THE EASY CHOICE for blowing a big
monitor budget? Bag a 4K model. It’s also
the unimaginative option. Enter the HP
Z38C, an intriguing alternative to the
4K norm, with its 21:9 aspect ratio and
generous 38-inch diagonal.
What it’s not, however, is necessarily
superior to a conventional 4K monitor,
nor is it the first of its kind. It was early
2017 when LG rolled out the first 21:9
aspect 38-inch monitor, the 38UC99, and
set the precedent for the HP’s 3840x1600
resolution. As it happens, HP’s IPS panel
is almost certainly produced by LG. More
importantly, it offers fewer overall pixels
than a s t andar d 4 K monitor. Full 4 K w or k s
out to nearly 8.3 million pixels. The HP’s
cut-down vertical resolution compared to
4K results in just over 6.1 million.
The bottom line is that while the HP
Z38c makes for an interesting ergonomic
alternative, thanks to its wide aspect,
curved panel, and large proportions,
you’re not getting particularly impressive
pixel density at just over 109dpi. That’s
unexciting, especially at this price.
If it’s not sharpness and detail that
the Z38c majors on, then what? Strictly
speaking, it’s not cutting-edge visuals
either. HDR support is notable by its
absence, there’s no local backlight
dimming, nor high refresh rate support.
This is an SDR, 60Hz experience from a
monitor merely capable of 98 percent of
the sRGB gamut. HP makes no further
claims for Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 spaces.
HP’s Z31x Studio Display is quoted
at 100 percent of both sRGB and Adobe
RGB, and claimed to be good for 99
percent of DCI-P3. The Z31x is, of course,
more expensive, but its superior color
capabilities highlight that the Z38c isn’t
intended to be a content creation display.
It’s a general productivity device.
In that regard, it has lots to offer. The
panel size and proportions are superb
for viewing multiple documents and
webpages in parallel. Anything up to four
windows situated horizontally works
well. To that it adds USB-C connectivity
with charging support up to 65W. The
upshot is the ability to connect compatibleHP’s ultrawide
workhorse is
an intriguing
4K alternative
HP Z38c
7
VERDICT HP Z38cPIXEL PERFECTION Fantastic
productivity machine; gorgeous
build quality.
PRACTICALLY PROSAIC Mediocre pixel
pitch; old-school image quality; price.
$999, http://www.hp.comSPECIFICATIONSPanel Size 37.5-inch
Panel Type IPS
Resolution 3840x1600
Brightness 300cd/m^2
Contrast 1,000:1
Pixel Response 14ms (on-off)
Refresh Rate 60Hz
VESA 100 x 100mm
Inputs DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, USB Claptop PCs to the HP, and not only drive
the display and charge the laptop at the
same time, but also connect peripherals.
Once you’ve tried this kind of single-
cable docking, you won’t want to go back
to that old rat’s nest of cables. However,
DisplayPort and HDMI connectivity are
provided separately, ensuring all options
are covered. This is also a beautifully
built display. It looks and feels very nicely
engineered. Adjustments include tilt,
height, and swivel. You can’t rotate it into
portrait mode, but given the ultrawide
aspect and curvature, that’s no surprise.
As for image quality, it’s in line with
expectations. This is a nice, rather than
stellar, IPS panel, with natural colors and
good viewing angles. Contrast is merely
adequate. Gaming is not really within the
Z38c’s remit, but as 60Hz monitors go, it’s
still pretty special. You wouldn’t choose
it for hair-trigger shooters, due to the
limited refresh, but the pixel response is
decent, and there’s no discernible input
lag, so it’ll turn its hand to first-person
adventure titles, driving sims, strategy
games, and more. Everything looks
fantastic on the big, wide-aspect panel.
All of which means the HP Z38c is
a very nice all-arounder, accepting
certain caveats. It lacks the color fidelity
for pro-level content creation. It’s not
HDR capable. The 60Hz refresh limits
its appeal to serious gamers. And the
mediocre pixel density is a deal-breaker
for anyone who demands an Apple Retina-
style experience. But as a productivity
workhorse with great connectivity and
some decent gaming chops, it’s a very
nice package. –JEREMY LAIRDin the lab
70 MAXIMUMPC MAY 2020 maximumpc.com