Monitor For The Mini

[iMas70]

I've narrowed my search down to 24-27". Would like to go with a 27" if I can find a decent one for $400. or less (bumped my origional price up). While searching, I've come up with these links that might be helpful for others that are doing the same thing that I am -

http://reviews.cnet.com/monitor-buying-guide/

http://www.life123.com/technology/co...-monitor.shtml

http://computers.toptenreviews.com/monitors/

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...ying-guide.htm

[Mojo1]

NEC. Excellent quality/warranty/customer service. $499 MSRP but it may be available for less at Newegg, B&H Photo, etc.

http://www.necdisplay.com/p/desktop-monitors/ea273wm-bk

[milkmandan]

The Auria EQ276W 27" IPS LED monitor for $399 at microcenter.
is a good monitor. and works with mac mini 2012.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/3...PS_LED_Monitor

Pros:
- Cheap
- Supports 2560x1440 @ 27" 60hz
- Has DP, HDMI, DL-DVI, VGA and 2x3W Speakers.
- Has warranty iirc, and MC return/exchange/refund policy (which is awesome). If it's bad, just exchange.

Cons:
- The DisplayPort plug on the monitor is backwards. Makes it VERY HARD to remove a DP plug if you've plugged it in.
- Has a gloss coating, because of the way they did construction there is a chance dust maybe behind the coating leading to stuck like pixels.
- Panels are Grade A or A-, NOT A+. So don't expect perfection.
- Stand is terrible. But you can get a replacement from monoprice or amazon.

[Arman]

Originally Posted by milkmandan

The Auria EQ276W 27" IPS LED monitor for $399 at microcenter.
is a good monitor. and works with mac mini 2012.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/3...PS_LED_Monitor

Pros:
- Cheap
- Supports 2560x1440 @ 27" 60hz
- Has DP, HDMI, DL-DVI, VGA and 2x3W Speakers.
- Has warranty iirc, and MC return/exchange/refund policy (which is awesome). If it's bad, just exchange.

Cons:
- The DisplayPort plug on the monitor is backwards. Makes it VERY HARD to remove a DP plug if you've plugged it in.
- Has a gloss coating, because of the way they did construction there is a chance dust maybe behind the coating leading to stuck like pixels.
- Panels are Grade A or A-, NOT A+. So don't expect perfection.
- Stand is terrible. But you can get a replacement from monoprice or amazon.

Hey Milkmandan, Can you confirm you only get 1080p using HDMI with 2012 Mac Mini?

[Arman]

Ok, looks like I got my answer.

No go for native 1440p on HDMI in OSX even on 2012 Mac Mini but works fine on Windows/Bootcamp. You can get 1440p to work on OSX over HDMI using SwitchResX but running at 40Hz which is ok for most apps, but probably not for gaming which is fine with me (I would use it for working with 2D apps).

[theanimala]

The Dell U2711 is on sale today at the Dell SMB website for $649 plus free shipping..

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p..._yvtN3_eKL_0_0

[iMas70]

I'm currently in Best Buy looking at some monitors in person. What do you think about this. Dell S2440L -


http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...n&sku=320-9801

[Mojo1]

My primary complaint with that Dell display (and Apple's Thunderbolt...) is the apparent lack of any kind of height adjustment. This particular Dell display appears to be a copy of the Thunderbolt/iMac stand. I experienced serious neck problems using an iMac that has a similar design flaw and I am average height at 5'10".

TFT Central is a great place for info on LCD displays. That particular Dell isn't reviewed but if you enter the model in the monitor and laptop search fields you can obtain the panel manufacturer info via the monitor panel database link.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk

[MrXiro]

Originally Posted by iMas70

I'm currently in Best Buy looking at some monitors in person. What do you think about this. Dell S2440L -


http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...n&sku=320-9801

I have this. Using it right now. It's not bad but I keep futzing with the settings all day. Looks good for the moment after I've set it. But when I come back hours later I need to change things again.

