Month: March 2022

Enlarge / Dell's UltraSharp U3223QE is a 31.5-inch IPS Black monitor. (credit: Dell)

Dell announced two new models in its popular UltraSharp monitor lineup on Thursday. The displays have been a favorite of office workers, creatives, and—because of their USB-C connectivity—Mac users. Now, LG Display is introducing what it's calling "IPS Black," which will come to Dell's lineup in the UltraSharp 32 (U3223QE) and 27 (U2723QE) 4K USB-C Hub Monitors.

What is IPS Black, and should we expect it to give the monitors an edge over the competition?

First, what is IPS?

To understand IPS Black, a new type of IPS panel, it helps to have a basic understanding of IPS, or in-plane switching. IPS is one of the three types of LED panels in PC monitors and TVs, alongside VA (vertical alignment) and TN (twisted nematic).

Enlarge / Dell's Dual Charge Dock. (credit: Dell)

When it comes to the ultimate computer setup, we often want more features but less clutter. We need more pixels, more screens, more peripherals (looking at you, USB webcam that suddenly became imperative), and more ways to power all that tech. At the same time, we seek cleaner setups and fewer cables as many laptops cut ports in favor of slimmer designs. Like any dock, the Dell Dual Charge Dock (HD22Q) announced Thursday neatly adds more ports, but its wireless charging pad brings an added feature.

Dell said the upcoming product is the first laptop docking station with Qi wireless charging (which works with supporting smartphones and wireless earbuds) that can also support two 4K monitors simultaneously. If less is more, the dock is a way to provide extra desk space for a wireless charging station.

Qi charging occurs through a "slightly angled fabric stand," according to Dell's press materials. You can charge your phone both horizontally and vertically at up to 12 W, which is close to Qi's maximum charging speed of 15 W.

Enlarge / Dell Latitude 9430. (credit: Dell)

Dell announced its new lineup of Latitude business laptops and Precision mobile workstations today. In addition to sporting trimmer builds and Intel's latest 12th Gen mobile CPUs, the new clamshells and two-in-ones also carry updated AI software for improved network latency and to help boost privacy and battery life.

Dell Optimizer software adds fresh features

Dell's Optimizer AI-based optimization software will be preloaded on its new Latitude and Precision laptops. But unlike with earlier laptops in these lines, users and IT managers will actually be able to pick the features they want and ditch the rest.

Among features up for selection is ExpressConnect. Dell updated ExpressConnect to allow the new laptops, which offer Wi-Fi 6E, to utilize a Wi-Fi network and either a second Wi-Fi network or a wired connection simultaneously to send and receive data traffic. Some laptops will require a USB adapter to connect to a second Wi-Fi network, Dell says.