27" too big?

[Kissaragi]

Well i got my 27" i5 imac today and amazingly its in perfect condition.

Im finding the 27" screen a lot to take in though. Has anyone else felt uncomfortable using the 27" at first? do you get used to it quickly? I was happy with my old 20" screen and only really went for the 27 for the internal specs.

[donster28]

You'll get used to it. It will eventually feel normal at some point in time.

Just be happy you have a perfect iMac. I'm one of the unlucky ones...I'm on my 5th in-store replacement tonight. :(

I suggest leaning back a bit further for now. :)

[The General]

Once you get used to it, you'll never go back to a smaller screen.

[lionheartednyhc]

Must. Resist....


ah, I cant.
THATS WHAT SHE SAID!

[lexvo]

Before I bought my 27" I was wondering too if it would be too big (I had a PC with 17" screen).

But I got used to it very quickly. It is also the first screen on which I don't open applications 100% screen size anymore.

[wildbill]

Must. Resist....


ah, I cant.
THATS WHAT SHE SAID!

Man you beat me to it :)

Mine is set to arrive next week. I am worried that 27 inches is going to be too big, but I wanted the quad core chip, and 27 is the only way..so....27 it is.

[Kehaan]

Hey.

Good to hear you have got one of the good versions :)

I had a 24" screen for my PC, but as i multitask a lot i am looking forward for the 27" iMac :) And even with the bigger screen resolution it will hopefully just be perfect.

From Kehaan.

[MMM.PWR]

27" is awesome. It's not too big! And if Apple made a 32" iMac I'm sure people would buy that too. I know I would like to.

[Kissaragi]

Must. Resist....


ah, I cant.
THATS WHAT SHE SAID!

lol!

[tombb]

I never have enough screen real estate (or disk space). Personally, I prefer fewer/bigger screens over more/smaller screens. Unfortunately, my preference is costly.

You'll quickly acclimate -- and then wonder how you got by with anything smaller. :)

[slicecom]

It seemed big for the first day or so, now I'm used to it and it seems too small. I'm now awaiting the inevitable 32" iMac.

[hakr]

Too much horizontal, not enough vertical.
Screen fonts too small.

[300D]

27" is too small. I'm waiting for the 52" iMac before I buy.

[hakr]

27" is too small. I'm waiting for the 52" iMac before I buy.

That'll be 52" wide and 14" tall.

It would be so nice to see a full web page on my 27" iMac at full screen resolution.

[300D]

It would be so nice to see a full web page on my 27" iMac at full screen resolution.

Unfortunately it seems web designers lately have been making pages for 800x600 monitors.

[Kronie]

I found the 27" to be just a hair too big. I had to move my head to see the corners (especially the top bar) where with my 22" monitor I just need to move my eyes.

[Nugget]

I found the 27" to be just a hair too big. I had to move my head to see the corners (especially the top bar) where with my 22" monitor I just need to move my eyes.

You get over that in a day or so. Even the 30" starts to feel kinda small after a while.

[Kissaragi]

Im just finding my eyes are aching and im starting to get a small headache after using it for an hour or so now.

Am i right in thinking i could send it back to apple within 7 days for a full refund under the distance selling regulations if i decide to? Or would there be a restocking fee? This is in the UK btw.

Also just did the proper yellow screen test, and yes, its yellow on the bottom third of the screen

[patrickdunn]

Im just finding my eyes are aching and im starting to get a small headache after using it for an hour or so now.

Am i right in thinking i could send it back to apple within 7 days for a full refund under the distance selling regulations if i decide to? Or would there be a restocking fee? This is in the UK btw.

Also just did the proper yellow screen test, and yes, its yellow on the bottom third of the screen

Just tell them it's yellow and you want your money back.

[Badger^2]

Maybe its too bright?

Tone it down with Shades.

Maybe its too close? Move it back a bit...

[cocky jeremy]

I don't think it's possible for a screen to be too big. I'd take a 52" iMac if they made one.

