There is a gold standard in any category. Specifically, when it comes to products, every category of gear has a gold standard product that every other product in that category is trying to beat or sway people away from. Regarding Thunderbolt docks, it's widely accepted that CalDigit's TS line has been at the top, if not the very top, of the pack for years. The CalDigit TS3 was a great dock we reviewed almost precisely five years ago, in January of 2019. With the TS4, it has only improved. Though it has not solved every question from the TS3, as far as the best laptop docking stations go, it has been enhanced in other areas and has finally earned a full 5-star review from TechRadar Pro.

CalDigit TS4: Unboxing and First Impressions

Unboxing the CalDigit TS4 was uneventful; however, I am not the least bit upset about that. Not every unboxing can be as aesthetically pleasing as a new Apple device (ok, yes, I am an Apple fanatic). When I pick up the new CalDigit TS4, I focus more on the dock than anything else. So, after I opened the box and got to the pier, I could fully appreciate the craftsmanship of the famous TS4 Dock from CalDigit. The TS4 is unashamedly robust, but not in an obnoxious way. Instead, it feels high quality, durable, and like a powerhouse. It's like how a Ford F250 Diesel feels like it can drive forever, how a Jeep can navigate and maneuver unknown terrain, or how a MacBook Pro can be a workhorse laptop that even the most demanding production jobs can rely on. 

I've reviewed more than my fair share of docks. Usually, the fancy docks feel a bit gimmicky, are made with much plastic, feel like they could break with heavy use, or don't look great. The CalDigit TS4 is different. It feels like something I can rely on for years to come, and it feels like something I can depend on for my demanding workday, no matter what may come my way that day. I've had docks fail on me, even the best portable SSDs and hard drives fail, and computers die or crash; I've experienced it all. I don't have any concerns with the TS4; I know it will work every time without fail. 

CalDigit TS4: Design and Build Quality

The CalDigit TS4 is a metal box designed for horizontal or vertical use. CalDigit even included some bumpers that I could put on the now bottom side of my TS4 when I opted to use this dock horizontally on my Grovemade Desk shelf. Moving on beyond the apparent shape of this dock, one thing that has been intentionally designed is the port layout. Many of the docks I have tried and used will put the upstream/host USB-C/Thunderbolt port on the front of the device, subsequently cluttering desk setups. While this setup can sometimes be helpful, most desk setups get cluttered with a port in the front. 

That's why CalDigit put all of the "plug it and forget about it" ports on the back of the TS4, allowing the front to stay clean, except for when needed. I can leave my Ethernet port, display out, a few USB-A devices, any Thunderbolt devices, and even some speakers all plugged into the back without cluttering my desktop. Now, when I need to plug in a thumb drive, an SSD, a set of headphones, or an SD Card, the front of my TS4 is completely clear of obstruction. I love having the front of this dock clean and clear most of the time, only to be used when I need to use something temporarily. 

One thing that could be a potential issue for users is that this dock needs an HDMI out. It has a couple of Thunderbolt ports, which is how I plugged in my monitor, and a DisplayPort, but no HDMI. While this won't matter for some, HDMI is still quite popular, which could cause an issue for those who rely on it to run a display.

CalDigit TS4: In use

Using the TS4 has been as expected. There have been zero issues. I have been thrilled with the number of ports I have, and I have no worries about this dock having any problems moving forward. At this time, I have this dock on a single-monitor desk setup. Utilizing Thunderbolt, I plugged this monitor into one of the two extra Thunderbolt ports available in addition to the host port. I also plugged in the main power supply, gig internet via ethernet, and my Logi bolt plug. 

Another fantastic element of using this dock is the power delivery. I have changed my phone, camera, Apple Watch and more. I've been quite impressed with the power available from this dock. All the devices I have thrown at this dock charge much faster than on previous docks I have used, all thanks to the overall 98W laptop power delivery and the high-speed charging ports around the rest of the device. I have also noticed that these devices will continue charging or operating even when I don't have my laptop plugged into the host port. Many docks only have "online" charging, meaning the charging-capable ports only work while a laptop or host device is plugged in. With the CalDigit TS4, I can unplug my computer and walk away or be done working for the day and trust that my devices will continue to charge until they finish charging, thanks to the offline charging feature.

