Best Monitor for New Mini

[petercw2]

Similarly, I'm looking to replace a 2011 27" iMac, and was waiting for the new ones and now that they're here I'm back to wondering if I should just do a loaded Mini and hook it up to a 42" 4k/HDR display, not monitor. Vizio, TCL and others make perfectly good, high performing models that are way less expense (per screen size).

I currently have a 2nd monitor hooked to my iMac so I can have utility programs running off to the side, but I'd really like to clean up my desk and hanging a single big display on the wall 18" in front of me seems to be a good solve, but I realize this is going to become an issue of DPI.

2011 27" iMac - 109
2019 27" iMac - 208
42" 4K display - 102

Now, I get that the new iMac is going to blow away the others, but it is limited to a 27" screen.
But I'm pretty happy with my current 109dpi and I wonder if I'll even see the difference to 102 (especially because it'll sit about 6" further away than my iMac does now.. .

So, is there other reasons, like: can the mini appropriately run multiple windows on a 43" screen like this?

If there are users here that have tried this route, I'd love to hear from you - good or bad.

 

[IngerMan]

Similarly, I'm looking to replace a 2011 27" iMac, and was waiting for the new ones and now that they're here I'm back to wondering if I should just do a loaded Mini and hook it up to a 42" 4k/HDR display, not monitor. Vizio, TCL and others make perfectly good, high performing models that are way less expense (per screen size).

I currently have a 2nd monitor hooked to my iMac so I can have utility programs running off to the side, but I'd really like to clean up my desk and hanging a single big display on the wall 18" in front of me seems to be a good solve, but I realize this is going to become an issue of DPI.

2011 27" iMac - 109
2019 27" iMac - 208
42" 4K display - 102

Now, I get that the new iMac is going to blow away the others, but it is limited to a 27" screen.
But I'm pretty happy with my current 109dpi and I wonder if I'll even see the difference to 102 (especially because it'll sit about 6" further away than my iMac does now.. .

So, is there other reasons, like: can the mini appropriately run multiple windows on a 43" screen like this?

If there are users here that have tried this route, I'd love to hear from you - good or bad.

If your happy with your 109dpi then I would think it will be just as good with the 102dpi. It is hard to beat the iMac screen and doubt you can at this time with a Mini.

I have a 38" 111dpi and I am pretty happy with it. Love the size, I like putting up 3 full docs for work. Is it as crisp as my 2015 27" iMac, nope. But its pretty good and I will take the Realestate over the crispness of text.

And when cheaper 5K or even 6K comes I have the option of changing.

It seems like a smart idea to go the cheaper 4K route, I went with the $900 version and going back I wish I would have done a $500 version because the screen quality is probably comparable. I did pay for the build quality and this stand and setup with adjustment is top notch.

 

[gusping]

Hi. I'm gonna buy a Mac Mini i5/512Go/16Go (my old 2010 iMac is sooooo old), and i need a monitor.

I only want native resolution (no eGPU, everything has to be smooth, no scaled-down res)
So, just to be sure, this 3 choices are good ?

- a 21 Monitor 1080p
- or a 27 Monitor 1440p
- or a 32 Monitor 4k

... Am I right ??

I have a 27" 4K monitor in 'looks like 1080p' mode (aka 2x scaling) and it's perfect. No complaints from me.

 

[topmounter]

I just read through all 28 pages and man my mind is shot. Right now I have an 2009 24in imac at 1920x1200. My plan was to wait for imac refresh before deciding on mac mini or imac but the refresh imo sucks and the mac mini i7 will outperform most of the new imacs.

Now the problem lies with a monitor. I'm so confused over this ppi and screen resolution and scaling. If I'm correct from reading all of this a 27in 2560x1440 is the best overall option, but will lack the sharpness I'm seeking right? If i want sharpness on a 27in i will have to go with 3840x2160 or is a 27in 2560x1440 with a high ppi the way to go? high ppi as in 163-200?

i realize the 3840x2160 will make the font smaller but that would increase the sharpness right?