[Bitwise]

The only time that I've felt uncomfortable during my 27" iMac experience is when I had to send it back for a replacement. Going back to a puny little 20" screen while waiting for my replacement to arrive was much more difficult than I thought it would be.

27" screen too big? Hah! Now that's just crazy talk.

[Hrududu]

I would say some discomfort is natural when moving up to a larger display. I got bad headaches and found myself having to sit back from my 23" Cinema Display for the first couple weeks after upgrading from a 17" LCD Studio Display. Now, it doesn't bother me at all anymore. I can imagine the jump to a 27" display from a 20" is probably about the same feeling.

[MacMojo1]

27" is not too big, crap I run a second monitor to run Logic's Mixer, Safari, Mail and all the other apps I don't need to stare at all the time.

Congrats, it is imposing at first but something you'll get used to soon enough.

[Spike88]

Too much horizontal, not enough vertical. Screen fonts too small.

I currently don't have a Mac. Thus, I don't know the answer for a Mac.

A few weeks ago, I upgraded my Win XP monitor from 19" to 24". Then, I went into Control Panel - Display - Advance and changed its 96 DPI to 126 DPI. Font size is now perfect - for my new 24" monitor. Can "font size" be increased on a Mac machine as well? If no native setting, does someone have a shareware tool - that will increase font size instead? Just wondering...

.

[Abyssgh0st]

I currently don't have a Mac. Thus, I don't know the answer for a Mac.

A few weeks ago, I upgraded my Win XP monitor from 19" to 24". Then, I went into Control Panel - Display - Advance and changed its 96 DPI to 126 DPI. Font size is now perfect - for my new 24" monitor. Can "font size" be increased on a Mac machine as well? If no native setting, does someone have a shareware tool - that will increase font size instead? Just wondering...

.

It can be changed natively, but it is really for specific applications that the font size will actually change in. They talk about it in this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=352057) thread.

@OP- I can understand your sentiments on the large screen, especially with how bright and vibrant the IPS display is. You'll probably get used to it, as my current setup is my 21.5" iMac with a 32" LCD right beside it for my PC, but occasionally I link the iMac to the 32" via HDMI for Photoshop projects in which I need a lot of space. The 32" was super overwhelming at first, but now I love it.

[tucker3434]

My old monitor was a 17". With the 27", I pretty much use it like two monitors, and it really doesn't seem that different. I'll use safari on one side, and itunes on the other. Other than having to look up a bit, it seems pretty comparable.

[robo456]

I was going back and forth between the 21.5 and 27 myself... the one thing I was worried about was sitting so close to the 27 at my desk.

I made cardboard cutouts as close to "actual size" as I could make it to compare the two sizes and it turns out I don't think it was as bad as I was originally thinking.


--rob

[dannys1]

Jesus theres a lot of whining in here..

I cant stand people who says monitors or TVs are "too big" neither can EVER be too big....

Bigger IS better...

Reading some of the posts in this thread is like someone going "oh I just bought a Lamborghini but its too fast, I liked the exterior styling".

Pathetic! No its not to big, its a shame its not 30" like the cinema display which is now looking dated and old.

Roll on 55" screens or OLED screens which can be rolled out to cover my entire wall...

And its not too wide as someone said, its standard 16:9 screen, all TVs are in that proportion...if you think its too wide theres something wrong with your peripheral vision. I can see stuff either side of me about 12x further than I can see above or below me...if you see things in a box theres something wrong with your eyes!

Rant Over :apple:

[Spike88]

dannys1: Some folks don't like sitting in the front row at the theatre. Same holds true for their computer screens. More screen size is NOT always better... It about proper "visual conformt" for the individual - young and old.

Talk about more... Sure hope Apple creates a OSX update that allows a person to increase their system's font sizes. On my Win XP machine, I currently use 24" screen with larger size fonts (re: instead of 96 DPI - I now run 126 DPI - which is 125% larger then normal). Large screen with larger size fonts (due to much tighter resolution screens) is amazing. Cannot wait for Mac OS x to have this future update. Having smaller size icons on a screen is as bad as sitting in the front row seats (that the theatre).