Lastly, I'll mention how having SD quick access to an SD and MicroSD card slot on the front of this dock is helpful. I can easily dump photos from my camera, write files to my 3D printer, etc. 

Having all of these ports available has been an enormous help, and they make even my MacBook Air feel much more capable without having to plug in a ton of dongles and adapters.

CalDigit TS4: Final verdict

The CalDigit TS4 has met my impressively high expectations for docking stations, especially for the updated and upgraded impressive CalDigit TS3. The only person I may not recommend this dock to is someone who does not need a dock at all because this dock is just about perfect for everyone.

• Best business computers: Tested, reviewed, rated 

 Canon has tweaked the design of its latest laser printers to include front-loading multipurpose trays adding a new level of convenience to this user-friendly color printer. The Canon imageCLASS MF654, as it is known in the US, or Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw in Europe, is a three-in-one aimed at small and medium business. 

As we tested the UK variant, in this review we'll be referring to the printer as the Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw - but it's identical to the US model.

However, its compact and considered styling will also appeal to home workers, like myself. Having tested out the best printers, we note that with a 250-sheet paper tray, a 50-sheet ADF (automatic document feed) and high yield cartridges available, it could work well in a shared workgroup. 

Meanwhile, that frontal paper tray means you can push this desktop device up against the wall and load envelopes or headed paper without having to stand up, which sounds good to me.  

Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw: Design & build

The Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw takes the usual form factor for a multifunction printer, but goes further than most to make itself ergonomic. The color touchscreen interface is mounted on a tilting arm so you can see it when standing or sitting and both the USB Host port and the multifunction tray are easily accessed from the front. The main paper tray is deep enough for 250 sheets of A4 and it slides out easily, while the ADF on top is also able to hold a good stack of up to 50 pages.

It’s quite compact for a three-in-one laser printer, with a footprint that’s small enough to fit on your desktop. It feels well made and is reassuringly heavy at 22.6kg. Compared to the existing Canon i-SENSYS MF742Cdw, which I reviewed favorably, the new printer is a subtle, but significant improvement. 

Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw: Features & specifications

The Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw has all the features essential for serving in a shared or home office environment. It’s a 3-in-one device, so that means it can print, scan and copy. If you need a fax modem, you should be looking at the otherwise identical step-up Canon i-SENSYS MF657Cdw. It also has a 50-sheet ADF for copying a stack of documents. This comes with double-sided copying, however, that’s not that same as single-pass dual scanning, so if you’re copying two-sided documents, you still need to turn the original over yourself, annoyingly.

There is no inbuilt NFC, unfortunately, and no fax modem, but it does offer a front USB Host port, a tilting color display, Wi-Fi with AirPrint compatibility and, of course, auto duplex printing. As with many of the best small business printers, it also has Secure Print for handling sensitive documents in a shared office. It’s compatible with a wide variety of media up to A4 in size and that includes coated paper up to 200 g/m² in weight. 

Canon’s laser beam printing is pretty quick at 21ppm (pages per minute) for simplex printing, but you can find faster laser printers by Brother, Kyocera and Xerox. Duplex printing takes nearly twice as long, which makes it one of the slower lasers around, though that’s still significantly faster than most inkjet printers. Print resolution is high enough at 1200 x 1200 dpi while the scan resolution can be enhanced to a surprisingly 9600 x 9600 dpi. Its processing power and internal memory are average at 800MHz x 2 and 1GB respectively. 

In short, the Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw ticks all the feature boxes for a small office printer. It might not be the best laser printer we've ever tested, but it has a good, rather than outstanding, specification. 

Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw: Setup & operation

Setting up the Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw is a simple case of peeling off all the orange transport tape, plugging in and following the prompts on the GUI. You won’t need the setup instructions or the separate safety instructions manual, which runs to a baffling 123 pages. How dangerous can a printer be? 

Canon’s standard size toner cartridges come pre-loaded, so all I had to do was fill the paper tray, input the date/time and the password for my Wi-Fi network then start printing. The 21.7cm LCD provides a sensitive touchscreen interface, so scrolling through the four-page menu system is easy enough. You can also download Canon’s companion app called simply Canon PRINT to operate the printer via a smart device. Printing and scanning to and from the cloud is made very easy by this intuitive app for iOS and Android.  

Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw: Performance

The Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw prints smoothly and quietly enough at around 50dB. I clocked the print speed at around 21ppm for simplex pages in standard quality mode. Draft mode prints faster, but you will only want to use it if you’re desperate to save toner because draft printouts are so faint as to be virtually invisible. Switch back to ‘Normal’ quality and black text looks perfectly crisp and consistent on plain paper. Canon’s black toner doesn’t look especially bold, but it is very precise which means a very small point size print looks accurate under a magnifying glass. 

With mixed color documents, the results are even better thanks to the even application of the cyan, magenta and yellow toner. The Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw managed to print blocks of bright color without banding so my test brochure and tube map printouts had a professional-looking finish. Photographs did not fare so well because the somewhat muted colors give a rather flat finish on plain paper. They did look satisfyingly sharp though. Certainly sharp enough for a laser printer. 

The Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw also served well as a photocopier thanks to its high-resolution platen scanner, while the ADF was able to successfully copy a stack of documents. It’s a pity this model cannot copy both sides of each document automatically. Single-pass dual scanning is reserved for the more expensive Canon imageCLASS MF656.

I didn’t experience any misprints during the test, although there was a paper jam when I tried inserting a sheet of thin card into the multipurpose tray. To be fair, the weight of the card was above what Canon specified, but it also flagged the disadvantage of having the multipurpose tray located at the front. The paper path from there involves a tight turn inside the printer which is too tight for thick paper to get around. If the tray was at the top of the machine, where you’d usually find it, the paper path would be flatter and you might be able to print on card.

Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw: Final verdict

The Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw hits a happy middle ground between the best all-in-one printers for the home office and the high-spec workgroup workhorses. It possesses all the essential business features, such as Secure Print, an ADF with automatic dual scanning and laser-fast printing. There’s enough capacity for paper and toner to suit a shared office, while the neat design would not look out of place on the desk in your house. 

It prints quickly, quietly and consistently, while Canon’s optional high-yield toner cartridges keep the cost-per-page competitive. Thanks to the tilting touchscreen and front-loading multimedia tray, it’s also very easy to use. It cannot print on card stock and it’s not the fastest laser out there, but if you need a reliable all-rounder, this thoughtfully designed three-in-one deserves consideration.  

• Best inkjet printers: Tested, reviewed, rated

It's fashionable in the monitor market of late to big up everything from gaming and content creation prowess to multimedia features and HDR sizzle. But not the new Iiyama ProLite XUB3293UHSN. This monitor comes with a pure productivity pitch and is arguably all the better for it.

Up front and center is a large 32-inch IPS panel with full 4K resolution. Having tested out the best business monitors, this display is going to provide plenty of desktop space for viewing multiple documents, accommodating lots of apps and toolbars and generally allowing for smooth multi-tasking.

On top of that, there's strong connectivity with DisplayPort, HDMI and USB-C all catered for. The latter includes 65W of power delivery, enabling single-cable docking with a laptop, a feature that's hard to live without once you've experienced it. There's also a USB hub and ethernet to maximise that single-cable simplicity.

Adding even more flexibility is a full KVM switch. So you could, for instance, connect both a desktop using the DisplayPort or HDMI socket and the USB-A port and then a laptop over USB-C and share keyboard, mouse and other peripherals like external storage across the two machines.

What you don't get are any visual frills like HDR or eye-catching color coverage claims, built-in media streaming or any gaming pretensions. This is unapologetically an SDR monitor made for getting stuff done. That's one reason why it's much cheaper than an otherwise equivalent 32-inch 4K monitor like the BenQ SW321C. Iiyama isn't promising the last word in color accuracy, refresh or HDR pop. 

Iiyama ProLite XUB3293UHSN-B5: Design & features

• Well built
• Excellent connectivity
• Thoroughly anonymous aesthetics

With slim bezels on three sides of its 32-inch IPS panel, the Iiyama ProLite XUB3293UHSN looks reasonably contemporary. It's nicely put together, too, and sports a robust stand with a full range of adjustments, including pivot into portrait mode. But the all-black, frill-free design language is utterly anonymous and just a little joyless. 

Where the ProLite really scores, however, is usability. Along with the HDMI and DisplayPort sockets is a USB-C port. That supports single-cable connectivity with 65W of power delivery, allowing a laptop to drive the display and charge at the same time.