I'm in a similar situation. I have a 'Late 2013' 27" iMac (pre-5k). To date, I've been happy w/ 1440p on a 27" panel. My second display is an Asus MG279 (27" 1440p IPS) that is also the primary display for my Win10 PC. I could replace the iMac /w the new Mac Mini and buy a 2nd MG279, but that ends up being 2019 iMac territory... minus the nice 5K display and GPU.

I'm leary of pairing the new Mac Mini w/ a 4K monitor in HiDPI at 1440p resolution... and adding my second display, even with it running at 1440p native.

The 27" 5k Ultrafine while seemingly addressing the performance concerns (1440p HiDPI scaling is presumably more efficient), is not only expensive, but only has a single input. It's not clear how this monitor would perform in conjunction with a 1440p native second display, but I'm guessing ok (or at least better than the above configuration).

Adding an eGPU to a Mini is an option, but it's neither elegant (form factor, active cooling, power), nor inexpensive and this combination underperforms the iMac to boot.

While it might fit on my desktop in a physical sense, I'm afraid the native 4k desktop resolution of a 32" 4k monitor would be too small and I know from experience that I wouldn't be happy running a 32" monitor at 1440p.

As much as I'd like separate the CPU and monitor, I'm having a hard time rationalizing anything other than replacing my current iMac with another iMac.

 

[Jacobi]

I have a 27" 4K monitor in 'looks like 1080p' mode (aka 2x scaling) and it's perfect. No complaints from me.

Which monitor do you use for that, Gusping? And is this a setting within the monitor itself, or on macos, to do the 2x scaling mode? Can any 27 inch 4k monitor be used in this way?

 

[milescortez]

If your happy with your 109dpi then I would think it will be just as good with the 102dpi. It is hard to beat the iMac screen and doubt you can at this time with a Mini.

I have a 38" 111dpi and I am pretty happy with it. Love the size, I like putting up 3 full docs for work. Is it as crisp as my 2015 27" iMac, nope. But its pretty good and I will take the Realestate over the crispness of text.

And when cheaper 5K or even 6K comes I have the option of changing.

It seems like a smart idea to go the cheaper 4K route, I went with the $900 version and going back I wish I would have done a $500 version because the screen quality is probably comparable. I did pay for the build quality and this stand and setup with adjustment is top notch.

So you're the guy I want to talk to. I am coming from a quad core mac mini 2012 with a thunderbolt 1 27 inch apple display (2560 x 1440) with Intel HD Graphics 4000 1536 MB graphics. I was leaning toward the Dell 3818 for $900 at Amazon. I like the idea of the 38inch screen for real estate and side by side apps for productivity but I don't want to compromise on text quality. I don't watch movies or do gaming on this device. Straight home-office jockey. I think this Dell will be awesome relatively speaking because I'm not coming from a 27 inch 4k or 5k display---right?

My needs:
-1 monitor --if I am working with one app I want to look at it straight on.
-38 inch or bigger I thought maybe 34 but I think 2 or 3 apps side by side is too small on a 34.
-Probably curved but not 100% necessary
-I was thinking I need Thunderbolt but I don't think I need it.

So given your experience with the Dell 3818 and knowing my needs (sound similar to yours) what would you buy today?

 

[IngerMan]

So you're the guy I want to talk to. I am coming from a quad core mac mini 2012 with a thunderbolt 1 27 inch apple display (2560 x 1440) with Intel HD Graphics 4000 1536 MB graphics. I was leaning toward the Dell 3818 for $900 at Amazon. I like the idea of the 38inch screen for real estate and side by side apps for productivity but I don't want to compromise on text quality. I don't watch movies or do gaming on this device. Straight home-office jockey. I think this Dell will be awesome relatively speaking because I'm not coming from a 27 inch 4k or 5k display---right?

My needs:
-1 monitor --if I am working with one app I want to look at it straight on.
-38 inch or bigger I thought maybe 34 but I think 2 or 3 apps side by side is too small on a 34.
-Probably curved but not 100% necessary
-I was thinking I need Thunderbolt but I don't think I need it.

So given your experience with the Dell 3818 and knowing my needs (sound similar to yours) what would you buy today?

Good Question. It's not apples to apples comparing 3rd Party monitors to the iMac or 27" Apple display.

