After working on a 27" 5K monitor (first the Dell, now the LG UltraFine), I don't think I can ever go back to non-HiDPI for my desktop, so 1440p is just a non-starter for me.
The only monitor out there that would be an "upgrade" for me currently is the Apple 6K, which is far far into absurd-level purchase category.
Dell has an 8K out there (UP3218K) which, at a scant $4000, looks to only slightly less crazy than the Apple 6K @ $5000 (plus stand!).
It's a bit sad there are so few choices for us HiDPI addicts. Anything else out there I'm missing?
I'm unsure about the advice of sticking to 1440p at 27".
I have a non-retina imac 27 (1440p), external LG 27" 4K USB-C monitor and a macbook pro 13 with a real "retina", and use them all regularly.
For my eyes, scaling works fine with 4K - font rendering is significantly better than on 1440p imac.
13" screen on macbook pro is even better, and 5K 27" would be perfect, but that's a different price point. I'm quite happy with the improvement from 1440p => "4K with scaling" transition, and won't consider buying 1440p in future.
Scaled 4K may be not the best for high precision design work, but for development tasks / text reading that's an improvement, in my experience.
At least in my experience, if you sit far/close enough, you can "overcome" the limitations of each display variant. I can definitely see the difference between 4K running 1440p at 1.5x compared to a proper 2x scale factor, though. I can tolerate 1.5x or variations in between, but I'd vastly prefer 2x. If you play with enough resolutions and look at enough displays, you'll develop a taste which cannot be quenched without an LG 5K display, which is ill-advised.
At least to my eyes, my Dell U2715H with EDID override looks worse at 1440p than my LG 27UL850-W. I'd prefer to have a 2x scale factor, but at 1.5x, I can't see scaling artifacts or I'm used to them for still text. My poor GPU can't handle this though, so all motion and movement is terrible, and thus, I can't distinguish "shimmering" from just regular poor performance.
I'm really bothered that Apple sells an LG 5K display for the price they sell it at. Pro display XDR is joke-tier pricing for a developer. Even the 5K display is too expensive. The Ilyama 5K (XB2779QQS) was sold at the $999 price point, which actually kinda makes sense, but it's gone.
So practically speaking, either shell out $1,200+ for a good display or settle non-ideal retina or 1x.
IMO, the best MacBook monitor is the LG 38WN95CW ultrawide monitor [1].
Pros:
* Larger 38" screen
* 90w charging
* Thunderbolt 3 (like USB-C but better)
* 144hz refresh rate
* 1ms response rate
And current generation MacBooks only support one external monitor, so two 27" 1440p monitors should not be recommended. And there are methods to having more monitors, but they require additional hardware and do not always work well.
Cons:
* Hard to acquire (out-of-stock everywhere)
* Very expensive ($1,500+)
* Cannot natively control brightness & sound via keyboard like other LG monitors, but software [2] can add this feature. Though, this is currently broken for all M1 Macs.
I've been using the cheaper ($1,000) but very similar LG 38WK95C for around a year. I have it attached to a Mac (via USB-C) and a PC (via DisplayPort) and the only drawback I've found is that when you switch inputs it "disconnects" the other input so the Mac thinks the monitor has been unplugged; my previous monitor did not do this.
> current generation MacBooks only support one external monitor
My monitor supports Thunderbolt 3 daisy chaining - Connecting a thunderbolt 3 upstream port to the input of the 2nd monitor. Do you know if two monitors setup this way would work with a MacBook?
Another con: no upstream USB-B port for connecting to a PC. Also might be hard to power with a graphics card given the higher rez. Sounds super nice for productivity though.
I used a 27@1440[1] for years, and for a long time I thought it was the perfect size and resolution for me (and of course I love HiDPI, a 27@2880 would be great too; but I actually prefer to keep a low DPI screen for web/visual work so I can see what a lot of the world sees).
