AOC’s Professional P4 series monitors might have solved the hard-to-reach USB port conundrum

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best, and this one looks especially useful for the target audience.

AOC has introduced a range of Professional P4 monitors, bringing an end to stuttery 60Hz and making smooth 120Hz the new baseline for business-focused features. That’s a welcome step in the right direction, but it’s the unusual USB hub that’s tickling my fancy.

Each P4 Pro screen includes a retractable USB hub that tucks neatly inside the monitor’s frame when not in use, helping you maintain a clean and professional-looking desk. It’s a “why did nobody think of that before” sort of upgrade, and will be appreciated by anyone who regularly has to reach around a screen just to attach a USB stick.

The series offers multiple sizes and resolutions to suit everyone’s needs, all while keeping the same connectivity and comfort enhancements. Built to address the evolving needs of today’s workforce, a 120Hz refresh rate across all models enables a snappier feel while reducing eye fatigue, especially for those who spend long durations looking at their screen. Those who scroll a lot in large Excel spreadsheets or use browsers daily will likely be the most impacted by this change, as it is easier to see the difference even on old hardware.

AOC Q27P4U.
AOC Q27P4U.

Additionally, the P4 series features hardware-based low blue light and Flicker-Free technologies while adhering to the TÜV Eye Comfort standard, ensuring your long sessions are as comfortable as possible. These are complemented by a fully adjustable stand, offering 150mm height, from -5° to 30° tilt, 180° swivel, and 90° pivot. On the subject of pivot, some models come equipped with a G-sensor that detects when the display is in portrait mode to automatically adjust the presentation. A 100mm VESA mount is also present if needed.

For this launch, AOC is releasing two models to start with, the 24P4U and Q27P4U. The first is based on a 23.8in FHD (1920×1080) panel, whereas the latter bumps things up a bit to a 27in QHD (2560×1440) design for those who multitask or need more space for their apps. This results in a 93 Pixel Per Inch on the 24P4U and 108.79 on the Q27P4U, making the latter a better choice for those who prefer a sharper presentation.

Other than this, both are based on IPS panels and share similar specs, including a 4ms GtG pixel response time and a 1,500:1 contrast ratio. Do note that brightness is slightly higher on the Q27P4U, reaching 350nits instead of 300nits on the 24P4U.

Going back to my favourite bit, the easily reachable USB hub pops out of the bottom side of the frame and disappears completely when not in use, giving you access to two USB 3.2 ports, one of which is Type-C.

Two additional Type-A ports can be found alongside the video ports, bringing the total to four. Needless to say, the conveniently placed retractable hub is the one most users will operate, presenting a neat way to simplify usage without impacting your desk space. Also worth noting is that the Type-C port supports 15W power delivery, so you could give your phone or tablet a quick top-up if needed.

AOC 24P4U IO.
AOC 24P4U.

In terms of connectivity, the 24P4U gets one HDMI 1.4, one DisplayPort 1.2, plus a legacy VGA port, whereas the Q27P4U upgrades to two HDMI 2.0, plus one DisplayPort 1.2.

The AOC 24P4U and Q27P4U monitors are launching at £144 and £199 MSRP, respectively, backed by a five-year warranty. The 24P4U is already available, while the Q27P4U will follow in mid-September.

Fahd Temsamani
Fahd Temsamani
Senior Writer at Club386, his love for computers began with an IBM running MS-DOS, and he’s been pushing the limits of technology ever since. Known for his overclocking prowess, Fahd once unlocked an extra 1.1GHz from a humble Pentium E5300 - a feat that cemented his reputation as a master tinkerer. Fluent in English, Arabic, and French, his motto when building a new rig is ‘il ne faut rien laisser au hasard.’

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