I think a big difference in viewing is the Dell has a matte display vs Glossy Apple displays. Glossy looks a little cleaner. Apple is one of the few Glossy displays around.

The 5K was definitely more crisp text. But after a few months of usage I think the text is very good and I forgot how good it was on the 5k.

I am happy with the monitor after a few months usage. I like having 3 apps open full size. I really like the solid stand tilt and rotate. I use it almost daily to watch a TV program while I exercise off on the corner of the room. Watching TV displays like its a 32" Monitor but gaming is the full view.

I don't regret my decision to buy this. There are so many good choices it makes it very hard to decide which one is right for you.....

 

[TonyK]

My wife has a 32" 4K LG monitor connected by Thunderbolt 3 and I have a 34" 5K LG wide monitor, also connected by Thunderbolt 3. My wife's is set to be scaled and it is using the largest text possible. It is very clear and easy to read for her. She has severe visual issues.

My own setup is to default and I absolutely love the 34" wide 5K monitor.

We purchased our monitors from B&H Photo, if that is an option for people.

 

[adamk77]

 

 

[rhildinger]

I'm leary of pairing the new Mac Mini w/ a 4K monitor in HiDPI at 1440p resolution... and adding my second display, even with it running at 1440p native.
....
While it might fit on my desktop in a physical sense, I'm afraid the native 4k desktop resolution of a 32" 4k monitor would be too small and I know from experience that I wouldn't be happy running a 32" monitor at 1440p.

I'm curious - why you are leary of running a 4K monitor on the mac mini at 1440p? I've been running both 27" and 32" 4K monitors at 1440p in mac os for years now, and it's been great. The visual difference between 4K and 5K monitors scaled at 1440p is minor, in my opinion. Text with scaled 1440p is still extra sharp and much more pleasant to read than native 1440p...

Or is the problem the perceived performance difference when running scaled 1440p on the mac mini due to its weak igpu?

 

[toke lahti]

My wife has a 32" 4K LG monitor connected by Thunderbolt 3 and I have a 34" 5K LG wide monitor, also connected by Thunderbolt 3. My wife's is set to be scaled and it is using the largest text possible. It is very clear and easy to read for her. She has severe visual issues.

My own setup is to default and I absolutely love the 34" wide 5K monitor.

We purchased our monitors from B&H Photo, if that is an option for people.

You are using lg34wk95u?
And have no issues waking the display when mini wakes up?
Have you installed lg’s sw Onscreen Control?
If you have, care to tell what fw your display has?
I don’t know the shortcut to engineering menu, so the sw is the only way to check the fw...

 

[TonyK]

You are using lg34wk95u?
And have no issues waking the display when mini wakes up?
Have you installed lg’s sw Onscreen Control?
If you have, care to tell what fw your display has?
I don’t know the shortcut to engineering menu, so the sw is the only way to check the fw...

My mini, like my MP it replaced, is not allowed to sleep. I don't keep it on 24/7 either. It is on for the duration I need it. Some weekends It will be on 24/7 for a day or two and then off during the work week.

Have not installed anything else. Monitor is as it came out of the box. No issues so far. Running 10.14.4 macOS on a 2018 MM.

Where do I find firmware information? Looked through the display menu and did not find it.

Before someone asks, NO, I'm not going to set my MM to sleep because it does not suit me. My setup works and I don't tempt the gods, not when it does not benefit me.

 

[Nhwhazup]

I'm not a fan of flickering LED monitors, so I personally would go with one of the flicker-free monitors from Viewsonic.

Love Viewsonic monitors.

 

[toke lahti]

My mini, like my MP it replaced, is not allowed to sleep. I don't keep it on 24/7 either. It is on for the duration I need it. Some weekends It will be on 24/7 for a day or two and then off during the work week.

Have not installed anything else. Monitor is as it came out of the box. No issues so far. Running 10.14.4 macOS on a 2018 MM.

Where do I find firmware information? Looked through the display menu and did not find it.

Before someone asks, NO, I'm not going to set my MM to sleep because it does not suit me. My setup works and I don't tempt the gods, not when it does not benefit me.

