What up nerds, this might seem like a slightly different article because, well, it is a different article. You see, I’m actually going to be reviewing a monitor in this article, specifically this one right here, the BenQ Rd 280UA. But before I get into it, I just want to share with you a quick story as to why I want to review this monitor as best monitor for programming.
Nostalgia for the Apple Cinema Display
Back in the day (which was a Wednesday, by the way), Apple released the absolute best monitor for programming. It was called the Apple Cinema display, specifically the 30-inch one. I don’t know if you guys remember this, but it was beautiful. It was released in 2004, sandwiched between the two best albums ever made: “Take This to Your Grave” by Fall Out Boy in 2003 and “From Under the Cork Tree” by Fall Out Boy in 2005. It was a pinnacle moment for emo pop-punk. But I digress. This monitor by Apple had a 16:10 aspect ratio, a flat matte screen, and a whopping 2560×1600 resolution. I considered this the perfect monitor for programming, and I happily used one as long as I possibly could, well past its discontinuation date of 2010.
Quest for a Replacement
Ever since that monitor was discontinued and I stopped using it, I’ve always been looking for the replacement. I’ve never really felt super comfortable with any of the other monitors that have been released since then. The new Apple monitors were always so glossy, and they were all 16:9 screens. And a glossy screen just doesn’t work, you know? I like to sit near a window, and a glossy screen with a dark background like my Capuchin Theme, by the way, and the window with its light peering in—it just wasn’t a good combination. I hated glossy screens. So, in the meantime, I settled for a nice 16:9 monitor that was matte. It was actually another BenQ monitor, by the way, and I’ve been kind of happy.
BenQ RD280UA the best monitor for programming?
But recently, i decided to review BenQ new monitor that was 28 inches. It was a 3:2 aspect ratio and had a 4K+ resolution. And best of all, it was a matte screen. It’s aimed at programmers, and when they asked me to review it, I said, “Hell yeah, brother! Send it right along!” So here we are, I’m reviewing the BenQ Rd 280UA. Stick around, it’s going to be fun. Let’s get into it.
Design and Features of BenQ RD280UA
To start this off, let’s just get the boring stuff out of the way. This monitor comes with a lot of the things you would expect a monitor in this price point (which is about $600) to come with. It comes with one HDMI 2.0 port, a DisplayPort, and a USB-C port with 90W charging capability, which means you can just plug it right into your laptop and it’ll charge the laptop while allowing you to extend your display. It also has KVM capabilities, allowing you to switch between computers while keeping your USB peripherals connected. There’s a USB Type-B upstream port for peripherals, and you can daisy chain this display with another BenQ display using MST technology.
Appearance and Build Quality
This monitor looks solid as a rock. It’s very high quality, from the built-in Moon Halo light to the flat black matte display and even the touch controls on the bottom. The Moon Halo light is a nice touch, controllable from the front controls, giving off a warm light that looks classy from behind. The optional Ergo arm is fantastic, sturdy, and adjustable, making it a worthwhile upgrade from the standard stand.
Display Quality
The resolution is 3840×2560, a little better than 4K, and it really shows. The text is extremely crisp, and the IPS panel is phenomenal. The matte screen is perfect for programming, with no gloss to distract from reading code. BenQ includes built-in modes for dark and light themes, enhancing readability further. The built-in sensor adjusts brightness based on ambient light, which is a nice touch for different lighting conditions.
User Experience
I’ve been using this monitor every single day for about the past three weeks, and I’ve replaced my previous monitor with it full-time. The 3:2 aspect ratio feels expansive and productive, ideal for programming tasks. However, it’s worth noting that this is a 60Hz monitor, which may be a drawback for those accustomed to higher refresh rates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I think the Rd 280 is an excellent programming monitor. It’s great for day-to-day use, and personally, I won’t look back. If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, BenQ also released the Rd 240, which is also a great choice. Thanks for reading!
Also read:
- Programming vs Coding – What’s the difference?
- 10 Programming Projects That Will Make You A God At Coding
- Learn To Code Like a GENIUS
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