Getting the right computer monitor is just as important as deciding what components goes into your PC rig, especially if you’re looking to build a gaming machine. Curved monitors are not something new, but many of them are still priced at a premium especially if you’re considering top-end gaming ones.
What if I told you that you don’t need to shell out thousands to hop on to the curved monitor trend? Well, with the 27” Viewsonic VX2718-PC-MHD Curved Gaming Monitor, you’ll be able to enjoy a full HD 1080p experience, with an option to go up to a 165Hz refresh rate while you game, for less than RM800! How amazing is that?
Curved Views
With its 1500R curved and borderless panel, the Viewsonic VX2718-PC-MHD provides an immersive viewing experience. In the context of gaming, this allows the user to really focus on what’s going on screen and take in as much information as possible.
A curved screen also offers a larger perceived field of view, which, if I’m honest, wasn’t very noticeable until I hopped into an FPS game — and boy, was it a noticeable difference. I, like many skeptical gamers out there, wasn’t very sold on the concept of a curved monitor, but the transition from flat to curved was painless. In fact, after repacking the monitor, I found myself missing the Viewsonic’s curved screen.
I do have to say that if you have a multiple monitor setup, adding a curved screen such as this Viewsonic one might throw you off and requires a bit of an adjustment in terms of placement. Thankfully, the monitor itself is lightweight (not in a bad way) so you can easily adjust and move it around without feeling like you’re doing arms day at the gym.
Silky Smooth & Speedy
The Viewsonic supports a speedy 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, allowing for silky smooth visual fluidity without streaking, blurring, or ghosting. Adaptive Sync technology also helps by eliminating screen tearing and choppy frame rates. If you require a lot of visual information very quickly, a high refresh rate makes a tremendous difference. So while I did have to crank down my graphical settings to ensure a steady 165 frames per second, I found the ‘smoothness’ of the gameplay a massive plus in my overall gaming enjoyment.
There’s also flicker-free technology, and a blue light filter helps to eliminate eye strain for those long hours in front of the monitor. You can easily transition from gaming to “work-mode” if you’re looking to use your monitor as a multipurpose peripheral.
Connectivity & Consumption
Dual integrated speakers complete the multimedia experience of the VX2718-PC-MHD with stereo sound and a 3.5mm audio jack for headphone users. Dual HDMI and DisplayPort inputs offer flexible connectivity for users as well. The monitor has also been designed with energy efficiency in mind, with an Eco Mode that consumes less power for a smaller carbon footprint and reduced overhead costs.
Prolonged Use
After using the monitor for long periods in different lighting conditions, I have to say using the Viewsonic VX2718-PC-MHD was a very comfortable experience. When playing games that require intense concentration, I found the high refresh rate giving me a competitive edge, and the curved screen allowed for better screen awareness. Overall, I spent an average of six hours per gaming session and felt pretty relaxed throughout the session. My eyes were not as tired as they usually were, but I also thought that the immersive experience wore me out more than usual.
Attractive Price Point
So let’s be honest here, one of the most attractive aspects of the VX2718-PC-MHD is its affordable price point. Most of the monitors within these specifications are priced at a premium – the money saved from purchasing the Viewsonic curved monitor could effectively be funelled into a more powerful machine or PC upgrades.
You do, however, get what you pay for; the panel is VA technology — not IPS — and the monitor does feel a bit plastic. Nevertheless, the great value of this monitor can’t be beat, especially when looking at the number of features it has.
– By Amir Othman
