Image rights: HP.A
pple’s new 32–inch Pro Display provides
dazzling 6K resolution and image quality,
but it’s very expensive, with prices
starting at $4,999 not including a stand.
There are, of course, many budget
monitors suitable for home and office use,
but creative users who need a more
affordable professional–quality display might
want to look at alternatives such as HP’s
DreamColor Z31x. It’s still not cheap, with this
4K 31.1–inch model costing $2,999, but that’s
still only around half the price of the Apple
Pro Display. There’s also a 27–inch model with
2560x1440 resolution available for $1,749.
It’s also worth pointing out that the Z31x
provides “cinema 4K” with a resolution of
4096x2160, which is closer to the aspect
ratio used in cinemas, rather than the
3840x2160 resolution used by many 4K
displays. The Z31x also supports 99% of the
DCI–P3 color space used in the professional
film and broadcasting industries, as well as
100% of the sRGB and Adobe RGB color
standards. Only providing 99% of DCI–P3
— and the lack of support for HDR — means
that it might not be the best option for
would–be Oscar winners (and also explains
why Apple’s Pro Display is so expensive) but
it should be more than adequate for most
graphic designers, photographers, and video
editors. It has its own color calibration sensor
built into the top edge of the screen, but also
allows you to load your own preferred color
profiles via one of the display’s USB ports.
The image quality is extremely clear and
sharp, with strong contrast that produces
rich, vibrant colors. It includes one USB–C
port, two HDMI and two DisplayPort
interfaces, for connecting multiple Macs and
PCs. It also includes an Ethernet interface,
and seven USB 3.1 ports for connecting
peripherals. You can even link two USB ports
to two of the video ports, allowing you to
quickly switch control of the display, mouse
and keyboard between two computers.It may not match the 6K resolution and
HDR support of Apple’s Pro Display, but the
Z31x will be ideal for many designers,
photographers and video–editors, while still
leaving you with extra cash to put towards
that new Mac Pro you’ve been waiting for.
THE BOTTOM LINE. A cheaper, but still
high–quality, alternative to Apple’s Pro
Display, with an impressive display suitable
for a range of applications. CLIFF JOSEPHHP DreamColor Z31x
Professional display with “cinema 4K”
$2,999 From HP, store.hp.com
Features 31.1–inch 4K display Needs Mac with HDMI, DisplayPort or USB–CHP DREAMCOLOR
Z31X
Impressive “cinema 4K”
image quality
Versatile connectivity
features
Expensive (but cheaper
than Apple)
No HDR, only 99%
DCI–P3
GREATUnlike Apple, HP includes
a tilt–and–swivel stand in
the price of the Z31x.
Reviews
52 APR 2020 maclife.com