Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My experience with the LG UltraWide 34WQ73A-B Curved Monitor (2024)
Introduction
I recently got my hands on the LG UltraWide 34WQ73A-B, a monitor that’s been getting quite some good reviews for its features and performance. Being both an upgrade and a test, I was curious about how it would fit into my daily routine, both for work and the occasional gaming session.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 34 Inches | Display Resolution Maximum | 3440 x 1440 |
| Brand | LG | Special Feature | Blue Light Filter |
| Refresh Rate | 60 |
Photos
Click on photos to enlarge them:
Prices
Check prices of the LG UltraWide 34WQ73A-B Curved Monitor on:
Ergonomics and Design Features of the LG UltraWide 34WQ73A-B
When I unboxed the LG UltraWide 34WQ73A-B, one of the first things that struck me was its ergonomic design. The monitor’s stand was notably sturdy and provided a pleasing amount of vertical adjustment along with a bit of tilt. Adjusting it was a breeze; it’s the little things that make a workspace more comfortable, and LG seems to understand that.
Here’s the breakdown:
Sturdy stand: The monitor stays in place, no wobbling.
Vertical adjustment: Helps maintain an ergonomic eye level.
Tilt functionality: Handy for optimizing viewing angles.
Despite the overall positive design, the instruction manual felt a bit lackluster—predominantly visual with fewer written instructions than I’d like. However, assembly was intuitive enough that this didn’t become a barrier to setup.
Now, I don’t game much on this screen, but I appreciate its reduced input lag and the Dynamic Action Sync feature when I do occasionally hop into a game. It’s one of those things that’s more about peace of mind, knowing it’s there if I need it.
On to the curvature—it’s subtle but effective. I was initially skeptical about eye strain, but I’ve found myself not noticing the curve during use, which is essentially the point. The monitor envelops my field of vision just enough to enhance immersion without distorting images or pulling my focus awkwardly to the edges. After long work sessions, that gentle curve combined with the Reader Mode and Flicker Safe tech definitely makes the hours more conducive to eye health.
The USB-C connectivity is a gem, too. It declutters my space, reducing it to one cable to rule them all—power, data transfer, and display signals all through a single connection. The inclusion of a decent 90W power delivery is a nice touch, especially for those of us juggling between devices like MacBooks and ultrabooks that benefit from a single-cable setup.
For all its features, though, I did run into a few hiccups. The touted USB-C connectivity is stellar when it works, but seems finicky with certain cables. For example, I had a no-go using my MacBook’s original USB-C cable; only the one included with the monitor worked. This could be frustrating if you lose the original or prefer using your own cables. Also, I can’t help but wish for an additional USB-C port to make my setup even slicker.
Overall, these design features blend almost seamlessly into my daily workflow. Sure, some areas could be polished—like those pesky instructions or an added USB-C port—but these are small trade-offs when considering the substantial ergonomic and design perks packed into this curved beauty.
Connectivity Solutions and Multitasking Efficacy
In my search for the perfect meld of work and play in a monitor, the LG UltraWide 34WQ73A-B has grabbed my attention for several reasons regarding connectivity and multitasking abilities. And when I say it’s been a bit of a revelation, it’s not an overstatement.
Let’s dive into the quick list of things that stood out to me:
The single USB-C connection: It’s a game-changer. Power delivery plus data over one cable declutters my workspace.
KVM functionality: It’s neat to control two computers with one set of peripherals.
Flicker Safe and Reader Mode: These greatly reduce eye strain after hours of staring at spreadsheets and code.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There’s a slight hiccup in the connectivity paradise of the 34WQ73A-B. It houses only one USB-C port, which can be a bit of a limitation if you’re looking to connect multiple modern devices that depend on this type of connection. Plus, the reliance on the bundled USB-C cable for optimal performance is a tad restrictive.
The other side of the coin, multitasking, is largely a breeze. For example, having multiple windows open simultaneously while researching properties or examining market trends is a significant boost in productivity. The 21:9 aspect ratio gives me the real estate I need to have side-by-side comparisons without swapping tabs or windows, and the OnScreen control to split the display is pretty intuitive.
Sure, an ultra-wide monitor like this isn’t going to mimic the dual-screen setup completely—there’s no bezel to divide work zones physically—but it’s pretty darn close.
However, the multitasking perk comes with a caveat if you’re not all-in on LG’s ecosystem. If you stray away from their software for screen splitting, managing window layouts isn’t as smooth as it could be.
From a personal perspective, the LG UltraWide 34WQ73A-B has offered a robust solution for my workflow. The display’s IPS panel ensures that colors are rich and vibrant, and despite the limitations, the USB-C connectivity has been mostly a boon for keeping my desk free of wire mayhem.