There's also an ethernet port, which can be passed through over the USB-C interface, too, and a USB-A hub, so there's full docking functionality. Just plug the USB-C cable into your laptop and all the peripherals attached to the display are included in the docking.

Even better, there's a KVM switch, too. That means you could, for instance, have a desktop PC permanently connected to this monitor and then connect any of the best business laptops as you come and go, sharing peripherals like keyboard, mouse, and external storage across the two PCs. 

Iiyama ProLite XUB3293UHSN-B5: Performance

• Lovely 4K panel
• Good factory calibration
• Limited color space presets

With a maximum quoted brightness of 350 nits and no local dimming, this is unambiguously an SDR rather than HDR display. And that's just fine. Too many so-called HDR monitors fail to deliver anything close to a true HDR experience.

What's more, 350 nits is plenty for all but the brightest ambient light conditions. This monitor has plenty of pop. It also has plenty of pixels, with 3,840 by 2,160 and therefore full 4K native resolution. That means nice, crisp fonts in both Windows and MacOS. Regarding the latter, it's worth noting that MacOS recognises the display correctly and offers a full range of Retina resolution options, something that's not always the case with 4K monitors.

The refresh rate, meanwhile, is limited to 60Hz, which looks a little pedestrian by today's standards. But arguably, it's plenty for most productivity needs. More importantly, the factory calibration in default SDR mode is very nice indeed.

This absolutely isn't a monitor aimed at pro image editing. But it's still pretty accurate and could very much turn a hand to some generation content creation. Moreover, it's vibrant and punchy and just great to look at. As an IPS panel with no local dimming, the contrast is OK rather than outstanding. But the overall image quality is excellent for this class of display.

The only slight snag is that the color space presets. There's no Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 preset, for instance, so you'll need to look elsewhere for the best monitors for photo editing, design, and content creation. There's full RGB adjustment and you can, of course, manually calibrate this display.

In terms of speed, the relatively low refresh aside, Iiyama claims 4ms response times and there are fully five different overdrive levels available in OSD. That's probably overkill for what absolutely is not a gaming panel. Indeed, the fastest setting suffers from some very obvious overshoot to the extent that it's hard to imagine anyone using it.

Still, this is a decently zippy display in pixel response terms and can actually make a decent fist of some gaming on the side. OK, it's limited to 60Hz. But then with that 4K resolution, you'd need some very serious graphics hardware for that to be an actual impediment.

Iiyama ProLite XUB3293UHSN-B5: Final verdict

You could pay an awful lot more for a 32-inch 4K monitor. But unless you have fairly particular needs when it comes to content creation and color accuracy, you wouldn't necessarily get a lot more usability and functionality for your money.

The Iiyama ProLite XUB3293UHSN-B5 serves up a really lovely IPS panel with that razor-sharp 4K image quality, plus excellent connectivity, all for an extremely reasonable price. It's particularly good value considering it includes not just a USB-C interface with 65W of power delivery, but also full KVM switch functionality, complete with an ethernet port.

As an all-round workhorse of a display, then, the Iiyama ProLite XUB3293UHSN-B5 is one of the best monitors we’ve tested. And while it isn't explicitly sold on image or color accuracy and indeed lacks HDR support or native DCI-P3 calibration, this is still a nicely setup monitor with excellent image quality that makes for an extremely pleasant working companion for both PC and Mac. 

• Best business computers: Tested, reviewed, rated 

The Ender 3 V3 KE bears a strong resemblance to the Ender 3 V3 SE in aesthetics. Surprisingly, for a higher-end model, it offers a marginally smaller build volume of 220 x 220 x 240 mm. Examining the printer, it's challenging not to immediately delve into the differences between the KE and the SE, especially considering the additional cost of this newer model (you can see what we thought of the latter in our Creality Ender-3 V3 SE review).

Despite their similar appearances, the two machines have several distinct differences, some of which fundamentally impact both speed and quality. A notable upgrade in the KE is the full-color graphical touchscreen, enhancing ease of navigation and control. 

The KE also boasts Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing remote control and monitoring through a smartphone or computer. It features advanced firmware based on the open-source Klipper project, which significantly improves print quality at higher speeds. Furthermore, the KE impressively supports a maximum print speed of 500 mm/s. To accommodate this increased speed, it is equipped with a linear rail on the X-axis, minimizing vibrations at higher speeds. 

