HP is leaning into hybrid work with a new flagship display geared for endless calls and heavy multitasking. The Series 5 Pro 49-inch Conferencing Monitor is billed as the world’s first ultrawide conferencing screen with integrated AI noise reduction, part of a broader future-of-work lineup.
The massive monitor uses a 32:9 VA Panel with a 5120 x 1440p resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a hidden 5-megapixel webcam that pops out from the top. It also comes with a microphone with AI tech that’ll help you scrub any pesky background noise out.
It’s absolutely massive, but HP’s virtual multiple display tech essentially lets you treat the monitor as different displays, making it easier to break down your windows or share your screen during a video call.
On paper, it looks like the perfect display for anyone looking at Slack, Sheets, and emails all day, but HP’s focus on conferencing is clear and central – especially when you consider what else HP has up its sleeves and in attempt to “accelerate the future of work.”
HP is also launching a 14-inch portable monitor, a USB-C 100W Dock, and several new peripherals. The portable monitor has a WGXGA resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and IPS Black with Neo:LED panel technology, while the USB-C dock will wake itself up when it detects your laptop – ideal if you’re coming back from a meeting and you’re on deadline. This dock can power multiple 4K displays with one cable, keeping your desk space clean, which is perfect for that beefy 49-inch monitor.
As for the peripherals, HP is launching the 785M – a battery-free, wireless mouse with a side scroll wheel, the 725M – an ergonomic mouse with a 21 degree tilt, and the 580C/585C – a dual-mode mouse and keyboard combo with a palm rest.
The hardware is all being released at some point this year, but you can expect to see the HP Series 5 Pro 49″ Conferencing Monitor in November. HP hasn’t confirmed the price just yet, but a representative told PC World that it will be targeting the $1,300 range, so start saving your pennies if you need a new ultra-wide.
Opinion
HP’s approach is sensible: reduce cable clutter, use AI to tackle meeting pain points and give power users more room to breathe. However, HP’s decision to use a VA panel might put some people off this otherwise impressive ultra-wide – especially at the rumoured cost.
