I have been on the lookout for a USB Type C monitor to go along with my Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 for a while now to allow me to optimise my desk setup. Until recently, it has proven difficult to get one that would fit in my smallish home office… until now.
I am going to take a different tack for this review – and do it mostly via video, as it is a very visual thing I am reviewing!
Now before you say it, yes I could quite easily have just used a standard style monitor via a USB hub and HDMI connection, however the option to have a USB type-C direct connection straight into my PC from the monitor was just too cool to ignore. Add to that, there are some other benefits as well. I love the idea of just being able to plug my laptop into the monitor and have everything I need appear.
You see the monitor has 4 full-size USB 3 Type-A ports (2 visible on the bottom image and 2 in the top one) on the rear, which are available to use when you connect via the included USB type-C cable. This feature for me is a massive step up from a standard HDMI connection.
I have of course, used the other available option of plugging into a USB-C hub, and then in turn connecting through to an HDMI enabled monitor, and it works well. But it is a bit of a faff, and it’s also messy. The setup that having this monitor allows is clean and uncomplicated.
Here is a video to give you an idea of how clean and easy it can be.
Specifications
| Device Type | LED-backlit LCD monitor – 22″ |
|---|---|
| Features | USB 3.0 hub |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Native Resolution | Full HD (1080p) 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.248 mm |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000 |
| Response Time | 8 ms (normal); 5 ms (fast) |
| Colour Support | 16.7 million colours |
| Input Connectors | HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C |
| Display Position Adjustments | Height, pivot (rotation), swivel, tilt |
| Screen Coating | Anti-glare, 3H hard coating |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) – with stand | 48.73 cm x 16.6 cm x 35.34 cm |
| Environmental Standards | ENERGY STAR qualified |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS, TCO displays |
| Bundled Services | 3-Year Advanced Exchange Service and Premium Panel Guarantee |
Some pretty goods specs I think you will agree, especially when the price is coming in at £198.36 from Dell’s website.
The other really cool thing that I have been able to do with the monitor is to use it as a display for my Samsung Galaxy S9+ to use DEX mode.
It works really well and I was impressed with how clean the experience was, along with the sheer simplicity of the whole thing. Again, all of this is possible if you use a USB type-C Hub, but again it is an overly-complicated experience at best. The other cool thing was that my phone was also charging at the same time!
Here are some other pictures of the monitor for you to enjoy.
Overall, I have been very impressed with the Dell 22″ USB type-C monitor, and I am seriously considering buying one when I inevitably have to send this one back.