The hotend in the KE, capable of reaching 300°C, is apt for high-temperature filament types like nylon. Additionally, it includes a PEI bed surface, striking a balance between adhesion and ease of print removal. Overall, while the two machines may appear similar, our experience with the best 3D printers tells us  the KE represents a significant leap forward in technology, speed, and quality.

Creality Ender-3 V3 KE: Design

Design-wise, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE adopts the familiar bed-slinger Cartesian layout. Side-by-side with the SE, it appears very similar. However, closer inspection reveals design tweaks that mark it as the next-level machine, such as the full touchscreen interface, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a linear rail that adds extra rigidity to the system.

The print head now features two fans for rapid cooling at higher speeds of up to 500mm/s. The new 60W ceramic heater hotend is a significant upgrade in material compatibility. It's important to note, though, that this remains an open system, not enclosed, which is generally preferred for advanced materials.

On the X-Axis, the solid linear rail, common in many upgraded printers, provides a smooth track and helps minimize vibrations more likely with the standard dual rod designs.

Levelling in 3D printers has seen rapid advancements, and the Ender 3 V3 KE includes a convenient one-tap system. A notable aspect of the design is the addition of Wi-Fi connectivity via Creality Print software, even at this budget level, allowing direct computer print sending and print progress monitoring. While the machine doesn't come with a camera, one can be easily added.

The printer comes with an extensive range of standard features and offers additional upgrades. One such upgrade is the AI camera, proven valuable in models like the K1 and K1 Max. Another is the Vibration compensation sensor, a simple DIY addition that can further enhance the printer's capabilities.

Creality Ender-3 V3 KE: Features

The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE, while a budget 3D printer, boasts features that have only just started to filter down to printers with this price tag, and combine high-end functionality with user-friendliness.

A standout feature is its advanced motion system, highlighted by a precise X-axis linear rail. This contributes to enhanced stability and reduced vibrations, particularly during high-speed prints. With a maximum speed of 500 mm/s, the Ender 3 V3 KE stands out in its category for print speed, even outpacing the slightly less expensive Ender 3 V3 SE.

Navigating through its options is simplified with a full-colour graphical touchscreen interface, making the printing process more intuitive. The addition of Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring and control through smartphones or computers further boosts its usability. Although it doesn't come with a camera for live feed monitoring, there's an option to add one.

Central to the Ender 3 V3 KE's performance is its high-capability hotend, which can reach temperatures up to 300°C. This feature broadens the printer’s material compatibility, accommodating a range of filament types, including high-temperature materials like nylon and ABS (when used with an enclosure). Such versatility allows for a wide array of printing applications, from intricate hobbyist projects to more professional demands.

The build surface of the printer features a PEI bed, known for an optimal balance of strong adhesion and ease of print removal. This magnetic and flexible surface aids in the post-printing process; the days of battling the print bed to release the print are now thankfully well behind us.

Software compatibility includes most standard slicers, with the printer coming equipped with Creality Print, a user-friendly slicer based on Cura. Its firmware, drawing inspiration from the open-source Klipper project, includes features like input shaping and motion advancement. These contribute to enhanced print quality, mitigating issues like ghosting and ringing, especially at higher speeds.

Assembly and maintenance are made easy with most parts arriving semi-assembled. This eases the setup process, a trend now common among most manufacturers. The semi-assembled approach is crucial for ensuring that the process of unboxing and getting started is accessible to users at all levels, particularly important for those new to this calibre of printer.

Creality Ender-3 V3 KE: Performance

When it comes to the performance of the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE like all printers has strengths and limitations that cater to different user groups. It achieves a high overall score of 28 out of 30 in various print quality tests, indicating a strong capability in most areas.

Dimensional accuracy, with a score of 3, shows some room for improvement and even after a few tweaks to belts and other settings without changing the print mode this score was consistent. The printer demonstrates varying degrees of error in the X and Y dimensions across different target sizes, with an average error of 0.19mm in X and 0.1mm in Y. This level of accuracy might pose challenges for professional applications where precision is crucial but is generally acceptable for hobbyists, crafters, and 3D print enthusiasts.

The printer excels in fine flow control, fine negative features, overhangs, and bridging, each scoring a perfect 5. These results suggest that the Ender 3 V3 KE can handle intricate details and complex geometries with ease, making it ideal for detailed hobbyist projects and craft applications.

