my computer. Just so you know, I am running both a Wacom Cintiq Companion 2 and Wacom MobileStudio Pro 1. Without downloading anything, I was able to go into my settings on my computers to select the PD3220U as a second monitor. Then I pushed a button on the backside of the monitor and it was ready for action!
The thing that Wacom MobileStudio Pro and Macbook users will love is that it USB-C friendly! I was so happy that it included cables that work both for my Cintiq Companion and MobileStudio Pro. So I did not need to go on Amazon to look for any additional cables… because it was all included. No wonder Digital Trends named it one of the best USB-C monitors of 2019.
Ports on the PD3220U include two HDMI 2.0 inputs, one DisplayPort 1.4 input, one USB 3.0 upstream and three USB 3.0 downstream ports, one USB Type-C port, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort, two USB-A 3.1 ports, a microUSB port, and two USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports.
The Design…
Even though I am a Wacom user, BenQ says the PD3220U was designed with the MacBook in mind. The overall design is simplistic and stunning. The display goes directly to the edge of the casing.
The base is made out of a high-grade metal and actually seems to have a little more weight as compared to the PD3200U monitor. When it comes to the design of the stand, I like both the PD3200U and PD3220U. If you are an Apple user, then you will love that the color of the base of the PD3220U monitor will match your Macbook perfectly.
The just like the PD3200U; the PD3220U can tilt, swivel, and pivot a full 90 degrees for use in a vertical orientation. The tilt adjustment runs between -5° and 20°. You are also able to swivel the panel left and right by -30˚/30˚.
Every professional designer has a specific way that he or she likes to set up their desk. Having the flexibility to place your monitor on your desk the way you like it is important.
With the stand fully extended, it measures 24.7 by 28.1 by 7.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 22.9 pounds. I personally will have my Wacom device sitting directly in front of the monitor with the monitor full extended.
The great thing is if you are a hardcore designer then you can actually hook up two of these monitors to your computer. Also, the KVM Switch function allows users to display and control content from two different PC systems on one screen using just one set of keyboard and mouse.
Visit the BenQ site to read the stats for the monitor.
Hotkey Puck G2…
This is something that I really love. The Hotkey Puck allows you to adjust your monitor’s settings without having to reach around and press buttons. Designers can adjust the brightness, contrast and volume. Switching modes is also super easy with the Hotkey Puck.
AQCOLOR…
BenQ’s AQCOLOR technology really is something that every creative can truly admire. BenQ places great importance on “Accurate Reproduction”. Precision is important when it comes to editing photos or creating graphics.
What I really liked is that inside the box was a black envelope containing an individual calibration report. This gave me a better understanding of my personal monitor and it shows that BenQ prioritizes quality, which I respect. Personally, I did not feel the need to recalibrate my monitor as it was spot on. Having that out-of-the-box color accuracy is great!
The monitor is certified with CalMAN verified and PANTONE validated. This is also great for those who want to nerd out over color accuracy.
Eye Care…
The one thing that I really really really love is that BenQ is really dedicated to protecting the eyes of designers. Let’s face it if you are working on a computer all day your eyes can become strained, especially when you get older.
BenQ’s Low Blue Light Technology is designed to filter out harmful blue light. This reduces eye fatigue and irritation.
The PD3220U is also utilizing Flicker-Free technology. Traditional monitors flicker 250 times per second. You might not be able to notice flickering with these monitors on your eyes but your eyes will feel strained. So this technology really helps relieve stress on your eyes. Thus, there are no worries when you are in the ‘creative zone’ and want to work for hours on a project!
I think it is great that BenQ puts quite a bit of thought into their eye care technology.
Modes…
Just like its predecessor, the PD3220U has several modes that will benefit digital artists.
Darkroom Mode
If you tend to work in darkened post-processing environment, then this mode is for you. This mode adjusts the image brightness and contrast for excellent clarity. All the details will look as sharp as can be.
Animation Mode
If you are an animator working in VFX or animation or game development this will really help you. One thing that can be difficult while designing is dealing with details in dark areas. This mode enhances the brightness of dark regions without overexposing the bright areas. The animation mode provides 10 levels of display brightness, so that you can clearly see everything in any ambient light.
CAD/CAM Mode
If you are a designer that is working on technical illustrations or designs, then this mode will rock your world. CAD/CAM mode emphasizes intricate details to produce fantastic display performances in AutoCAD, Pro/E, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS and other design software.
Other modes include DCI-P3, Display P3, HDR, sRGB, Adobe RGB, Rec. 709, Low Blue Light, M-book, DICOM, and User Defined.
How I Am Using My Monitor…
As an Adobe Influencer for the DACH region and a member of the Adobe ACP program, you can imagine that I am pretty much running every piece of Adobe software available. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Character Animator and Premiere Pro are my faves! Also, I am running other programs such as Clip Paint Studio and ZBrush.
I also create streaming and video content from time to time. Every once in a while, I like to stream my creative process. I tend to multi-stream to Twitch, Mixer, YouTube and Periscope simutaneously. Recently, I was approved to stream live on LinkedIn and will create live professional content. Having a second monitor is essential to stream content and be able to interact with one’s audience. Additionally, I give lectures to the Adobe Education Exchange via Adobe Connect. A second monitor comes in useful when doing demos and giving lectures.
On top of all this fun design related stuff, I am a gamer. On my PC, I play things such as Riot Games’ League of Legends. As you can imagine, sometimes I stream my gameplay as well.
So my BenQ monitor helps me when creating digital designs and artwork. It also allows me to help inspire and educate other creatives, which for me is very important. It also allows me to relax while playing characters such as Ashe or Miss Fortune in a round or two or three of LoL.
Wrap…
If you are looking for a professional design monitor, then look no further. The BenQ PD3220U is perfect. The price varies depending on the currency of your region, but it is well worth having the top of the line monitor when precision plays an important role in your creations.
BenQ’s dedication to a high-quality display really shines. They understand what digital artists require: flexibility in regards to one’s desk set up, precision color, various modes to help your workflow and an understanding that eye care is important for those working on digital projects.
If you are looking for a new monitor(s) for yourself or your workplace then the BenQ PD3220U is a magnificent choice.
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