For the last few weeks I’ve been trying out BenQ’s PD2710QC 27-inch monitor as my daily driver. With an integrated USB-C dock, slim bezels, and a fair price, this monitor is worth checking out, particularly if you have Apple’s newer MacBook or MacBook Pro.
BenQ’s PD2710QC might not be on your radar even though it’s been available for a little while. That’s probably because it sports 2K resolution instead of 4K. However, with a host of solid features like a built-in USB-C dock, 100% sRGB (and 7 preset modes), slim bezels, and a price tag of $600, this monitor offers a lot of value.
Screen
BenQ’s PD2710QC is part of the company’s designer series (aimed at creatives) and has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 resolution at 60Hz. The IPS display with 178-degree viewing angles has a 16:9 aspect ratio and offers 5ms response with slim 7mm bezels (matching the MacBook Pro’s side bezels).
The display has a matte finish which is in contrast to my 15-inch MacBook Pro’s glossy finish, but it didn’t bother me to use them side-by-side. Since the PD2710QC has the same resolution as my 2011 iMac, I didn’t find it to tough to continue using a 2K display, but I could imagine if you were used to using primarily a 4K or 5K display, it would be a more difficult adjustment.
While Apple’s MacBook Pro features P3 wide color gamut and 500 nits brightness, the PD2710QC features 100% sRBG and a bit lower brightness with 350 nits (here’s a good P3 vs sRGB comparison). These differences do make the the MacBook Pro display noticeably richer, vibrant, and sharp, but I personally didn’t find the variances to be distracting.
Another benefit of the PD2710QC is the built-in monitor calibration presets including: CAD/CAM, Animation, Darkroom, Low Blue Light, sRGB, and more. The Low Blue Light mode along with the company’s flicker-free technology make up the “Eye Care” tech that should help reduce eye strain and more. It is also Technicolor certified and uses its AQCOLOR tech for accurate color reproduction.
In the box
BenQ includes a 3-foot USB-C cable along with 6-foot length HDMI and DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cables and the power supply, which is external.
The display’s stand is quick and easy to assemble, no tools necessary. It attaches to base, which is a bit large, but it provides a stable surface in addition to doubling as a USB-C dock. With the base and stand assembled, the monitor is super easy to click into the stand and also take off with the press one a button.
In-Use
It took me a moment to realize how everything connects with this BenQ monitor. There’s one USB-C input that feeds the dock. You then use the included DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable to go from the dock to the display. Once all set up you have 4 – USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 1 – 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Ethernet port all available in the base.
If configured the same as I did, the back of the monitor will have a free DisplayPort input and output and HDMI port free, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. Both the base and the back of the monitor have lock slots. You can also choose to daisy-chain another display to your setup with MST supported DisplayPort output.
The PD2710QC features 61W power delivery, so while its shy of the 87W that the 15-inch MacBook Pro needs for optimal charging, it’s plenty for 12-inch MacBook’s along with the 13-inch MacBook Pro. During my testing my 15-inch Pro went from under 10% to fully charged in about 3.5 hours while in use.
The stand that comes with the monitor is quite flexible (and smooth) when it comes to adjusting height, tilt, and rotating to use in portrait mode. However, I really enjoy the look and feel of using a clamp style mount and since the PD2710QC is VESA compatible it’s a breeze to use with almost any mount.
I chose to pair the PD2710QC with Vivo’s Single Desk Mount ($25). With the base/dock detached from the stand when using the monitor with a mount, I found it actually slid perfectly underneath my Elago L4 MacBook Pro stand.
I think it works great with a MacBook side by side or used in clamshell mode. The Vivo mount is really handy if you have an adjustable height desk or if you’d just prefer to not drill into the wall and commit to one location for your monitor.
As far as the aesthetics, this monitor looks good from the front with the slim bezels, but it is a bit bulky when seen from the side or rear. Other weak points for the monitor are the speakers (you’ll definitely want to use external speakers) and the buttons on the rear are a bit clumsy to use.
Conclusion
While the BenQ PD2710QC has some definite trade-offs like 2K resolution, less than slim design, and anemic speakers, it also has a lot of redeeming qualities. Between the included USB-C dock with power delivery (usually $80 and up separately), accurate color calibration and display mode presets, and slim bezels, this monitor can provide a lot of value at less than half the price of LG’s 5K 27-inch UltraFine display.
Buy the BenQ PD2710QC from Amazon
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