The printer also scores well iin the XY resonance and Z-axis alignment test, each with a score of 2.5. These aspects affect the surface finish and overall aesthetics of the print and show that the printer is capable of producing good clean prints.

The open design of the Ender 3 V3 KE also limits its material compatibility, particularly for advanced materials that require controlled environments, like ABS. This restriction could be a drawback for professional settings and educational institutions that often experiment with a wide range of materials for diverse applications.

Creality Ender-3 V3 KE: Print quality

Dimensional accuracy - score of 3 

Target 25 = X: 24.72mm / 0.28mm Error | Y: 25.18mm / 0.18mm Error 

Target 20 = X: 19.93mm / 0.07mm Error | Y: 20.03mm / 0.03mm Error 

Target 15 = X: 14.74mm / 0.26mm Error | Y: 15.15mm / 0.15mm Error 

Target 10 = X: 9.91mm / 0.09mm Error | Y: 10.09mm / 0.09mm Error 

Target 5 = X: 4.75mm / 0.25mm Error | Y: 5.05mm / 0.05mm Error 

X Error Average = 0.19

Y Error Average = 0.1

X&Y Error Average = 0.29

Fine Flow Control - score of 5 

Fine Negative Features - score of 5 

Overhangs - score of 5 

Bridging - score of 5 

XY resonance - score of 2.5

Z-axis alignment - score of 2.5

Adding up the totals gives a final score of 28 out of 30.

Creality Ender-3 V3 KE: Final verdict

The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is an outstanding entry-level printer, offering incredible value for its price. While it may lack the flashy design of higher-end models like the Bambu Labs A1 or Creality's own premium machines, this printer is a solid choice for both beginners and those looking to continue their 3D printing journey for years to come.

Setting up the printer is quick, and its straightforward interface and software make it exceptionally user-friendly. The print quality is remarkable, achieving one of the highest scores in these tests. However, the printer does falter slightly in dimensional accuracy, though it excels in producing fine negative features. Adjusting settings from the default and reducing the print speed can improve dimensional accuracy, but even with these tweaks, its performance in this area is average compared to other models.

Overall, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE stands out as an excellent entry-level option. If your budget allows stretching beyond the sub $200 / £200 range, this extra investment is likely to be well worth it, rewarding you with a reliable and capable 3D printer.

Should You Buy the Ender 3 V3 KE?

• Best 3D modeling software: Tested, reviewed, rated

Dell has been one of the best monitor manufacturers for years. Dell consistently produces reliable, high-quality monitors, especially for business and productivity. The Dell UltraSharp line-up is no exception but a continuation of the evolution of the monitors we rely on.

We've tested many of the best business monitors, and in our experience, the Dell UltraSharp USB-C U2724DE 27-inch monitor is an immediate classic. It's the perfect size for most work and the standard screen size for a reason. Especially with a high-resolution display like this, the extra screen real estate will be plenty for most workflows.

Dell UltraSharp U2724DE: Unboxing and First Impressions

Every Dell monitor I have ever tested has had a near-identical unboxing experience. The monitor is well packaged yet not wasteful in materials used. The unboxing has four main components: the monitor panel, the stand base, the stand arm, and the cables. Dell sends power and video cables, including Displayport, HDMI, and USB-C.

Though the Dell monitor stand's cable passthrough is too low for my ideal preference, I chose to keep this monitor on the stand for simplicity.

In general, this monitor is incredibly minimal. However, that does not mean that it lacks any power or ability. This monitor has Thunderbolt 4 built-in, which indicates that it can deliver power to my laptop at 90W, transfer data at 40Gbps, and allow for 2.5GbE through the ethernet port built into the monitor as well, all seamlessly through a single cable to my laptop of choice. In addition, this monitor also has a DisplayPort 1.4 in, Displayport 1.4 out, HDMI 2.1, USB-A ports, and another two USB-C downstream ports. This monitor has a full-blown Thunderbolt dock built into the back. No need for even the best laptop docking stations here. 

Setting up the monitor is easy. The onscreen display is easy to navigate using the joystick. I chose English and decided on the correct input for whatever device I used. Thanks to the multi-inputs on this monitor, I can run multiple computers on a single monitor - but more on that later.