.

[bobob]

I went from a 17" G5 to the new 27" iMac and love it. Having two full pages open is a dream. And watching video is mind expanding.

Of course, I replaced the built-in stand with an articulating arm (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=807142) which allows the 27" iMac to soar weightlessly above my workspace and turns it into pretty much the Computer of the Future™ I had always dreamed of...

[WilliamG]

I'll chime in, since I have the 27" iMac and a 24" LED Cinema Display right next to it plugged into the iMac. I do sometimes find the 27" too big. I definitely found a 30" Cinema Display too big, and thought the 24" was just right. Because there's no way of adjusting the DPI in OS X, I find myself changing the font size in browsers (Command+) to increase the size of the text, and it can get annoying at times. Same with YouTube videos. Command+, Command+, Command+ all the darn time.

That said, for photo editing, - my primary use - , the 27" is perfect. I think it's a shame that you only have a choice of 21.5 and 27, as the 21.5" is a tad small, and the 27" is a little too big for general OS X usage.

I'm 29, fyi.

[ma2ha3]

Well i got my 27" i5 imac today and amazingly its in perfect condition.

Im finding the 27" screen a lot to take in though. Has anyone else felt uncomfortable using the 27" at first? do you get used to it quickly? I was happy with my old 20" screen and only really went for the 27 for the internal specs.

i been using dell 3007 for two years, my impression of 27 imac screen, it is a bit too small.
30inch would be better, 42 inch would be best. i bet 30 inch imac will be a reality sooner or later.

[brcobb]

I was originally concerned that 27" would be too big and was leaning toward the 21.5". I had been using a 21.5" monitor with my mac mini, so I figured that would be ideal. Ultimately, I went with the 27". I am definitely glad I did.
It has changed the way I work. I mainly now work in multiple windows, with my Slingbox Player running in one and my real work in the other. I love the extra space.

[Uabcar]

The way I look at it, the 27" is big- but the 21" is just too small, so the only option is the 27". I'm planning to pick up one of the i7's later this year- if there is talk of a 30" iMac coming when I'm ready to buy, I may hold off for a couple months.

I upgraded my PC monitor from a 19" to a 23.5" wide-screen over the holidays and while it was nice for a while, I'd love to have the 2560x1440 resolution for multitasking.

btw- I looked at the iMac on an Arm thread. That looks like an awesome solution. I will certainly be considering this when I get my machine.

[nutritious]

you'll learn to adjust to the 27"

[eelpout]

i been using dell 3007 for two years, my impression of 27 imac screen, it is a bit too small.
30inch would be better, 42 inch would be best....

who are you people? :confused:

I think the 24" for me was the sweet spot. trading real estate for increased pixel density, as in the 27's 109 ppi, is not going in the right direction for me.

[WilliamG]

who are you people? :confused:

I think the 24" for me was the sweet spot. trading real estate for increased pixel desnsity, as in the 27's 109 ppi, is not going in the right direction for me.

Yup, like I said. I own the 27" iMac and the 24" LED Cinema Display. I still prefer the size/shape of the 24", though it does look low res compared to the 27". :D

[glhiii]

The size of the pixels is somewhat less on the 27" than a 24" ACD. This means it's harder to read.

[Kronie]

Talk about more... Sure hope Apple creates a OSX update that allows a person to increase their system's font sizes. On my Win XP machine, I currently use 24" screen with larger size fonts (re: instead of 96 DPI - I now run 126 DPI - which is 125% larger then normal). Large screen with larger size fonts (due to much tighter resolution screens) is amazing. Cannot wait for Mac OS x to have this future update. Having smaller size icons on a screen is as bad as sitting in the front row seats (that the theatre).

.

So true.

[sparkie7]

@ OP: 27" ain't too big. You get used to it and won't want to go smaller.