I'm slightly debating the S2340M, it has IPS and looks sharper to me but the design isn't as slick as the S2440L.

Honestly though... I don't think I'll ever be satisfied with any monitor that isn't the Thunderbolt Display.

[sno1man]

Originally Posted by MrXiro

I have this. Using it right now. It's not bad but I keep futzing with the settings all day. Looks good for the moment after I've set it. But when I come back hours later I need to change things again.

I'm slightly debating the S2340M, it has IPS and looks sharper to me but the design isn't as slick as the S2440L.

Honestly though... I don't think I'll ever be satisfied with any monitor that isn't the Thunderbolt Display.

agree with MrXiro about the s2440l, i have one myself. Physically it's a nice display with the edge to edge cover and touch controls, but it definitely is not anywhere near optimum out of the box and seems to drift in it's settings as well

[MrXiro]

Originally Posted by sno1man

agree with MrXiro about the s2440l, i have one myself. Physically it's a nice display with the edge to edge cover and touch controls, but it definitely is not anywhere near optimum out of the box and seems to drift in it's settings as well

I've since downloaded an app called Shades for my Mac Mini. Using the downloaded profile that you recommended with slightly higher contrast (65) and medium brightness (50) I was able to finally find a color profile I enjoyed with the monitor. The problem is that the contrast levels don't gel... when you get the whites the colors the right contrast the screen is too bright.

with Shades I was able to darken the screen and get the exact color and contrast I was looking for.

[Mojo1]

Have you tried printing with Shades enabled? It can cause some problems matching prints to a display because of how it works...

[hamkor04]

Originally Posted by iMas70

I'm currently in Best Buy looking at some monitors in person. What do you think about this. Dell S2440L -


http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...n&sku=320-9801

Try Dell Ultrasharpe U2412M it is brilliant monitor
and IPS great monitor, also you get zero pixel dell warranty,
specs better than s2440l. price I think will be around $290-300 (amazon)
also got really useful 4xUSB ports, DC for speaker dvi, via. (but no HDMI)

----------

Originally Posted by micke1967

Hi There...
Im in waiting times and will likely buy an iMac or a Mini...
and right now the iMAC seem to have issues...lookin at the iMAC forum...

So if I buy a Mini...
What screens would be good buys??
I want a "21" or "23" or "24" a 27 inch screen is to big for me...
And of course I want really good performance on the screen...


best regards micke

check this out if you really have to buy 23'. not sure about this particular size model.
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraShar...ell+ultrasharp

If you can go for $90 more and about an inch or so bigger screen go for
this.
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraShar...ell+ultrasharp

[Mozino]

Originally Posted by hamkor04

Try Dell Ultrasharpe U2412M it is brilliant monitor
and IPS great monitor, also you get zero pixel dell warranty,
specs better than s2440l. price I think will be around $290-300 (amazon)
also got really useful 4xUSB ports, DC for speaker dvi, via. (but no HDMI)

----------



check this out if you really have to buy 23'. not sure about this particular size model.
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraShar...ell+ultrasharp

If you can go for $90 more and about an inch or so bigger screen go for
this.
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraShar...ell+ultrasharp

How does the Dell compare to an iMac 21.inch display? is the iMac really much better? I'm torn between getting the base Mini or the base iMac and the display is a big factor.

[hamkor04]

Originally Posted by Mozino

How does the Dell compare to an iMac 21.inch display? is the iMac really much better? I'm torn between getting the base Mini or the base iMac and the display is a big factor.

well, let put this way
I waited new imac since Feb-March 2012 and it was too late, and when they changed to "Thin" iMac I couldn't risk it to be a first adopter.

there is cons of new iMac(for me)

- 21'
it's too small
not user upgradable
not best adjustment options for monitor stand (but I could live with that)
i5 processor
Pros
better GPU
All in one

Pros Mac mini

cheaper which means you can get quad i7 + Monitor+ SSD+ RAm user upgradable
you can choose popular IPS monitors for you needs.
(remember theese all things for iMac base models price, much powerfull machine for less)

