This video is sponsored by LG!
Five months ago, I released my annual Productivity Monitor Guide video, which was very well received
by close to half a million people.
In it, I briefly mentioned how the monitor segment is going through a metamorphosis,
hinting at the upcoming rise of never before seen categories of external displays that
provide distinctive solutions.
An example I gave at the time was a monitor with an aspect ratio of 16:18.
Today, I am excited to talk about this unique one-off DualUp monitor, discover its purpose
and applications and, while at it, introduce and examine two other external displays that
are unicorns.
This is the LG DualUp Monitor with Ergo Stand.
It is a monitor like no other, coming in at 28 inches and an aspect ratio of 16:18.
If you are wondering what that means, imagine two 21.5-inch displays with standard 16:9
aspect ratio stacked on top of each other - exactly what I talked about in my dual monitor
setup guide, which I’ll link at the end of this video.
This unique approach by LG has benefits galore.
I’ll start with the biggest and most obvious one - with such a monitor, you get the most
compact yet advantageous dual vertically stacked monitor setup while having the smallest desk
footprint by far.
By rocking this monitor, you are also escaping the inevitable bezel situation if you were
to have two monitors on top of each other.
Next, you lose absolutely no space on the desk since the entire display is floating
and staying in place thanks to the C-Clamp Ergo Stand, which can pretty much articulate
in all directions.
The monitor is perfectly balanced, making it extremely easy to position at the ideal
angle or even re-position on the fly based on the workflow.
The display itself has an SDQHD resolution of 2560 x 2880, which you can think of as
two vertical 1440p monitors.
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Okay, so...it provides a 60Hz refresh rate, HDR 10 support, around 300 nits of brightness,
and 98% DCI-P3 color representation.
After unboxing it and plugging it into a Mac, you might find the default scaling a bit smaller,
but don’t worry - LG has included some Hi-DPI scaling options that provide an ideal UI experience.
On the top is an ambient light sensor that can auto-adjust the display’s brightness
based on the environment.
My favorite part is the USB-C support, which, aside from picture and data, provides a whopping
90 watts power delivery, which is what laptop users will relish.
Of course, there are plenty more ports on the back, like two USB-As and USB-B, a Display
Port, and 3.5mm audio.
So the way I see it, this monitor has few significant applications.
Suppose you use it as a standalone display.
In that case, you get to enjoy a vertical stack setup.
Depending on your desk, you’ll most likely use the bottom portion of the display for
some day-to-day activities while retaining the ability to throw additional windows to
the top.
If you have two sources, like a laptop and desktop, you can fully take advantage of the
ports on the back and run picture by picture, PBP.
Another scenario is to have one machine with two cables connected two it.
In the case of my Mac, I can run USB-C and HDMI Display Port at the same time and simulate
a dual monitor setup with two physically separate desktops all from one panel.
Case number 3 for the monitor is to use it as a secondary display in an SBS or side-by-side
setup, where the DualUp monitor plays the role of the vertical content display.
This makes it ideal for creative people who deal with vertical content like shorts or
reels.
Programmers and designers will appreciate this resolution as well - no doubt about it.
For $699, it is an excellent choice for both standalone and multi-display setups, being
the unicorn in the world of vertical opportunities.
Now, let’s talk about the LG Smart Monitor.
This 24.5 lbs monitor is a perfectly balanced 32-inch beast that comes in the box with LG’s
Ergo Stand to bring a smile to your face with its stunning 4K picture quality, built-in
Smart features, a speaker system, remote control, and much more.
Before we talk about the unique things, let’s appreciate the attention to detail, even on
the back, where all ports are downwards facing for that more aesthetic look.
In terms of ports, there are 2 HDMIs, a LAN port, USB-A, and of course, USB-C, which,
aside from 4K at 60Hz picture, provides 65W of power.
As with the DualUp monitor, the Ergo Stand comes with clever built-in cable organization,
which, paired with the thin front bezels, results in a very aesthetically pleasing package
that floats and moves like a gentle giant in any direction - including vertically, which
in this size is very impressive in person.
In fact, you can rotate this monitor 280 degrees to swivel it out of the way, move the entertainment
from the desk to the couch or present something to someone.
