Asus readies 4K "ultra HD" monitor

Asus is readying a 31.5-inch display with 3840×2160 pixels, four times the pixel count of a standard HD display.

The panel uses Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide ("IGZO") instead of silicon, which allows for smaller transistors and, hence, the greater pixel density. Asus claims a 176-degree viewing angle and 8ms response times.

The PQ312 has displayport and dual HDMI connectors, stereo speakers, and 3.5mm audio i/o. It weighs 13kg and is 35mm thick.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but Asus is well-known for its competitiveness: the Taiwanese company's well-liked 27" 2560×1440 display is a relatively cheap $633 at Amazon.

At 140 DPI, it's not quite up to the "retina"-style resolution of recent cellphones and laptops—but then again, you're probably not holding it 12 inches from your mug.

IBM has had a similarly high-resolution monitor out, the T221, for several years. With slow refresh rate and the dimensions of a giant's briefcase, though, it was too slow and ugly to appeal beyond the business niche. Asus's PQ321 will be a relatively slim 35mm.