On a lark, last year I bought a 42.5@2160 (4k)[2], with the intention of using it primarily for tv/movies at that size, not knowing whether it would be suitable for work. But at 1x it’s nearly the same DPI as the 27@1440 so I have it a shot.
And at first the only way I could describe it was “comically large” and “probably a mistake”. For work, I only used the bottom half of the screen.
After a move, I changed my setup a bit, with the comically large screen set lower on my desk. This improved my viewing angle so much that I’m able to use the full vertical range of the screen (though it’s still so side that I treat the rightmost 20% or so as mostly a dead zone). Now I don’t know how I’d work with a smaller screen. That much vertical space is a godsend for dev, leaving tons of room for editor & debugger, or browser & dev tools.
It’s probably not for everyone, but for folks with a little disposable income and who might imagine finding the 27@1440 a little cramped, I recommend giving it a try!
[1]: Samsung S27A850D, with a PLS panel, which at the time was an interesting IPS alternative for me. I do realize that a high quality panel somewhat undermines my “see what the world sees” goal, but frankly my eyes and brain hate TN panels.
[2]: LG 43UD79-B, this time IPS, and I honestly can’t tell a difference in the panel quality.
One thing to notice is that 1440p at 27" (one main criteria set by the author) is ideal for non-Retina macOS UI. For Retina UI, stick to 5k at 27" or 4k at 21.5" (or, look for a DPI of around 218 PPI).
I’ve never noticed any UI issues with my 27” 4k monitor on macOS. I also usually notice little issues like that. So while 5k is probably better, I personally don’t think I’m missing out on much. At least, I wouldn’t say 5k is an absolute requirement to enjoy higher DPI. The price difference is pretty big too, with solid 27” 4k monitors around half the price of 5k.
One monitor missing from his list is the Benq PD3220U that hits all of his main criteria although it is fixed at 60Hz so doesn't match all his secondary ones (and isn't cheap).
I have similar requirements to the OP and got this monitor back in March just before everyone started working remotely. I've had no problems with it, and have been pleased with the choice. The separate control unit which can be configured to use the hardware buttons for KVM switching is a small thing but particularly nice to have.
The KVM takes a second or two to switch, and it'd be nice if it would do it (near) instantly. I'm not sure if its firmware is updatable - it's plugged into a Linux machine where I can't run their software or a locked down Windows machine where I'm not allowed to run their software. There's nothing on their website to suggest there are updates I'm missing out on though.
I upgraded to this setup just a few weeks ago with a MacBook Air M1 and a LG 27UK850-W 27" 4K (a monitor with a USB Hub, USB-C, and 60W charging built in). Really liking it so far.
I don’t like dual monitors either, but at my desk I basically just ignore the MBP screen and use it like I’m on a desktop with a single display. (I don’t close the lid for thermal reason, but I imagine I wouldn’t worry about that once I’m on an ARM Mac.)
I also find it a source of distraction in that the other monitor that I’m not currently working on disperses bright lights out of the corner of my eyes constantly vying for my attention
The Apple XDR 6k is nice but isn't compatible in a PC+Macbook setup as it only has a USB-C input. No ability to connect a PC if you're already using the USB-C for a MacBook.
For LG monitors, the business version, when available, is identical hardware but with a longer warranty, often for about the same price. But, you can't trust their listed specs if they differ from the consumer model.
For example, the 34BK95U-W is identical to the 34WK95U-W except for the longer warranty. However, LG's website claimed the B varraint supported a 75hz refresh rate when I got it, but it only supports 60hz, same as the consumer model.
Similarly, LG's 43MU79-B only supports 7.5W of power output on the USB-C port despite https://www.lg.com/us/business/desktop-monitors/lg-43MU79-Bstill claiming it supports "60W PD". In reality, it's identical to the 43UD79-B. (I notified them of this over a year ago, but they don't seem to care enough to correct it.)
Shit like that makes me want to avoid LG entirely.
