Faster, reflecting WQHD monitor with superior optics

When it comes to high-resolution monitors, the market is far from satiated. While there is quite a bit selection, quite a few models but are very similar. Also, the focus of the market is currently still on the common FullHD display, which continues to provide for a flood of products.
But no later than the display of modern smartphones with their absurdly high PPI values ​​show increasingly the limits of this industry standard to the much larger PC monitors. The laptop market reflects this development already resist: high-end models such as Dell's XPS 15 or Apple's MacBook implement extremely high-resolution panels to on the desktop provide the user with more usable space and in accordance with high-quality source material Show more details in videos and games to can.

On the horizon announces meanwhile "4K Ultra HD", which four times the full HD resolution equivalent (3840x2160 1920x1080 opposite - each doubling per axis) and also both the home computer, and not least to offer in the TV sector.

But until that happens and corresponding devices are affordable, the enthusiasts of the intermediate step on WQHD ("Wide Quad High Definition, quadruple HDready resolution) or 2560x1440 remains - the flexibility of PC technology is thanks.

Thanks to the offered connection options, the elegant design and the rather fast AH-IPS panel of the present Iiyama XB2779QS-B1 is a prime candidate.

PACKAGING AND EQUIPMENT

Packaging and equipment of the Iiyama are not necessarily something special. Thus, the screen is only protected by a plastic bag, after all, it's well padded with styrofoam - not environmentally friendly, but effective. Nevertheless, one of the really usual protectors would not have hurt at the reflecting display.
The Monitor has been screwed by default with the main unit itself, only the foot must still be installed. Screwed to the arm from the look on a VESA Mount falls in the format 100x100. Alternative Monitor arms are therefore an option.
Away hereof donated Iiyama the device next to the power Trippe anyway required a DisplayPort and DL-DVI cable - good, because both ports provide the necessary bandwidth for WQHD-resolution monitor. An HDMI or D-Sub cable is not in, but at least the latter is not required, an analog input signal would the prospective ad quality XB2779QS anyway does not do justice, since the bandwidth of the connection does not allow operation at native resolution.

Workmanship and mechanics

Besides the fact that I do, if the rather poor packaging, a relatively happy deem that the product arrived undamaged at me, the really good build quality of the Iiyama was apparently out of the box and on closer inspection. Uneven gap dimensions, I have not found it creaks or cracks nothing, the main unit is to twist with your bare hands is not possible. Also, the device, the assembly is complete, a very firm footing.
The glass covering the display is borderless, neatly edged. On the resulting reflective characteristics I go later.
As for ergonomics, so has much to offer: The monitor can be adjusted in height, tilted and rotated. A pivot function but there is no.
The existing mechanisms are carried out but clean, in turn, there is no noise and the resistors are not too high.
In addition, of course, is still the truly elegant appearance. Although I'm not a fan of Apple, that Iiyama but visually inspired to their screens and All-in-Ones here, but is definitely a plus point.

IMAGE QUALITY

However, the most important criterion by which each monitor must be measured is the image quality. What good is a noble-looking and well-made screen when displaying undifferentiated slush, or about color transitions can not represent fluently (so-called banding) or colors total oversubscribed, etc.
Again, I did not disappoint the XB2779QS and justified its price quite convincing (Note: Both monitors I could calibrate the colorimeter of a friend - the values ​​I give not intentionally, because contrary to some acceptance are the "optimal" settings for each monitor a Series identical since the panel quality varies more or less).
Compared to my old Dell UltraSharp U2412M this stands out in particular the better black point in the eye. White seems a tad warmer and therefore is less likely to appear bluish. Various shades of gray separating the good from each display.
For color intensity and subjective feeling Iiyama can then play out the fact that it is a glossy display without so-called coating. This all seems a little more intense, some might say "gaudy". A crystal effect can not occur naturally, the panel always looks sharp and glistening.
In return, of course, increases the sensitivity of the device for ambient light. Light sources behind or within a certain angle beside the monitor will provide reflections. How much that bothers and how these two aspects are weighted against each other, is purely a matter of taste.
Iiyama anyway controls against the by spendieren its flagship strong backlight. At the highest level it is hardly possible to work meaningfully with the display, the eye pain if the very high light intensity rather quickly. Even the factory setting proved to me to be too high. Personally, I think the backlight therefore currently fully governed. Care: Even in this setting, you move at a relatively high level, my Dell U2412M is at 25% brightness still noticeably darker. Sensitive souls need to test. In any case, you should provide the eye's sake that the display never remains the only source of light in the room.
The fact that the brightness can not be further downregulate, is a bit annoying, because of the specular surface but more than understandable. At the latest at 120 cd / m² (the minimum value of the indicator is likely to be fairly clear about it) could be such 'a display anyway no longer make good use of.
For many users, probably less important, but nonetheless noteworthy: The viewing angles are, as expected, very far. Whether multiple people view the screen content, is carried out while standing or can be deeply sink into his chair - the quality losses are minimal at worst.

SPEED AND INTERPOLATION

Taking the XB2779QS for the first time in Games mode, the image shows off course first with lifelike, rich colors, high definition (2560x1440!) And detail. If a sufficiently powerful machine available (for modern titles at max. Details would probably at least a GeForce GTX 770 or Radeon HD 7970 are used for high frame rates but rather a stronger card-but honestly, who 500 euros and more for his outputs screen will probably hopefully not saved here), so playing is a pleasure in 1440p. The anticipation of even higher resolutions increases, although their use (at least for me) still likely a few years in the future.
Depending on the overdrive setting used the display can be controlled use also good for shooters and other games faster. In "-2" (OD from) and "-1" (OD weak) Although still blurring observed, but that would be expected even with TN panels. The setting of "0" is very suitable for video, although fast moving sequences should be looked at. "+1" And "+2" are even faster, with the latter setting the Iiyama model listed but corona formation, which is also visible to the naked eye, at least, if you look for it. Pay attention to it or not explicitly is generally insensitive, but is expected to be usable even this setting.
As for the signal propagation time, the XB2779QS brilliant contrast throughout. Even compared with the gaming TN (XL2410T) my brother no delay is noticeable, so you move into areas that are not able to reach about Dells U2713HM.
Those who are not so playing Quake Live on tournament level, is happy here with high probability. Fast though not always goes, but with such high image quality. Each will be clear that you can always make compromises somewhere. If you buy a 144 Hz display, then these compromises extend just to the quality of the display.

SPECIAL ISSUES

Earlier revision of XB2779QS was affected by a partly high and relatively loud buzzing noise. Since October 2013 devices are delivered without this error. It may, however, depending on the dealer, still be remnants of older models available. Who wants to make sure buys the black version (product name ends with "-B1" instead of "-S1"), which appeared only later and never to have been affected.

CONCLUSION:

In the end, the few criticisms that I could find on my copy of the Iiyama XB2779QS-B1 is not decisive for me. I'd mark him with 4.5 Amazon stars and thus a tight "Very good". Deduction, there are essentially for the excessively high minimum brightness and, to put it mildly, Spartan packaging. Is the transport well, but the latter has not really a meaning and is, in the case of a return, even more advantageous as easy to reproduce - you might say, if you wanted to talk so nice. The reflective surface of the display is for me not really a downside, but considering thing. The own preference is to know yourself best.
The main advantages of the monitor in the form of its high resolution, the outstanding image quality, very good workmanship and its suitability for gaming but prevail with ease, which is why I recommend to anyone who wants to invest so much money, recommend buying.