CES is typically where many fantastic gaming monitors are revealed for the year’s first half, while IFA Berlin is the equivalent for the second half. This time, Acer introduces the Acer X45, a new OLED curved 21:9 gaming monitor.

Since it uses the same 800R curve as the LG UltraGear 45-inch OLED monitor, we wonder if Acer isn’t using the same panel. Perhaps that will be revealed in time, but the specs and experience appear close.

You can find the same 3440 x 1440 resolution, 240Hz refresh, 98.5% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and curvature, as mentioned above. Essentially, the panel performance seems identical (and therefore excellent), and you may find slight differences in connectivity and design.

The response speed of 0.01ms will please the pickiest monitor-specs critic, and the compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium prevents visual tearing if you have an AMD GPU… It’s time for VESA’s AdaptiveSync open standard to take over.

Interestingly, the monitor has a built-in KVM switch that allows you to quickly switch between two computers without disconnecting the display, keyboard, and mouse. That’s quite handy and better than your typical “USB Switch.”

Also, KVMs are relatively pricey, so having this built into the display might represent savings if you intend to purchase a KVM anyway.

Acer does not mention if there’s a VESA plate compatibility to use a monitor arm instead of the default stand, so watch out for this if that’s your plan. Also, we haven’t seen the final specifications for the monitor’s weight without the stand.

Currently, I’m not sold on the large curved monitor for daily use, but they sure look beautiful. Using one when adequately positioned and seated is pretty impressive, but if you have to often show things (to colleagues) on your screen, it may not be all that great.

Anyhow, if you’re tempted by one, I understand because I go through the same thought process every time these new monitors come out. CES can be a place that your bank account might hate later.

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