I have an Asus PQ321, and I will agree with you: the LCD panel is a huge step forward. But we shouldn't look at that and say the problem is solved, we need to be developing the next generation.
What I see limiting progress is the link layer between the GPU and the LCD panel. 4K@60Hz requires about 15Gbps of bandwidth. 8K will require 60Gbps. 8K@120, which is what I want, will require 120Gbps. We need a standard for that, so when panels become affordable, you can just buy one and hook it up. In the mean time, you have to suffer with text that's not quite as clear as what you get on your laptop or phone, and with video that "judders".
>In the mean time, you have to suffer with text that's not quite as clear as what you get on your laptop or phone
This is really noticeable when you have been working on your desktop screen for some time, then pick up your phone or tablet to read something. You get this instant: "Wow! This is SO much sharper" feeling. Then after reading on that device for 5 minutes you get used to it and don't explicitly experience it as sharp anymore.
But then you go back to working on your desktop screen and you get the opposite experience: "Wow! This IS fuzzy! WTF!?"
I totally agree that we need display manufacturers to keep innovating and pushing forward. I'm not certain what I wrote that implied I am satisfied. I am the furthest thing from satisfied with desktop displays. The other rants on my blog should establish that if you have the stomach to read more ranting. :)
I very much want high-DPI in my desktop display. I've repeatedly echoed the point made by henk53 elsewhere in this thread that holding a modern mobile device up to a desktop display shows how divergent the technologies have become.
All that said, I value usable real-estate foremost. So for now, I want my 4K display to be about 40 inches. I don't want to zoom. While I would certainly like high-clarity text and user interface controls, if I am forced to choose between that and real-estate, as I am presently, I will go with real-estate without hesitation.
Both, though? I am sold, where do I send my money?
What I see limiting progress is the link layer between the GPU and the LCD panel. 4K@60Hz requires about 15Gbps of bandwidth. 8K will require 60Gbps. 8K@120, which is what I want, will require 120Gbps. We need a standard for that, so when panels become affordable, you can just buy one and hook it up. In the mean time, you have to suffer with text that's not quite as clear as what you get on your laptop or phone, and with video that "judders".