Regarding ergonomics and ease of use, there are 2 additional USB-A ports on the side,
ideal for connecting hard drives or USB drives without having to reach the back.
With all the connection choices in mind, the monitor can be paired with a laptop, desktop,
or gaming console, or to nothing since it can also be used as a standalone device, thanks
to the built-in WebOS operating system.
Even if it’s not linked to any machine it can be used as a stand alone device for streaming
content like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, and pretty much everything else.
All the magic can be controlled with the included remote control or even broadcasted thanks
to the built-in Apple AirPlay 2 & Homekit support.
The 3840x2160 VA panel peaks at 250 nits, has a 5ms response time and supports 90% of
the DCI-P3 color spectrum.
You can expect TV presets like Game Optimizer, Cinema, Filmmaker mode, Expert, and more.
You can connect Bluetooth devices like a mouse and a keyboard to take full advantage of the
intelligent features and navigate WebOS as a computer.
The built-in speaker system has cool AI tricks to fill a room, like AI Acoustic Tuning that
uses the microphone on the Magic Remote to collect the ambient sound and analyze and
tweak the EQ for optimal performance.
If you want to learn more about this display, you can check out my dedicated video, which
I’ll link in the description and at the end of this one.
The way I see it, this monitor has a variety of excellent applications.
For example, it is the optimal work-from-home display because it is big enough for everyone’s
needs.
It takes little to no space, no matter the desk size, because it floats.
In the meantime, it is very forgiving on the eyes for those prolonged working sessions,
thanks to the built-in eye comfort features.
When not used for work, the Smart Monitor morphs into the ultimate family time monitor.
Another application is students.
Having this monitor in a dorm where it’s big enough for entertainment and gaming while
being massive and sufficient for all the school work and projects is a no-brainer.
The price alone makes this an excellent student recommendation.
At $499, you are getting a lot, a monitor, that can be used for both work and pleasure
while looking stylish and being space-saving and ergonomic.
This is the perfect example of the rise of the all-rounders, as I like to call them.
Next up is LG’s Libero monitor.
I bet you’ve never seen a display like this.
At a glance, it’s a 27-inch 16:9 QHD monitor that looks as good on the front as it is on
the back and can stay on its own built-in stand or be hung on a wall or a partitioner
to take no space on a desk.
Before we get all nerdy and talk about applications, let me quickly go over the panel specs, which
are not to be ignored.
This IPS panel runs at 60hz when connected with usb-c or HDMI.
Has 350 nits brightness, covering 99% of the sRGB spectrum.
At 2560 x 1440p, you can expect native Mac support, HDR10, and built-in features like
Flicker safe, eye protection, and reader mode.
What makes this monitor special is its unique design approach and application.
On the back, you notice a fabric pattern to make it blend with any environment.
On the bottom (or top, depending on how you look at it) is a metal swivel stand that you
can use to prop it on a desk.
If we look at the top, you’ll notice there’s a USB-C port which you might be wondering
what it is for?!?
This is the port for the detachable Full HD webcam with an integrated microphone that
even has a privacy webcam cover.
And YES, it’s included in the package.
If we flip the monitor upside down, you’ll notice there is yet another USB-C port again
for the webcam should you decide to hang the monitor somewhere, like on a desk partitioner,
for example.
The Libero monitor is designed to be suspended since it comes with partition hangers in the
package.
It is unique and pretty cool if you ask me.
The 3-side borderless design and distinctive chin make it look chick, regardless of whether
it’s upside down or not.
It also comes with all the essential ports one might require - HDMI, a 3.5mm headphone
jack, and USB-C that provides 65 watts of power.
Top that with the built-in stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio, which sound decently
loud, and throw into the mix a price of $499 - and voila!
You get a very complete, stylish, and unique package like no other - talking about unicorns
here.
So, out of all three monitors, which one piques your interest most?
Let me know in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this video, check out my monitor guide video and the dual monitor setup guide
I mentioned earlier.
Like and subscribe to the channel, as well as my newsletter, and as always, it’s been
an absolute pleasure, This is E Over & Out