I have 30" ACDS as well as a 27 i7. And if  bought out a 32" LED, I'd buy it and not think it was too 'big'

[senseless]

The large screen size is great for multiple windows, photo viewing or movie editing. But, your browser window should be scaled to about 2/3rds of the screen width, or it will be too big for comfort.

[bobob]

The large screen size is great for multiple windows, photo viewing or movie editing. But, your browser window should be scaled to about 2/3rds of the screen width, or it will be too big for comfort.

2/3rds? Wow - that's huge!

I find a little less than 1/2 the width of the 27" screen is plenty for a browser window.

[Lava Lamp Freak]

I'll chime in, since I have the 27" iMac and a 24" LED Cinema Display right next to it plugged into the iMac. I do sometimes find the 27" too big. I definitely found a 30" Cinema Display too big, and thought the 24" was just right. Because there's no way of adjusting the DPI in OS X, I find myself changing the font size in browsers (Command+) to increase the size of the text, and it can get annoying at times. Same with YouTube videos. Command+, Command+, Command+ all the darn time.

That said, for photo editing, - my primary use - , the 27" is perfect. I think it's a shame that you only have a choice of 21.5 and 27, as the 21.5" is a tad small, and the 27" is a little too big for general OS X usage.

I'm 29, fyi.

This echoes how I feel. I upgraded from a 24" iMac to the 27", and I find it way too large, as far as resolution -- not physical size. I love the 27" for gaming, but browsing the web and typing papers is annoying. I'm always zooming the browser just like you, and it annoys me that I have to constantly do that. I'm very disappointed because I really don't need the extra resolution of the 27", but I like the quality of the screen. I'm kind of stuck right now because I can't justify or afford a Mac Pro. I love the iMac hardware, but I wish they had kept the same DPI as the 24". I'm actually considering just building a PC and get a 24" Cinema Display. I was actually already in the process of doing that when the 27" iMac was announced.

Edit: I bought mine in October, and I still haven't adjusted to the higher resolution. So, time may not necessarily help you adjust.

[Jogon]

problem, I went from a 20hp wide screen to the iMac 27in, after the first few days I was set to take it back due to neckache, it stood approx 5 inches higher on my desk. I persevered )7 days today) and I have to say the neckache has all but gone.

[student_trap]

Well i got my 27" i5 imac today and amazingly its in perfect condition.

Im finding the 27" screen a lot to take in though. Has anyone else felt uncomfortable using the 27" at first? do you get used to it quickly? I was happy with my old 20" screen and only really went for the 27 for the internal specs.

I had the same thing when I first used my 23" ACD. I got used to it after a while, and now could not have anything smaller for a desktop screen.

I do feel though when looking at the 27" imacs that they are a bit too much, but that might be again because I am not used to them, or perhaps that they are just too high a concentration of light

Another point is make sure you eyes are level with the TOP of the screen. Bad ergonomics can only end one way

[hakr]

I had the same thing when I first used my 23" ACD. I got used to it after a while, and now could not have anything smaller for a desktop screen.

I do feel though when looking at the 27" imacs that they are a bit too much, but that might be again because I am not used to them, or perhaps that they are just too high a concentration of light

Another point is make sure you eyes are level with the TOP of the screen. Bad ergonomics can only end one way

I haven't found anything for which the 27" screen is useful.

[hakr]

dannys1:

Talk about more... Sure hope Apple creates a OSX update that allows a person to increase their system's font sizes. On my Win XP machine, I currently use 24" screen with larger size fonts (re: instead of 96 DPI - I now run 126 DPI - which is 125% larger then normal). Large screen with larger size fonts (due to much tighter resolution screens) is amazing. Cannot wait for Mac OS x to have this future update. Having smaller size icons on a screen is as bad as sitting in the front row seats (that the theatre).

.


Indeed, adjustable screen fonts for all apps would be very useful.

[slicecom]

I haven't found anything for which the 27" screen is useful.

Movies.

[hakr]

Movies.


