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Buying a display
- Thread starter zoran
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Most reviews are split into size categories, so you get 23-25", then 27-28", then 30" and beyond. If you're doubting between 27" or smaller, you should know this: there is only 1 4K screen smaller than 27". Despite the price, it seems to have a very good panel. So if you want 4K, it's either this and some DIY calibration (you said you're creative) or a 27" screen.
As for 27", I've used and really liked Dell, BenQ and LG. Usually, the more you pay, the better the panel and the more calibrated it comes out of the box. The Dell UltraSharp series is pretty good. You can get the U2720Q or the UP2720Q, where the "UP" version is "better". I personally wouldn't bother and save a pretty penny by getting just the U.
If you want a screen that's not 16:9, you can go either wider, or there is exactly 1 option that is taller (the Huawei Mateview, which is 3:2).
Aside from display quality, you should also think about the stand (do you need to rotate it or adjust the height, or are you going to mount it with VESA) and whether you want it with USB-C (hub/dock integrated? power delivery - how many Watts?). And then there's built-in speakers, which I don't care about, but some do.
As for 27", I've used and really liked Dell, BenQ and LG. Usually, the more you pay, the better the panel and the more calibrated it comes out of the box. The Dell UltraSharp series is pretty good. You can get the U2720Q or the UP2720Q, where the "UP" version is "better". I personally wouldn't bother and save a pretty penny by getting just the U.
If you want a screen that's not 16:9, you can go either wider, or there is exactly 1 option that is taller (the Huawei Mateview, which is 3:2).
Aside from display quality, you should also think about the stand (do you need to rotate it or adjust the height, or are you going to mount it with VESA) and whether you want it with USB-C (hub/dock integrated? power delivery - how many Watts?). And then there's built-in speakers, which I don't care about, but some do.
Hi #PeterJP before i wrote this thread, i was actually considering about the 27" Dell U2719D. Now that you made your suggestions, im kinda mixed up. Nor can i find a comparison between the 27" Dell U2719D and the Dell UP2720D.
All i can see, is that they do have a considerable price difference, the expensive is 4K and has HDR, but other than that i cant find anything more.
All i can see, is that they do have a considerable price difference, the expensive is 4K and has HDR, but other than that i cant find anything more.
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Thanks but by saying "Text" is kinda vague... u mean text typed in app layouts? in app menus? what exactly do u mean?
What matters is pixel density. Retina, 4K - that's just marketing blurb. A 27" 4K monitor has 163 ppi, Retina displays have between 215 and 227 ppi (on Macs). The higher the ppi, the better. Both monitors have sufficient pixel density, however, to make macOS use HiDPI modes which have much better text rendering than non-HiDPI modes. That's what matters.
It depends. If, for instance, your primary goal is to have a pixel density that rivals Apple's Retina Displays, your only choices are:
- 21.5" LG UltraFine 4K (discontinued)
- 27" LG UltraFine 5K
- 32" Apple Pro Display XDR 6K
As stated higher, 27'' 4k pannels have a lower ppi than retina screens, I found this detail to be offset by the fact that you (most likely) won't stare at your monitors from as close as you would your phone or laptop.
Dell uses a very simple naming scheme. U or UP are Ultrafine or (I guess) Ultrafine Pro. The UP is double the price of the U.
The next two digits are the size (24, 27, ...). The two digits after that are the release year. So the U2719D was released the year before the UP2720D. That's two reasons why the UP is more expensive: it's also more recent.
I personally see no reason to buy a UP version except if you're a pro photographer.
The LGs mentioned are also good. I have an LG 27UL650 (I think) 4K monitor and the higher pixel density is quite enjoyable. I can't comment on the colour accuracy vs the Dell, I'd have to see them side by side to compare.
The LG, though, starts flickering when used with my M1 mini. Switching to HDR solves it. It seems to be a problem of the M1.
I have been using two LG 27UL550-W that I could see myself using for a lifetime (so long the input methods don't get deprecated too quickly) I can't inform you on the specifics of the different models and their differences but I found the ability to rotate and height adjust essential (my desk not being suited for clamp type arms).
my two cents are: If you can afford 4k, go for it, you will never regret it. As for higher resolutions, the market has not really matured enough to make these panels affordable and the returns are slowing down bigtime (considering you may end up paying 2x to 10x {that sweet pro display XDR})
my two cents are: If you can afford 4k, go for it, you will never regret it. As for higher resolutions, the market has not really matured enough to make these panels affordable and the returns are slowing down bigtime (considering you may end up paying 2x to 10x {that sweet pro display XDR})
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I see you're also a fan of that greatest of novels, Lorem Ipsum ??
Yeah, 4k is much better at 2560x1440 than 2560/1440 itself. I love my LG as well. On the M1, you can only scale the monitor connected via DP to a resolution higher than 2560, not the HDMI one. If I would get two screens, that may be of importance.
I wish there were more (and more affordable) current 27" 5120×2880 options. The difference between that running at pixel-perfect 2560×1440 and a 27" 3840×2160 monitor scaled to 2560×1440 is like night and day to my eyes.
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