Okay, is someone messing with me? This is the second day in a row I’ve spotted a company putting weird crap into their newest monitor designs. Yesterday it was Lenovo, who put an AI NPU into a monitor. But at least that one matches up with current tech trends. Now I’m seeing that Asus has stuck an air purifier into a PC display. What?
According to the press release, the VU Air Ionizer series of monitors comes in 24-, 27-, and 34-inch sizes, all of which include an air ionizer in the back. Maybe I should let Asus do the talking here, since I’m way out of my depth when it comes to copy that reads like it was lifted from Sharper Image… but I digress.
The screens themselves are pretty basic, with IPS panels, 100Hz refresh rates, and standard 1080p resolution on the smaller models. The 34-inch VU34WCIP-W has a slight curve and a USB-C connection. More detailed specs weren’t provided, but in keeping with the general feel-good vibe, the monitors’ retail packaging can be re-folded into cardboard phone and laptop stands, a file holder, and a desk organizer box.
Asus
Incongruous combinations seem to be a trend with Asus, who recently released a mouse that doubles as an air freshener. And unlike Lenovo’s weird motorized AI monitor, these screens appear to be headed for sale, though the press release doesn’t mention a release date or price.
Alright, I’ll be generous and consider how this might make sense. I suppose if you live in a small apartment and you want an ionizer, but you can’t spare even a cubic foot or two for it, then integrating it into your desk setup might appeal. Just don’t expect an OLED panel or a super-fast gaming refresh rate at the same time — after all, convergence devices always come with compromises. (I think I’d prefer one of these OLED monitors with a fancy Wi-Fi antenna.)
Let’s go for a three-peat. Tomorrow I want to write about an Acer monitor that doubles as carbon monoxide detector. Fingers crossed.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.