I have a real big screen HD TV in my office. As I stated, I haven't found anything for which a 27" wide computer screen is useful. The screen will become more useful to me when and if the OS allows the resizing up of all fonts shown on it. Two more inches of screen height would have been preferable to three more inches of screen width. :D

[pionata]

I have a real big screen HD TV in my office. As I stated, I haven't found anything for which a 27" wide computer screen is useful. The screen will become more useful to me when and if the OS allows the resizing up of all fonts shown on it. Two more inches of screen height would have been preferable to three more inches of screen width. :D

Depends what kind of applications you are using. For using 2 word documents, an excel sheet besides a word document, 2 music software with plugins, widescreen can be very useful.

Well mine will be quite wide anyway, I'll even have my 23" monitor in diagonal between my piano and my desk. It will be a full 180 degree setup, once I get my iMac on the 19th.

[Maserati7200]

The 27" isn't much bigger than the 24" iMac. It's slightly shorter, and two inches wider. This is because the old iMacs had a 8:5 ratio (16:10) and the new iMacs have a 16:9 ratio, and diagonal measurement looks different under different ratios.

[Lava Lamp Freak]

I have a real big screen HD TV in my office. As I stated, I haven't found anything for which a 27" wide computer screen is useful. The screen will become more useful to me when and if the OS allows the resizing up of all fonts shown on it. Two more inches of screen height would have been preferable to three more inches of screen width. :D

I'm hoping that 10.7 will finally include resolution independence. I think that would fix all of my complaints.

[Lava Lamp Freak]

The 27" isn't much bigger than the 24" iMac. It's slightly shorter, and two inches wider. This is because the old iMacs had a 8:5 ratio (16:10) and the new iMacs have a 16:9 ratio, and diagonal measurement looks different under different ratios.

It isn't much bigger physically, but the resolution is a very big change. The 27" iMac is almost the same res as the 30" screen. To demonstrate, I took a screenshot of the same window at 1920x1200 and 2560x1440.

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/4530/screenshot20100215at711.png
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4530/screenshot20100215at711.png

[Maserati7200]

It isn't much bigger physically, but the resolution is a very big change. The 27" iMac is almost the same res as the 30" screen. To demonstrate, I took a screenshot of the same window at 1920x1200 and 2560x1440.

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/4530/screenshot20100215at711.png
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4530/screenshot20100215at711.png
I'm aware of that.. but the OP was talking about the he needed to turn his head to see the entire screen instead of turning his eyes, so resolution wouldn't be a factor.

[scottness]

I found the 27" to be just a hair too big. I had to move my head to see the corners (especially the top bar) where with my 22" monitor I just need to move my eyes.

Have to move your head... What a drag. :rolleyes:

I'm using dual screens, 20 and a 24, and I still don't have enough room to see everything I want to see. I could definitely use more screen real estate. And I move my head all the time. :D

[Martyimac]

Looks like i will be the lone voice in the wilderness. Is 27" to big? I think so, even my iMac 24" is to big, and bright. I have to use shades to tone it down. Now age may have something to do with that, I am 59 so take it for what it's worth.
In my situation, in my office, 22" is about perfect. Font size, readablilty, etc. Sitting further from my 24 at some point became inconvenient regarding keyboard and mouse placement. So much so that I now have it listed on Craigslist, it's just not moving because of my location, (North East Arkansas, and the economy).
I think, as mentioned in other threads, that LED backlighting and the glossy screen also have something to do with all this.
What I experienced was, at first blush I went WOW, look at all this screen real estate. But over time, I realized that I just didn't need all that much screen, not for what I do, that and it hurt my eyes, at least until I started using Shades.
My setup now is my uMacbook Pro running on a Dell 22" S2209W screen. It is just about the perfect size and distance.
So to the OP, remember that at first glimpse, the 27" is probably very impressive, but it MIGHT be to big. IMHO.!

[pionata]

I'll tell you next Monday (with pictures). Once my 23" HD ACD becomes my "secondary" monitor !!!

[madcat75]

The only guff I have is not being able to maximize my browser window.