Dell UltraSharp U2724DE: Design and Build Quality

Like all the best monitors we've tested, one of the things I love most about Dell monitors is that I know they will work with no gimmicks, no questionable features that may break, and no wobble. In my mind, Dell monitors are a constant. Yes, they may not always have the flashiest features, but when you need a solid monitor to get real work done, I don't care about the flashy features; I want something that will provide the least friction between sitting down and working. For as long as I can remember, I have had at least one Dell monitor in my home office or studio.

I have a love/hate relationship with the standard monitor base. This monitor stand is, on the one hand, part of that reliability factor that Dell monitors have, and on the other hand, it has stayed the same in the one simple way I want it to. Ironically, right now, I can look around my workspaces at the monitors I am using, and I have three Dell monitors I use regularly. Of those three, two are using their original monitor stands. My one qualm with these is that the cable passthrough, which I find pretty helpful, needs to be a few inches higher. That's it. That's my only issue. I'm 6'1", so when I sit at my desk if my monitor is up to the height it should be, I can usually see some cables sticking through the passthrough in the arm. I have solved this problem in most in-use monitors by adding a few of the best monitor stands. 

As a positive for the monitor stands, they allow me to adjust the height with a pretty good range. Additionally, I can tilt, swivel, and rotate the monitor on these stands. So, while that one element may bother me, these monitor stands are great, especially as one that comes in the box, standard, with all Dell monitors. 

Dell UltraSharp U2724DE: In use

Another positive aspect of Dell monitors is their ease of use. All Dell monitors have an intuitive joystick control along with a power button. This joystick allows setting changes, input selection, and overall user interface control. While I only occasionally interact with these settings after initially dialing things into my preferred settings, making adjustments is accessible if needed. I reach for the joystick mainly to change inputs in odd scenarios. 

Typically, I leave the setting set to "auto switch" so that when my DisplayPort is plugged into whatever PC I am testing at the time (or using in my office, gaming PC, you name it) and I wake up the PC, the monitor will recognize the signal and switch to that input. Similarly, when I plug my laptop into the USB-C/Thunderbolt cable, the monitor will switch to that input. When set up right, I rarely tell the monitor which input; it just switches without problems.

Another seamlessly accessible element of using this monitor is the built-in Thunderbolt hub. Trust me, I am all for maximalist desks for specific setups. I have had my fair share of 4+ monitor setups with all the accessories. I have had the music production desk with controllers, speakers, and every ounce of power pulled from my computer. 

However, I prefer a simple setup when I want to sit down and get work done on the average day. "Simple" meant compromise, which I was not okay with. But now, I have everything I need for a solid laptop setup with a single cable and power port since the U2724DE has up to 90W PD. 

The big reason for no compromise is that I can also plug in accessories, chargers, dongles, and even an ethernet cable into this monitor, allowing for all of the benefits of a separate Thunderbolt Dock without needing a separate dock. This has been particularly useful when using my primary laptop, the MacBook Air M2, which notoriously has only two USB-C ports, and both are on one side. This way, I can plug any devices needed or accessories into the monitor and use my single cable connection to drive everything. 

Last but not least, I love this monitor's little elements and features that are not vital to how I utilize it but make the overall experience a little bit better. This list includes clearly labeled ports, customizable quick actions on the joystick, and the companion DDPM app. This DDPM app grants access to change some settings that would otherwise be accessed through the onscreen menu on your computer instead. I don't use it, though it is lovely knowing that I can use it without reaching around to my monitor, especially if it is mounted or in an inaccessible place. For example, this is super useful if someone needs to change between color profiles regularly.

Dell UltraSharp U2724DE: Final verdict

The Dell UltraSharp USB-C Hub U2724DE monitor combines a high-quality display with a highly functional Thunderbolt/USB-C hub. It's a near-perfect display in the professional or business world, and it is ideal for productivity, adding to a laptop, or just having a high-quality monitor for your at-home workstation, office workstation, or similar. It boasts 100% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3, also making it a good choice if you're looking for the best monitors for photo editing or the best monitors for graphic design. 

While the display is a bit pricy, it makes up for the price in overall value, ease of use, quality of screen, and build materials. If you want a solid display that will not disappoint, check out the Dell UltraSharp U2724DE Monitor.

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