CES 2026’s Most Fascinating Monitors Revealed
▼ Summary
– CES 2026 featured several unique computer displays, including monitors and all-in-ones, each with a distinctive design twist.
– Dell announced its largest UltraSharp monitor yet, the 51.5-inch U5226KW, featuring a 6144×2560 resolution and IPS Black technology.
– This Dell monitor emphasizes connectivity with a Thunderbolt 4 hub, high-power delivery, and an integrated KVM for multi-PC use.
– Priced starting at $2,800, the UltraSharp targets professionals who multitask heavily or currently use multiple monitors.
– Lenovo introduced a unique all-in-one, the ThinkCentre X AIO Aura Edition, with a tall 16:18 aspect ratio display unlike typical 16:9 screens.
The annual CES event in Las Vegas once again served as a global stage for the most cutting-edge display technology, with several monitors capturing attention for their innovative approaches to form and function. While not every product fits the traditional monitor definition, each offers a unique visual solution for computer users, pushing the boundaries of screen design and utility.
Dell made a definitive statement with the sheer scale of its new UltraSharp U5226KW. This 51.5-inch behemoth represents the largest UltraSharp monitor ever released, built on a 21:9 ultrawide canvas. Its expansive 6144×2560 resolution provides a pixel density of 129 PPI, rendered through an IPS Black panel known for improved contrast. The monitor is engineered as a connectivity powerhouse, featuring a built-in Thunderbolt 4 hub capable of delivering 140 W of power. A separate pop-out module adds further versatility with 27 W USB-C and 10 W USB-A ports. For professionals managing multiple systems, an integrated KVM switch allows the display to connect seamlessly to up to four different computers simultaneously.
Beyond its monumental size and extensive port selection, the U5226KW follows the established UltraSharp formula of integrating modern features like a webcam. The clear target audience is the professional user who juggles numerous applications and may be considering a move away from a cumbersome multi-monitor setup. While it doesn’t introduce radical new display technology, its proposition is one of consolidated, high-performance workspace. The monitor launched at CES with a price of $2,900 including a stand, or $2,800 for the panel alone.
In a different direction, Lenovo reimagined the all-in-one desktop with the ThinkCentre X AIO Aura Edition, challenging conventional display proportions. Departing from the typical 16:9 or even 16:10 aspect ratios common to most monitors and AIOs like Apple’s iMac, Lenovo’s design adopts a distinctive 16:18 aspect ratio. This creates a panel that is much taller than it is wide, resulting in a square-like form factor that stands out immediately. This unique geometry is tailored for productivity, offering more vertical screen real estate ideal for viewing lengthy documents, coding, or managing complex timelines without constant scrolling.
The design philosophy prioritizes a streamlined workspace by combining the computer and display into a single, vertically oriented unit. This approach makes the ThinkCentre X AIO Aura Edition a compelling option for users seeking a space-saving solution that doesn’t compromise on screen area, instead redistributing it in a novel way to suit modern workflow demands.
(Source: Ars Technica)