Earlier in the year I was searching for a monitor that I could use to switch between my work-supplied MacBook 16 and my gaming PC (Nvidia 1080-based). I decided to go with the Acer XV273K (27", 4K, 120Hz).
This monitor has some things that make it a nice thing to share. It has 2 DisplayPorts and 2 HDMI connections for lots of connectivity.
I am currently using the 2 DP connections, one for MacBook, one for PC. The PC runs it a 4K 120Hz just fine and the MacBook is running it at 4K 60Hz. I haven't been able to get the MB to run at higher than 60Hz, unfortunately. I am using a usb-C to DP dongle from BENFEI. Maybe a different cable would help?
I have the Mac set to scale the desktop rez to 5K screen space, which works fine. It is clearly not as hi-rez as a natvie 5K display, but it looks pretty darn good to me. Much better than a 1440p monitor.
I have had not problems at all with this setup and highly recommend it
There have been rumors for years that MS is working on a standalone surface studio monitor. Fingers crossed that now with HDMI 2.1 it will become a feasible project. Until recently, you would need DP 1.4 to push that many pixels, and unfortunately that connector was not abundant. HDMI 2.1 seems to be the standard that every panel manufacturer is pushing for high resolutions.
I have an old Dell U2713HM, but text looks terrible on it when connected to my MBP. It looks fine with other computers running Windows or Linux, but not with the MBP for whatever reason. I already tried all the configuration changes suggested in various places around the Internet, but it doesn't make any difference. Is it possible it could be because I'm using a DisplayPort to USB-C adapter?
I'm looking at buying a new monitor to get past the problems with my old one. The ViewSonic VP2771, but I can't find it in stock anywhere close to me. Does anyone have a suggestion a similar product? 1440p, 27", USB-C, specifically for use with a MBP.
I’ve seen this with my 2410U on hdmi. It had to do with the colour being send being in ~~cymk~~ YPbPr instead of rgb which makes the display think it is acting as a TV and applies some smart stuff. This is fixable with a monitor profile but I do not have link ready.
You may try adjusting the font smoothing configuration in MacOS. It used to be in System Preferences > General but since the Big Sur release it has been removed from there. Setting it in the terminal seems to continue to work
I have the HP Z27 which I love for its one cable capabilities (it also works great as a hub) but I'm not gaming on the PC side, so I have no need for high hertz or 1440p.
It's pretty surprising how (AFAIK) macOS still doesn't support adaptive sync displays, that kind of visual polish seems like the kind of thing Apple would jump on.
Does any third-party GPU that Apple uses even support adaptive sync on the Windows side? Because the recent iPads have adaptive sync technology, using a complete Apple stack from GPU hardware to iOS software.
After using an LG 4k (one of the very popular ones, 27 inch) for two-three years I started getting red burn-in on the corners of the screen (1 cm width).
Switched to the Dell 4k one for now and liking it so far.
Built-in KVM is amazing. External KVMs are ridiculously expensive. Especially if you want powered USB-C and adaptive sync. If it even exists, you're probably talking at least $1,000.
I ended up getting a KVM in the middle - it’s more cables but I have a 144Hz gsync screen and I can easily swap kB+m+screen with a dedicated, hardware button
What KVM are you using that has gsync and 144Hz support? I couldn't find one last time I looked. I'm running an Alienware 3418DW and have video switching through the monitor and a separate USB 3.0 switch.
[+] [-] nlh|5 years ago|reply
The only monitor out there that would be an "upgrade" for me currently is the Apple 6K, which is far far into absurd-level purchase category.
Dell has an 8K out there (UP3218K) which, at a scant $4000, looks to only slightly less crazy than the Apple 6K @ $5000 (plus stand!).
It's a bit sad there are so few choices for us HiDPI addicts. Anything else out there I'm missing?
[+] [-] kmike84|5 years ago|reply
I have a non-retina imac 27 (1440p), external LG 27" 4K USB-C monitor and a macbook pro 13 with a real "retina", and use them all regularly.
For my eyes, scaling works fine with 4K - font rendering is significantly better than on 1440p imac.
