The Dell S3220DGF is the ultimate code/game combo monitor.

I love monitors — I’ve no doubt bought/sold too many and I’m still on the hunt for the ultimate one. I think it’s because my perfect monitor is constantly evolving to follow the new technologies released and what my primary use case will be.
I went from being a gamer first (as a young lad) to being a graphic designer, a freelance photographer/videographer and now I’m a software developer. I’m astounded no monitor has the perfect combination of specs for me (as I see it) even though there is a staggering number of marvellous options. And so, in my opinion the ultimate hybrid monitor is something like this.

1. 16:10 ratio — extra code on the screen isn’t a bad thing … and neither is some extra game real estate.
2. ~100ppi density. This has been suggested time and time again from other coders and I want to try it — primarily for easier text reading.
3. Variable Refresh Rate of any tech. FreeSync or G-Sync I don’t really mind… though FS is cheaper and I’m all for keeping my hard-earned.
4. High Hz rate — at least 144Hz across all inputs.
5. Great, calibrated colours.
6. Handsome exterior.
7. USB-C ffs, put this on every monitor now days. Even as a simple DisplayPort variant, it doesn’t need to power a laptop. But also, if you’re adding USB-C just ensure it powers a 60w laptop?
8. Anti-Glare coating.
9. A classic RGB sub-pixel layout pixel pattern.

In my experience things that aren’t at all necessary include;

• any HDR spec (computer implementations are confusing and not evolved enough yet IMO).
• It doesn’t need to be 4K.
• A glossy screen.
• Built-in speakers.
• Fancy RGB lights.
• Several color modes — just give me a two modes; an industry standard 6500k white point with 100% sRGB of even 100% P3 calibrated version and a second mode where I can customise the RGB values..!

That is a very long introduction to say that my perfect monitor doesn’t yet exist. However, I’ve just discovered (and put in an order for) the Dell S3220DGF which I believe is as close to my ideal as I’ve seen in some time because;

• 31.5" size @ 1440p resolution (I’ve had a 31.5" @ 4k before but I found it too big physically but with text that was too small. I’m hopeful a curved version could be the missing ingredient?).
• 93ppi density.
• 60Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz and 165Hz capable.
• FreeSync Premium Pro.
• VA panel — good contrast.
• Reasonably sleek design.
• Anti-Glare coating.

Sure, it lacks the 16:10 ratio, and doesn’t have USB-C input … but they’re hits I’m prepared to take at this stage.

And so, I’m very hopeful this is my ideal monitor. I’ve ordered two, one for home and one for the office. I will report back on my findings and review in a section below this at some stage in the future.