If there’s one trend in PCs for 2024, it’s “AI” in everything. That’s inescapable. (Ugh.) But if there are two, then the second one is OLED monitors finally gaining steam.
Case in point: Acer just showed off three brand new designs in its Predator lineup, all sporting gorgeous and speedy OLED panels.
Acer Predator X27U F3
The fastest of the bunch happens to be the smallest, although esports fans will probably still dig its 26.5-inch panel and WQHD (2560×1440) resolution. The Predator X27U F3 also boasts an impressive 480Hz refresh rate — not the fastest in the world, but not far off either.
And at .03 milliseconds of grey-to-grey response time, it’s literally faster than the human eye. (My human eyes, anyway. I don’t know if esports athletes qualify as merely human.) Naturally, it’s compatible with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync.
This isn’t a one-trick pony. Ports include DisplayPort 1.4, double HDMI 2.1, and even USB-C with a maximum power output of 90 watts. That should be more than enough to handle most gaming laptops.
You also get a pair of standard USB-A ports and… two 5W speakers. Seriously, why do all these monitors include crappy speakers no one will ever use?
Acer Predator X32 X3
For a bigger and bolder presentation, you can step up to the Predator X32 X3. At “just” 240Hz, its 31.5-inch OLED panel isn’t as fast as the smaller monitor, but that should be plenty for gamers interested in showing off the latest titles at 4K resolution.
But if you need speed in a pinch, you can step down to 1080p resolution to bump up that refresh rate to 480Hz.
This 32-inch monitor has all the same ports and extras, yes, including those dumb speakers. Oddly, it’s exactly the same price: both will start at $1,200, though the X27U F3 will come sometime in Q3 2024 while the X32 X3 will come along in Q4 2024.
Acer Predator X34 X5
As a fan of ultrawide excess, I have to say my favorite of the trio is the Predator X34 X5 (header image, right).
It features the usual 34-inch ultrawide form factor and a 3440×1440 resolution — essentially a 27-inch QHD stretched out to 21:9 aspect ratio — plus a subtle 1800R curve. It can handle 240Hz at that resolution, no options for shifting down and going higher.
The 34-inch model has all the same goodies as the other two monitors, but for some reason it’s slightly cheaper at “just” $1,100. It’ll come along in Q4 2024.
And keep in mind that for almost all OLED monitors, we’ve seen some significant sales just a few months after launch. So, if you’re looking for a deal, I’d hold out until about February of next year for these beauties.
Further reading: The best gaming monitors right now
“Smart” monitors with Google TV
In addition to the OLED gaming displays, Acer is launching a new series of “smart” monitors with Google TV onboard. Basically, miniature versions of the smart TVs you can’t escape in any electronics store.
In addition to the usual HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C (65W) inputs, they’ll be able to run Google TV streaming apps and Android-based games all on their own.
The standard DA1 model will come in 27-inch and 31.5-inch varieties, both VA-LCDs with 4K resolution, plus a pair of standard USB-A ports and those 5W speakers (which make a little more sense now that these are just itty-bitty TVs). Naturally, they feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for downloading apps and connecting controllers.
The DA271K will cost $350 and the DA321QK will be $400, both launching in Q4 2024.
If you need something a little more competitive, the same designs will be offered in “Nitro” form. The 27-inch GA271U P (header image, left) is the better pick if you ask me, since it’s offering a 2560×1440 panel with fast IPS for better color accuracy. While not blazing by any means, 180Hz is still enough for most gamers.
The 31.5-inch version (GA321QU P) offers the same resolution and speed, but has to settle for a cheaper VA display panel. Since the 27-incher is slightly cheaper — $330 versus $380 — I’d opt for the former when they go on sale in Q4 2024.