13" screen on macbook pro is even better, and 5K 27" would be perfect, but that's a different price point. I'm quite happy with the improvement from 1440p => "4K with scaling" transition, and won't consider buying 1440p in future.
Scaled 4K may be not the best for high precision design work, but for development tasks / text reading that's an improvement, in my experience.
[+] [-] 6a74|5 years ago|reply
[1] https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/
[+] [-] Shank|5 years ago|reply
At least to my eyes, my Dell U2715H with EDID override looks worse at 1440p than my LG 27UL850-W. I'd prefer to have a 2x scale factor, but at 1.5x, I can't see scaling artifacts or I'm used to them for still text. My poor GPU can't handle this though, so all motion and movement is terrible, and thus, I can't distinguish "shimmering" from just regular poor performance.
I'm really bothered that Apple sells an LG 5K display for the price they sell it at. Pro display XDR is joke-tier pricing for a developer. Even the 5K display is too expensive. The Ilyama 5K (XB2779QQS) was sold at the $999 price point, which actually kinda makes sense, but it's gone.
So practically speaking, either shell out $1,200+ for a good display or settle non-ideal retina or 1x.
[+] [-] sgt101|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] 6a74|5 years ago|reply
Pros:
* Larger 38" screen
* 90w charging
* Thunderbolt 3 (like USB-C but better)
* 144hz refresh rate
* 1ms response rate
And current generation MacBooks only support one external monitor, so two 27" 1440p monitors should not be recommended. And there are methods to having more monitors, but they require additional hardware and do not always work well.
Cons:
* Hard to acquire (out-of-stock everywhere)
* Very expensive ($1,500+)
* Cannot natively control brightness & sound via keyboard like other LG monitors, but software [2] can add this feature. Though, this is currently broken for all M1 Macs.
* Does not support True Tone
Read a review [3] for more information.
[1] https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-38wn95c-w-ultrawide-monito...
[2] https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl/issues/323
[3] https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/lg/38wn95c-w
[+] [-] wmf|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] agurk|5 years ago|reply
My monitor supports Thunderbolt 3 daisy chaining - Connecting a thunderbolt 3 upstream port to the input of the 2nd monitor. Do you know if two monitors setup this way would work with a MacBook?
[+] [-] yeahgoodok|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] hokumguru|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] eyelidlessness|5 years ago|reply
On a lark, last year I bought a 42.5@2160 (4k)[2], with the intention of using it primarily for tv/movies at that size, not knowing whether it would be suitable for work. But at 1x it’s nearly the same DPI as the 27@1440 so I have it a shot.
And at first the only way I could describe it was “comically large” and “probably a mistake”. For work, I only used the bottom half of the screen.
After a move, I changed my setup a bit, with the comically large screen set lower on my desk. This improved my viewing angle so much that I’m able to use the full vertical range of the screen (though it’s still so side that I treat the rightmost 20% or so as mostly a dead zone). Now I don’t know how I’d work with a smaller screen. That much vertical space is a godsend for dev, leaving tons of room for editor & debugger, or browser & dev tools.
It’s probably not for everyone, but for folks with a little disposable income and who might imagine finding the 27@1440 a little cramped, I recommend giving it a try!
[1]: Samsung S27A850D, with a PLS panel, which at the time was an interesting IPS alternative for me. I do realize that a high quality panel somewhat undermines my “see what the world sees” goal, but frankly my eyes and brain hate TN panels.
[2]: LG 43UD79-B, this time IPS, and I honestly can’t tell a difference in the panel quality.
[+] [-] wmf|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] yeahgoodok|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] yangl1996|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] noahtallen|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] agurk|5 years ago|reply
I have similar requirements to the OP and got this monitor back in March just before everyone started working remotely. I've had no problems with it, and have been pleased with the choice. The separate control unit which can be configured to use the hardware buttons for KVM switching is a small thing but particularly nice to have.