[nasty devil]

Well i got my 27" i5 imac today and amazingly its in perfect condition.

Im finding the 27" screen a lot to take in though. Has anyone else felt uncomfortable using the 27" at first? do you get used to it quickly? I was happy with my old 20" screen and only really went for the 27 for the internal specs.

ًFirst of all, congrats on your new machine :)

I too received my 27" 3-4 days ago. I've been using a 19" screen for almost 2-3 years now, but believe it, I got used to this monster from the first day. I guess it depends on how far/near you sit from the screen I guess.

But so far its nice. I hope you enjoy yours :)

[RiceKilla]

You get used to it, then after that you'll never want to go back.

At first I was somewhat moving my head around.

Now I sit at a distance at my desk where I am comfortable.

Next, the screen real estate is amazing. For the first time in my life I have experienced the importance of having a big screen with a ton of windows open without overlapping other windows.

It really helps while taking my online exams and have 3 or 4 pages of notes open at the same time.:p

Next is, I went over a buddy's place and saw his 21.5" and I thought whoa it's like a baby.:cool:

[madcat75]

Well I have my web browser in the middle of the screen but it's tough finding a wallpaper that I don't get tired of looking at because the web browser is far too wide on forums when maximized :rolleyes:

[farmermac]

IMO the 24" is perfect - size and res wise. I'd get another if I needed a new computer. My dad has a 27" and IMO too small text

[MacHamster68]

its i guess all is personal preference

some like multiple small 17 " screens ;)

others prefer big screens and hope that apple brings , so they can finally ditch their 27" that got to small after they got used to it , a 101" iMac with a 10256x5760 resolution soon :rolleyes:

[washburn]

So did the iMac go 27" due to more space requirement to fit desktop CPUs? I heard something like that...

[infidel69]

I have a 28" monitor for my PC and at first the back of my neck would start cramping up for some reason. It's not so bad now but extended use does cause neck pains. The 24" imac screen is the optimal size imho.

[SandboxGeneral]

I have a 28" monitor for my PC and at first the back of my neck would start cramping up for some reason. It's not so bad now but extended use does cause neck pains. The 24" imac screen is the optimal size imho.

If you're experiencing neck/back pain, then you probably need to adjust your chair height or desk height and use good posture. Also try moving the iMac farther or closer to you.

[kukrisna]

Every time I see any 27" iMac or ACD at the store, it just never looks that big. It might be the 16:9 ratio that's throwing me off, but those old 30" ACD seemed much larger. At any rate, I have a 16:10 21.6" screen at home that gets the job done, though down the line I would like something larger.

[MacHamster68]

I have a 28" monitor for my PC and at first the back of my neck would start cramping up for some reason. It's not so bad now but extended use does cause neck pains. The 24" imac screen is the optimal size imho.

ideally you should sit so your eyes face direct at least the top third of the screen ,
means ideally you look a bit down to and not up to the screen as that looking up is causing the neck pain ,
and that's where most people start getting a size problem , not screen size but desk height and chair height , as today most computer desks with these keyboard shelf's are build still with max 21 inch displays in mind , that's why a lot of bigger then 22" all in ones have near no foot or stand at all to compensate
not like the iMac 27" where you got a stand and then the chin and then eventually comes the bottom of the display , which actually is in the height where most others have reached the middle of their display already, means ergonomically the 27" cinema display is better as its bit lower

[EnterTheSwamp]

I can type out a long explanation, but at the end the simple answer is hell no!

[syc23]

I'm looking to get the Sandy Bridge iMac later this year for home use and was wondering whether 27" is overkill. I'm running a 22" studio display on my G5 at work which for graphic design is just right. I'm going to be upgrading the studio set up too. As the company is paying for it, I'll go for the largest screen possible and then see how I get on before getting one for my home.

[infidel69]

If you're experiencing neck/back pain, then you probably need to adjust your chair height or desk height and use good posture. Also try moving the iMac farther or closer to you.

Never thought about that, I'll give it a try thanks:)