Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

tt4442

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 25, 2017
12
3
Hi,

I have experience using a 23.8" lenovo monitor with 2560x1440 (123.41 DPI) resolution on my mac. This resolution is great, but text is too small and apple gives no option to scale text.

So I am thinking of purchasing a 27" with 2560x1440 (108.79 DPI) and that should solve problem, due to lower DPI.

Issue is, I've noticed there's a better selection of 4k monitors (3840x2160) at 27" (163.18 DPI), which leads me onto my question:

Does macOS give option (system preferences > displays) to make text larger on 4k 27" monitor? Because if not, text is going to be incredibly small! (163.18 DPI).

Thanks


Note, dpi calculator using: http://pxcalc.com/
 

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
28,562
12,684
If you find text too small on a 24" display @1440p (2560x1440), then I suggest you look for a larger form-factor display, but with the same resolution (1440p).

There are several 32" displays out there now with native 1440p.
These are what I'd be looking at.

Here's a useful page to check:
Comprehensive List of S-IPS/H-IPS/e-IPS and other IPS Based LCD Monitors

Personal experience:
I'm older and my vision isn't what it once was.
I -prefer- a display with larger pixels -- right now I'm using a 27" display @1080p and it's fine.
For me, the "clarity" isn't so much an issue -- it's SIZE. If the text is too small, I can't make it out, regardless of how "clear" it might be.
Pixel size on a 27" 1080p display is about .31mm

By comparison, pixel size on a 27" display @1440p would be .23mm
Pixel size on a 32" 1440p display would be .28

A useful page to keep in your archives:
https://www.sven.de/dpi/
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rok73

Agent OrangeZ

macrumors 68040
Mar 17, 2010
3,016
3,015
Planet Earth
If you find text too small on a 24" display @1440p (2560x1440), then I suggest you look for a larger form-factor display, but with the same resolution (1440p).

There are several 32" displays out there now with native 1440p.
These are what I'd be looking at.

Here's a useful page to check:
Comprehensive List of S-IPS/H-IPS/e-IPS and other IPS Based LCD Monitors

Personal experience:
I'm older and my vision isn't what it once was.
I -prefer- a display with larger pixels -- right now I'm using a 27" display @1080p and it's fine.
For me, the "clarity" isn't so much an issue -- it's SIZE. If the text is too small, I can't make it out, regardless of how "clear" it might be.
Pixel size on a 27" 1080p display is about .31mm

By comparison, pixel size on a 27" display @1440p would be .23mm
Pixel size on a 32" 1440p display would be .28

A useful page to keep in your archives:
https://www.sven.de/dpi/

Thanks for the mention. I appreciate it.
 

tt4442

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 25, 2017
12
3
Thanks for your reply.

Macos provides the ability to scale the UI for larger resolutions (see below), but this doesn't show on my 2560x1440. Does anyone know why it wouldn't give me the option?

Thanks.

zhk9P.jpg
 

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
28,562
12,684
"Macos provides the ability to scale the UI for larger resolutions (see below), but this doesn't show on my 2560x1440. Does anyone know why it wouldn't give me the option?"

I could be wrong about this, but isn't the "retina" version of 2560x1440 actually 5k?

You're not going to be offered this on a 1440p display, because it's not a retina-capable display.
 

tt4442

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 25, 2017
12
3
"Macos provides the ability to scale the UI for larger resolutions (see below), but this doesn't show on my 2560x1440. Does anyone know why it wouldn't give me the option?"

I could be wrong about this, but isn't the "retina" version of 2560x1440 actually 5k?

You're not going to be offered this on a 1440p display, because it's not a retina-capable display.
OK if that's the case, then liek you say, I'd need 3440x1440 for it to show those scaling options. But would like it confirmed..
 

matt2053

macrumors 6502a
Jul 8, 2012
553
102
Folks here are missing the point.

Due to retina pixel doubling, text is actually LARGER on a 4k 27" monitor, than it is on a 1440p 24" monitor.

OP, your concern is not really going to be a problem.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.