Theatre programme layout proofers
If you review dense cast lists, credits, schedules and imagery, you need room to inspect page layouts and a colour-management approach suited to the artwork.
Who is this for?
Shared-desk laptop users
If different people connect laptops at one desk, check how each computer supplies video and receives power. When one keyboard and mouse must follow the active computer, check for a stated KVM switch too.
Creative teams changing workstations
If the desk or its users change, consider screen position, stand adjustment and available desk space alongside display specifications. The Health and Safety Executive advises considering the whole workstation when assessing display screen equipment.
What matters when choosing?
For theatre programme work, establish the colour requirements of the artwork, then check laptop and peripheral connections and how the screen will fit the shared workstation.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Colour-managed artwork review | Check the exact model’s stated colour-space coverage and calibration information against the programme’s artwork and print workflow. | If I review logos, photographs or approved brand colours, I need a controlled on-screen review process, not just a vivid-looking image. Around 42% of consumers would put colour-managed review first. |
| Shared-desk connections | Confirm laptop video-over-USB-C support and charging needs; check for a stated KVM switch if USB peripherals must move between computers. | When colleagues take turns connecting laptops, I want the display and accessories to work without rebuilding the desk setup. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise that hand-off. |
| Workstation fit | Check stand adjustment, desk space and any required mount compatibility; assess the whole workstation as users or conditions change. | If several people use the same desk, I need to reposition the screen without overlooking furniture and working conditions. Around 25% of consumers would make workstation fit their primary concern. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming a wide colour gamut guarantees the printed result
ASUS UK, BenQ UK and LG UK state colour-gamut specifications for their respective models, but a screen specification alone cannot establish how a programme will look on its chosen paper or under its viewing conditions.
Check the colour space used for the artwork and arrange print proofing separately from monitor selection.
-
Treating USB-C as a KVM switch
A USB-C connection can serve laptop display or charging needs without switching a shared keyboard and mouse between computers. BenQ UK explicitly lists a KVM switch for the PD2725U; do not infer the feature from a USB-C port on another model.
List the devices that must switch between computers, then check the exact monitor’s KVM specification. If one laptop connects at a time, focus instead on compatible video and sufficient charging.
-
Choosing the panel without checking the desk
Screen adjustment does not address every issue with furniture, placement or changing working conditions. The Health and Safety Executive advises assessing the whole workstation and notes that regular desk changes matter for hot-desking users.
Measure the available space, check the stand or intended mount, and reassess the workstation when its users or conditions change.
Relevant brand examples
ASUS
The ProArt PA279CRV is a 27-inch 4K IPS option for programme editors checking artwork alongside laptop connectivity.
- ASUS UK states 99% DCI-P3 and 99% Adobe RGB coverage, factory pre-calibration to Delta E < 2, USB-C Power Delivery up to 96W and stand adjustment for this model.
- Check that the stated colour spaces suit the artwork and that the laptop supports the required connection; factory calibration does not establish a match to the final print.
BenQ
The Creative Pro PD2725U addresses artwork review and a desk where peripherals may need to switch between two computers.
- BenQ UK states 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709 and 95% P3 coverage, and lists a KVM switch and 150 mm height adjustment for this 27-inch 4K IPS model.
- Its stated 65W Power Delivery should be checked against each laptop’s charging requirement; colour specifications do not guarantee printed output.
Dell
The UltraSharp U2725QE is a 27-inch 4K IPS Black hub-monitor option for a shared laptop desk.
- Dell UK lists 90W Power Delivery, a 120Hz refresh rate and height and pivot adjustment for this model.
- If a particular colour space or KVM switch is essential, check the U2725QE’s current technical specification before choosing it for that requirement.
LG
The UltraFine 27UP85ZK-W combines a 27-inch 4K IPS display with USB-C connectivity and an adjustable stand.
- LG UK states typical DCI-P3 coverage of 95%, USB-C charging up to 90W, and height, pivot and tilt adjustment.
- Its hardware-calibration route requires separate software. Check the intended colour workflow and whether peripheral switching is needed.
Joybuy product choices
These 4K monitor choices cover artwork review and layout work at a shared desk, from 27-inch models to larger screens. Compare each listing with your colour workflow, available desk space and laptop connection requirements.
No image available
BenQ MA270UP 27-inch Nano Glossy IPS 4K USB-C monitor
Consider this Mac-focused model if artwork review and an adjustable screen are priorities at the shared desk.
Its name specifies a 27-inch 4K IPS display, USB-C and a height-adjustable stand. Check the intended laptop connection and charging requirements, and confirm KVM capability if peripherals must switch between computers.
No image available
iiyama ProLite XUB2792UHSU-B6 27-inch 4K UHD monitor
This 27-inch 4K option is worth assessing for page-layout review where the screen must fit a shared workstation.
The product name identifies a 16:9 LED monitor. Before planning a one-cable laptop setup or shared peripherals, check the exact video, charging and switching capabilities.
No image available
Dahua 32-inch 4K 165Hz curved OLED monitor
Consider the larger curved screen only after checking its footprint and viewing position at the shared desk.
The product name states 3840 × 2160 resolution, 99% DCI-P3, Type-C 65W and a USB hub. Confirm that its colour claims suit the artwork workflow and that its connections meet the laptop’s video, charging and peripheral-switching needs.
No image available
ASUS ProArt PA27DCE-K 4K OLED monitor
Consider this model when programme artwork review is the priority, while checking how its colour settings fit the print workflow.
Its product name specifies a 4K OLED display. Confirm the exact model’s calibration information, laptop charging capability and KVM provision before relying on those features at a shared desk.
No image available
ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCG-K 32-inch 4K IPS Mini LED monitor
This larger display may suit artwork review if its screen and stand fit the available shared-desk space.
The product name specifies a 32-inch 4K IPS Mini LED display and a 120Hz refresh rate. Check its colour-management requirements separately, and confirm the exact port capabilities, charging output and KVM provision before planning laptop hand-offs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a KVM switch at a shared desk?
You need a KVM switch if one keyboard and mouse must move between two computers through the monitor. BenQ UK explicitly lists one for the PD2725U; USB-C charging or a hub on another monitor does not, by itself, establish the same capability.
Can one USB-C cable handle the display and laptop charging?
It can when the laptop and monitor support the required video connection and the monitor’s Power Delivery meets the laptop’s charging needs. For the researched models, ASUS UK states up to 96W for the PA279CRV, Dell UK lists 90W for the U2725QE, LG UK states up to 90W for the 27UP85ZK-W and BenQ UK lists 65W for the PD2725U; check the exact laptop and cable as well.
Does an adjustable monitor replace a shared-workstation assessment?
No. Where UK display screen equipment assessment duties apply, the Health and Safety Executive says employers should consider the whole workstation, including furniture, working conditions and the job. It also advises a basic risk assessment when hot-desking workers change desks regularly.
What should I do with an old monitor?
Check an appropriate reuse or electrical-equipment recycling route rather than treating the monitor as ordinary waste. GOV.UK describes the UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013, as amended, as supporting recovery, reuse and recycling; check your retailer’s take-back arrangements or your local authority’s collection options.