This review first appeared in issue 358 ofPC Pro.
Hot on the heels of theLenovoThinkVision 27 3D I reviewed last month comesAcers spin on the same concept.
Both are 27in4K monitorsthat can jump between 2D and 3D modes, allowing developers to view creations on demand.
The SpatialLabs 27 View Pro is a fine monitor for 2D as well as 3D work
No need for special glasses or VR goggles; just render and go.
Its a marriage of hardware and software, and Ill tackle the hardware first.
A 3D engine built into the monitors electronics takes control of whats beamed where.
Developers can design 3D games on the monitor but they can’t play them
This plants you straight into the action, with the only missing direction being from behind you.
The main menu offers you three options: SpatialLabs Go, SpatialLabs Model Viewer and SpatialLabs Player.
Most of the best videos are ads.
Acer has created plugins for a wide range of 3D software
With few movies created in 3D, SpatialLabs Go is there to turn 2D content into 3D in real-time.
But the obvious examples are photos and videos.
you could also export scenes from any 3D software that includes an Unreal Datasmith exporter plugin.
The display comes with a hood to reduce ambient light
you’re free to also play around with lighting and backgrounds to add to the realism.
So you could work on two screens: one for editing, one for viewing.
What, no games?
Youll notice that I havent mentioned games yet.
Ironically, developers can design 3D games on the SpatialLabs 27 View Pro but they cant play them.
The Predator is due out later this year at an estimated price of 2,199. you’re free to view the list of currently supported games attinyurl.com/358truegame.
There is some good gaming news.
Flat switch
Naturally, this is a nice4Kmonitor in its own right.
And I never failed to appreciate the levels of detail in photos or 4K videos.
Connectivity options
If youre looking for a cable-free environment, again choose Lenovo.
This means the View Pros USB-C connector doesnt deliver any wattage to a connectedlaptop.
Do we have a winner?
I dont like the fact that TrueGame isnt bundled.
Are game creators meant to buy one SpatialLabs 3D screen to design on and another to play on?
Isnt it simply mean not to bundle the software when youre charging people this much for a monitor?
As with its rival, we dont yet have a confirmed release date or price.
Acer estimates the former as late summer/ Q3 and the latter as 2,599.
We’ve also ranked the best dual-screen monitors.
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