BenQ’s latest offering aims to enhance dual-monitor setups with premium lighting.

BenQ has unveiled the ScreenBar Max, its first desk lamp designed specifically for dual-monitor setups. This innovative product aims to address the common issue of eye strain associated with prolonged screen time, a concern that has become increasingly relevant in today’s digital age. The ScreenBar Max combines a bias light and a desk lamp, providing illumination that enhances both the workspace and the viewing experience. However, this premium offering comes with a significant price tag, raising questions about its value for consumers.

The BenQ ScreenBar Max: Features and Functionality

Retailing at $289, with an optional stand available for an additional $39, the ScreenBar Max is the most expensive model in BenQ’s ScreenBar line. While the price may deter some, the lamp boasts several advanced features that set it apart from cheaper alternatives. One standout feature is its presence sensing technology, which utilizes a high-frequency mmWave sensor to automatically activate the lamp when the user approaches the workstation. This functionality has been reported to work effectively, activating only when the user is seated, thus avoiding unnecessary interruptions.

Lighting Quality and Control

The ScreenBar Max allows for independent control of brightness levels for both the bias light and the desk lamp, although the color temperature remains fixed across both lights, ranging from 2,700 to 6,000 Kelvin. Users can adjust the lighting settings through a mode selector, although this process may feel cumbersome at times. The lamp’s performance has been described as “pristine” and “studio grade,” with a color rendering index (CRI) rated at Ra ≥95, Rf >96, and Rg ~100, ensuring high-quality illumination without flickering or harshness.

Installation and Practical Considerations

Installation of the ScreenBar Max is straightforward, utilizing a twist-down C-clamp for easy attachment to desks. However, some users may find the lack of adjustability a drawback, particularly if their monitors are wall-mounted. Despite these limitations, the lamp effectively illuminates a large workspace without causing glare on screens, making it a suitable choice for those with dual-monitor setups.

While the ScreenBar Max offers impressive features and high-quality lighting, its steep price may lead potential buyers to consider more affordable options that provide similar functionality. For those who can expense the purchase, it may be a worthwhile investment, but for budget-conscious consumers, exploring alternatives might be advisable.