Computer monitors are dominated by LG IPS panels at the high-end.  From cheap import 27″ models to high-end NEC versions, they all use some form of an LG IPS panel as their guts.  Samsung is looking to break this monopoly with their PLS technology, which is very similar to IPS in terms of color, contrast, and viewing angles, but is said to offer a couple more benefits as well.  Beyond just those inherent things, it also means the first real competition for panels, and potentially pricing, at the high-end of the monitor panel market in a long time.

ASUS has one of the first displays to use a PLS panel, the PB278Q.  A 27″ monitor with 2560×1440 resolution and LED backlighting, this is the first PLS panel that I’ve had the chance to lay my hands on and see how it does.  Over at AnandTech you can read my full ASUS PB278Q review and see just how well it does perform compared to IPS displays, and if we do have real competition for once.