It’s clear that LG has aimed to cater to the needs of modern workers and creatives with this monitor, and in many ways, it has hit the mark. My experience with connectivity and multitasking has been positive, but with the mentioned drawbacks considered, I’d urge potential buyers to weigh these features in light of their specific needs and perhaps look forward to future models for more expanded connectivity options.
Visual Performance and Color Accuracy for Professional Use
When evaluating the LG UltraWide 34WQ73A-B Curved Monitor, the visual performance and color accuracy are primary concerns for anyone engaged in professional use, especially those in creative fields. Having used the display for varied work tasks and also dabbling in graphics, here’s my rundown:
- Color accuracy: The sRGB 99% color gamut with HDR 10 is spot on. Colors are vibrant and true to life, crucial for design work or photo editing where fidelity to original hues is non-negotiable.
- Clarity: The QHD resolution presents text, images, and videos with crystal clarity. However, while the sharpness is good, it isn’t quite on par with higher-res 5K monitors, but this is expected given the resolution difference.
- Contrast: Being an IPS panel, it does a decent job with contrast ratios and maintains consistent color performance at different angles. Yet, if you’re used to OLED or certain VA panels, you might find the blacks less deep.
In the realm of professional work, the monitor’s broad color coverage is a standout feature. Graphics appear precise, and for desktop publishing or design work, this level of color representation is commendable and a significant draw. However, when it comes to absolute precision required for print production or color grading in the video, the monitor leaves a little more to be desired. The HDR experience, although good, isn’t the most vibrant I’ve seen - it works well, but it won’t blow you away if you’re used to higher-end HDR displays.
I’ve noticed the Reader Mode and Flicker Safe features are great for long days, reducing eye strain without a noticeable impact on color performance. It’s a well-thought-out inclusion for anyone staring at screens for the better part of their day.
However, one area where the monitor hasn’t fully met my expectations is in the realm of high dynamic range performance. Yes, the HDR 10 support is there, but the peak brightness isn’t extraordinary. For standard professional use, it’s excellent, but it may not satisfy those needing the punchiest HDR for video editing or gaming.
So, reflecting on my usage, the LG UltraWide 34WQ73A-B is an impressive workhorse that marries productivity with good enough color performance. But, if your work relies heavily on the crispest text or the deepest blacks, you may need to put in some effort to fine-tune the settings or look towards more specialized monitors. Despite these drawbacks, it’s clear that this LG monitor leans more on the side of an asset than a liability, especially for multitaskers seeking to expand their visual canvas without compromising too much on image quality.
Navigating the User Interface and Customization Software
Navigating the user interface of the LG UltraWide 34WQ73A-B is something you’ll get the hang of over time. At first, it might seem like a bit of a chore, especially if you’re dealing with the onboard joystick control. This little nub, which combines the functions of navigating the menu, making selections, and powering the monitor on and off, is not the most intuitive design choice. I sometimes find myself accidentally tweaking the brightness when I’m just trying to turn the monitor off, which can be annoying.
However, with anything, practice makes perfect. I’ve grown accustomed to the subtle nudges needed to get me where I want to go in the menu. Speaking of the menu, the OnScreen Control software is where this monitor shines. You have to download it, but it’s worth it. Here’s a quick list of its strengths:
Easy Adjustments: Making changes with a mouse instead of the joystick is a relief.
Screen Split: Highly customizable. Works like a charm for multitasking.
Application Presets: Assign specific window locations for applications; it’s great once set up.
But here’s where it gets a bit sticky. While the OnScreen Control is feature-rich, it’s not the slickest software I’ve used. There’s a bit of a learning curve, and the responsiveness can sometimes leave you a bit frustrated. Of course, this could be ironed out with software updates, and I hope LG is listening.
On the plus side, once you’ve gotten the hang of the customizations, the monitor transforms your workflow. For a software developer like myself, being able to have multiple coding windows and resource documentation open side by side without flipping through tabs is a huge efficiency boost. There’s also a noticeable increase in my productivity with the Reader Mode turned on for extended reading sessions. Reducing blue light does make a difference, and it’s a thoughtful add-on for eye health.
On a final note, I have to say, despite the software quirks, this monitor’s user interface and customization still come with a strong recommendation from me. It might not be perfect, but the learning investment pays dividends in how you enjoy the monitor. Whether you’re responding to on-screen action in a game with Dynamic Action Sync, brightening dark scenes with Black Stabilizer, or simply arranging your apps just right, the LG 34WQ73A-B adds a level of control to your experience that’s appreciable. And that, coupled with the efficiency gains, is worth a nod of approval for LG’s efforts in providing such comprehensive software support.