Specifications for the entire Z range can be found here and include a range of narrow bezel displays (for two, three and four display setups), 16:9, 16:10 and 21:9 ratios, and a choice of HD, 2K, 4K, 5K and VR workspace.

I was particularly taken by HP’s massive 34" curved Z34c. Why? I like lots of screen real estate, am getting spoilt by 4K (3440 x 1440) displays, and the gently curved 3000r, VA LED backlit screen is amazing and the 2 x 6 watt, forward firing DTS speakers are pretty good for personal use! Note that the speakers are in panels along side the screen it is not meant for multiple monitor setups.

This is a first looks article – the review under actual use conditions will come in a few weeks.

Important Specifications

• 34”, 3440 x 1440, 11- DPI, 8-bit 16.7M colours, 98.8% sRGB, VA Backlit panel, 178° viewing angle, 60Hz refresh (Samsung SVA panel)
• Brightness 350 cd/m2 (very good) and anti-reflection coating
• Tilt -5 to +25° and swivel 180° (no height adjustment)
• Connections: HDMI 1.4, HDMI 1.4 with MHL 2.0 (for smartphones), Display Port 1.2, DHCP on all video inputs, Audio in (3.5mm), Audio out (headphone), 2 port USB 3.0 hub (with charging)
• 2 x 6W stereo DTS speakers – adequate for teleconference and personal music/movies
• 95.08 x 19.72 x 47.71 cm x 9.83kg with stand
• VESA wall mount bracket, OSD Remote control, external power supply, HDMI and DisplayPort cables included
• 3-year warranty

In case you are wondering a VA panel means vertical alignment and it is used where higher contrast ratios (meaning better black to white), wider viewing angles, less colour bleed at the edges, and lower off-centre colour shifts are mandated – all needed on a 34” screen. It is also backlit (versus edge lit), and that means more accurate zone dimming. The Samsung SVA panel used is considered the best in its class.

It is a business monitor suited for those that need a lot of space and with the white back would look good on a reception desk. It works equally well with Mac and Windows devices. The only omission is a web camera.

The gentle curve – a 3000 radius – does not produce any keystone or distortion effects.

It is not a gaming monitor – VA backlit panels are a little slower than recommended for fast action movement although its ideal for video content.

The Z34c is on HP Australia website at A$1517 with free delivery. However as is often the case where “distribution” is involved you may find in on-line or in stores at 10-20% less.