The KVM takes a second or two to switch, and it'd be nice if it would do it (near) instantly. I'm not sure if its firmware is updatable - it's plugged into a Linux machine where I can't run their software or a locked down Windows machine where I'm not allowed to run their software. There's nothing on their website to suggest there are updates I'm missing out on though.
[+] [-] yeahgoodok|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] gjsman-1000|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] hartator|5 years ago|reply
If you have the money, the Apple XDR 6k is super nice to code on.
[+] [-] eyelidlessness|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jingw222|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] yeahgoodok|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] unknown|5 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] nfriedly|5 years ago|reply
For example, the 34BK95U-W is identical to the 34WK95U-W except for the longer warranty. However, LG's website claimed the B varraint supported a 75hz refresh rate when I got it, but it only supports 60hz, same as the consumer model.
Similarly, LG's 43MU79-B only supports 7.5W of power output on the USB-C port despite https://www.lg.com/us/business/desktop-monitors/lg-43MU79-B still claiming it supports "60W PD". In reality, it's identical to the 43UD79-B. (I notified them of this over a year ago, but they don't seem to care enough to correct it.)
Shit like that makes me want to avoid LG entirely.
[+] [-] eludwig|5 years ago|reply
This monitor has some things that make it a nice thing to share. It has 2 DisplayPorts and 2 HDMI connections for lots of connectivity.
I am currently using the 2 DP connections, one for MacBook, one for PC. The PC runs it a 4K 120Hz just fine and the MacBook is running it at 4K 60Hz. I haven't been able to get the MB to run at higher than 60Hz, unfortunately. I am using a usb-C to DP dongle from BENFEI. Maybe a different cable would help?
I have the Mac set to scale the desktop rez to 5K screen space, which works fine. It is clearly not as hi-rez as a natvie 5K display, but it looks pretty darn good to me. Much better than a 1440p monitor.
I have had not problems at all with this setup and highly recommend it
[+] [-] yeahgoodok|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] yarcob|5 years ago|reply
It's a 28" 3:2 monitor, resolution is 4500x3000.
Text is crisp, images are perfect, there's lots of vertical space. As an additional gimmick it has touch input and comes with a stylus.
I wish that monitor was available as an external monitor.
[+] [-] whatever1|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] insertnickname|5 years ago|reply
I'm looking at buying a new monitor to get past the problems with my old one. The ViewSonic VP2771, but I can't find it in stock anywhere close to me. Does anyone have a suggestion a similar product? 1440p, 27", USB-C, specifically for use with a MBP.
[+] [-] spockz|5 years ago|reply
Edit: found the link: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250732856
[+] [-] ohm|5 years ago|reply
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/guide-fixing-external-m...
[+] [-] videlov|5 years ago|reply
defaults -currentHost write -g AppleFontSmoothing -int 0
[+] [-] philistine|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] yeahgoodok|5 years ago|reply
It also doesn't appear to have an upstream USB-B port. How are you dealing with it?
[+] [-] jsheard|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] philistine|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] unknown|5 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] dontwanttoreg|5 years ago|reply
I use LG55C9 as my main display. 4K oled 120hz gsync. Absolutely gorgeous.
Will change it in few years if ghosting become a problem. 8k oled is coming soon anyway.
Cons : had to disable auto dimming in firmware.
[+] [-] cube2222|5 years ago|reply
Switched to the Dell 4k one for now and liking it so far.
[+] [-] dfee|5 years ago|reply
I’ve been thinking a bit about a setup like this, but there are enough gotchas to prevent me from making a decision.
[+] [-] yeahgoodok|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] wmf|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] uncledave|5 years ago|reply
5k would be better but it’s good enough and pretty damn cheap. And it’s not 1440p which just isn’t good enough now.
[+] [-] yeahgoodok|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] xchaotic|5 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jsheard|5 years ago|reply
Level1Techs sells a few KVMs that can do it but they're not cheap
[+] [-] RobertLong|5 years ago|reply