You need to install that software from LG to see the fw version.
But newermind, since the issue is about sleeping.

 

[SR 7]

You need to install that software from LG to see the fw version.
But newermind, since the issue is about sleeping.

I have been thinking about getting an iMac lately but I just thought I can get an external monitor and use that with my Late 2013 Macbook Pro.

I remember doing this a long time ago and sometimes it was grainy or the screen wasn't smooth/fluid, as if the monitor dragged the performance of my Macbook. I can't recall if it was on this Macbook or my Late 2009.

Any feedback on how my Late 13' would perform with an external monitor?
I am looking for a cheap one, under $150...any recommendations? and do I need any adaptors to connect to the monitor?

 

[LanTao]

I have been thinking about getting an iMac lately but I just thought I can get an external monitor and use that with my Late 2013 Macbook Pro.

I remember doing this a long time ago and sometimes it was grainy or the screen wasn't smooth/fluid, as if the monitor dragged the performance of my Macbook. I can't recall if it was on this Macbook or my Late 2009.

Any feedback on how my Late 13' would perform with an external monitor?
I am looking for a cheap one, under $150...any recommendations? and do I need any adaptors to connect to the monitor?

I regularly use external keyboards and monitors with my 2013 MBP using a DisplayPort cable or a miniDP to DVI dongle. I can't in good conscience recommend going as cheap as you mentioned for something you may spend a lot of time looking at. e.g. Dell UltraSharp monitors are a small step up in price but it's hard to go wrong with them. Just make sure you're clear on your requirements (DPI, adjustable stand), the rest is usually accounted for (IPS panel, DisplayPort input, USB hub).

Generally the performance with an external monitor may be better than native since external monitors will have fewer pixels due to being limited to DisplayPort 1.1, so the GPU won't have to work as hard doing scaling.

 

[TonyK]

I've connected a MBP 2015 15" to a 32" monitor via HDMI and a dongle with no issues.

 

[tagumcity]

I'm using two dell ultra hd 4k monitors p2415q connected with the thunderbolt 3 ports, and a dell u2312hm connected with the hdmi (I'm ordering a 3rd 4k monitor). At work I have two 30 inch monitors which work well for reviewing maps, but for home use I prefer the 24 inch monitor size.

 

[Hexley1]

Has anyone looked at ultrawide monitors? I currently have a Dell S2719DM which is a 2560x1440 IPS panel, and I like it. Before this I had a 2010 iMac with the same resolution. I am kind of liking the idea of a 34" ultrawide and am wondering if anyone has any experiences driving one with the mini.

What color mode are you running the Dell S2719DM? RGB doesn't seem to work for me using the S2719DM. The image goes purple when in RGB mode.

 

[canopic]

TLDR, none, there are no good monitors.

 

[ivnj]

I got one of these form Costco yesterday. It has 2 HDMI and 1 vga. Its super huge and bright picture. Its 20 dollars off right now through the 21st.

https://www.costco.com/Dell-SE2417HG-24"-Class-Full-HD-Monitor.product.100492180.html

 

[HeavyMantra]

TLDR, none, there are no good monitors.

Honestly, finding a monitor that feels like a good fit is way harder than I thought... Have only used Macbooks until now so I knew nothing about monitors.

Well, the only thing uglier than an Ultrafine is an iMac so there's that I suppose.

 

[Ploki]

i'm so disappointed they changed the Ultrafine 4K, i was essentially planning to buy another one - now i will need a used one.

 

[golfpan]

FWIW, I just got the LG 32UL950-W, and I love it. It scales really well to a lot of different resolutions, has great color in DCI-P3 mode, and it's big enough that I can sit about 3 feet away and see everything very comfortably. I switched from an ASUS PB258Q and my first thought on turning this LG on is that it's beautiful. I haven't had any of the issues a few people mention yet (IPS and PWM), and I love this thing. My only issue is that at maximum brightness it is BLINDING so I have it around 40% right now.

 

[LiE_]

i'm so disappointed they changed the Ultrafine 4K, i was essentially planning to buy another one - now i will need a used one.

I was disappointment at first but having used the new 23.7 UF I have to say I’m impressed.