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Packaging, Physical Layout And Accessories
The carton is nicely over-sized and more than up to the task of protecting a large, heavy monitor during shipment. The packing material is made from carefully folded corrugate rather than foam, so it’s much easier to recycle. Our sample arrived without a scratch.
The first thing that falls out when you open the box is a factory calibration data sheet. Each U3415W is individually adjusted on the production line. Our sample turned out to be one of the most accurate screens we’ve ever measured, and it matched the factory results perfectly.
The accessory bundle includes a DisplayPort cable with a mini-connector at one end, an HDMI cable, USB 3.0 and an IEC power cord for the internal power supply. There is also a snap-on cover for the input panel that hides the plugs after installation. You also get a quick start guide and a driver disc.
The base and upright are already assembled. All you need to do is snap the upright onto the panel and lift it out of the box.
Product 360
34-inch ultra-wide monitors are always impressive to look at whether they’re curved or flat. The U3415W makes an imposing statement with its black chassis and all-silver base. The build quality is top-shelf, with components that fit precisely together.
The screen coating is a 3H-rated plastic with a bit of gloss to it; its finish is not as flat as most. Thanks to the screen’s curve however, reflections aren’t a problem even when the room is brightly lit.
Unlike the LG 34UC97, Dell includes height and swivel adjustments in addition to a tilt function on the U3415W. You can’t rotate the panel to portrait mode, but given the curvature, that might be a bit awkward.
You can see the touch-sensitive controls in the panel’s lower right corner. They operate with just the right feel, and aren’t at all finicky like some. You can also see the speaker grill that covers two nine-watt transducers. They are small, so the sound doesn’t have much bass, but there is decent volume for most applications. If audio matters to you, it’s best to connect a cable to the analog output and use a good pair of desktop speakers.
From the top it’s easy to see the amount of curvature. It’s not a lot, and we think it’s just right for viewing at the typical two to three foot distance. The wrap-around brings the sides of the image just a bit closer, so you don’t have to turn your head as far to use the entire desktop.
Dell puts a smooth back piece on nearly all of its monitors, regardless of size or shape. In this photo, the input panel cover is in place, leaving just a small opening for the cables to exit. Ventilation is handled by a thin strip at the top. We had no issues with heat during our time with the U3415W.
There are a total of four video inputs available. The HDMI ports offer one each of MHL and version 2.0; which accepts the monitor’s native 3440x1440 resolution at 60Hz. In addition, there is one regular DisplayPort connector and one mini. The additional DP port in the photo is an output that can be used to daisy-chain a second screen using the MST feature.
The USB hub is somewhat unique. Two upstream ports allow two computers to share a single monitor, keyboard and mouse. The OSD allows assignment of each USB-A input to a specific video input — very cool!
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Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor
Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.
Latest
31 CommentsComment from the forums
tom10167 "3440x2160" Anyone else getting tired of seeing this site report glaring errors in almost everything they publish?
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It's 3440x1440 pixels @ 60 Hz refresh rate. It's also $899.99 on Amazon not $1199.00.
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SirGCal Unless I missed it, no mention of sync of either flavor. I'm not buying a new display without one or the other. I've noticed it so much nicer in every enabled task, not just gaming.
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oj88 Judging by its size and price, Dell could have made U3415W a 4K (4096x2160) monitor.
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HideOut Thats not 4K. and no, it has no sync. This is more of a pro grade monitor, not a high FPS gamer
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GoZFast 2x9w speakers o.o That a lot for integrated speakers My samsung tv 27'' has 2x2w.
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GoZFast Dell already have 5K monitors but this one is aimed at artistic professionals.
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CORRECTION:
Newegg has it for $799.99 with coupon code:
EMCAVKK33Reply
GoZFast Well, too bad, its 1220$ here in Canada. I guess I will add it to my list when shopping in NY next time lol Dell brand 34'' ~4K monitor 10bit pro panel with ok speakers is pretty decent for 799$. Its a good tv with those inputs for a small room.
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Tanquen IPS = :)
Curved = :(
21:9 = :(
34” = :( It’s too darn short for a widescreen display. My 30” 2560x1600 already has a taller res.
“By curving the screen just a little, the extra width fits better into the user’s peripheral vision, and reduces the amount of head-turning necessary to see the entire desktop.” Wow, just wow! This is just so wrong.
“the image is not distorted in any way.”
It may not be enough to notice but it totally distorts the screen and nothing you view on it will be shot in such a way. The larger TVs totally have a bowtie effect going on and it’s a total gimmick.Reply