Dell U2412M
3 year warranty (+ zero pixel warranty)
Much cheaper
Range of available sizes (23',24',27,'30')
very generous adjustment
IPS
also there is enough USB Downstream port to get rid of you USB hub (4in monitor + 4 in mini)

[Mozino]

Originally Posted by hamkor04

well, let put this way
I waited new imac since Feb-March 2012 and it was too late, and when they changed to "Thin" iMac I couldn't risk it to be a first adopter.

there is cons of new iMac(for me)

- 21'
it's too small
not user upgradable
not best adjustment options for monitor stand (but I could live with that)
i5 processor
Pros
better GPU
All in one

Pros Mac mini

cheaper which means you can get quad i7 + Monitor+ SSD+ RAm user upgradable
you can choose popular IPS monitors for you needs.
(remember theese all things for iMac base models price, much powerfull machine for less)

Dell U2412M
3 year warranty (+ zero pixel warranty)
Much cheaper
Range of available sizes (23',24',27,'30')
very generous adjustment
IPS
also there is enough USB Downstream port to get rid of you USB hub (4in monitor + 4 in mini)

Thanks for that. I was only really considering the basM dual core <ini because I've survived on my 2GHz Core Duo Macbook for the past 4 years, but it seems like an upgrade to quad core could be worth it. Don't even think I would upgrade further for the extra .3GHz would do much for me.

I would probably upgrade the RAM later on, just to feel the difference if you know what I mean. And perhaps add an SSD drive even further on if I feel like tinkering with it even further.

But is the Dell monitor as good (i.e. bright and sharp) as the iMac's?.

[iMas70]

Good info, thanks!

What are thought about a regular computer monitor vs using a TV. The person that I was talking to for awhile suggested maybe using a tv because I can get more/a bigger size for the money. When I asked if he suggests a certain brand, he mentioned Samsung to be a good choice. I can probably get a nice 32" for around $300.00.

[iMas70]

Some of you are probably thinking "I wish he would just buy something!"

Years ago I never really paid to much attention to specs. I would just see a monitor and order it without weighing the benefits and drawbacks. Plus, it was a lot easier then. There are so many options now!

After spending about 2 1/2 hours in Best Buy tonight, I've narrowed it down to these -

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...n&sku=320-9801

Dell 24" - S2440L - Nice looking monitor, picture looks good, I like the look of the end to end glass but noticed that it was very reflective. Might look different at home. The room it will be in isn't lit up like the store.

http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/consume...e=series-5-led

Samsung 27" - It also looked good, a little bigger display and no glare.

And then there are 3 Samsung TVs. I'll say that each of them have a good picture as a TV. The first two are 720p and the last is 1080. I wouldn't mind the 26". I'm currently looking at a 30" as I type this. I sit 28" away from the screen so I don't know if 32" will be to big. I think the 30" is fine at that distance.

26" 780p - http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN26EH4000FXZA

32" 780p - http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN32EH4003FXZA

32" 1080p - http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/UN32EH5000FXZA

I don't have to have the best display. Just something that looks nice for e-mail, while surfing the net and editing pictures (non-professional). Not award winning but something that I can still look at and think that it looks good. I'll probably stray away from the 1080. But looking at the rest, what do you guys suggest?

I promise I'll buy something soon and not make anymore monitor posts except to tell you what I get and how I like it! Off to the Apple Site to order my Mini now...

[hugodrax]

U2412 from dell is a great monitor. Looks real good using it with my Mac Mini via HDMI-DVI adapter. Dont cheap out on the most important part, remember your going to be looking at it all the time so dont cut corners.

[iMas70]

Ok, I went with the 24" Dell S2440L -

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...n&sku=320-9801

Not a bad monitor. Found a great price online ($199.99) and Best Buy matched it. I haven't had much time to use it today but one thing that I'm having a hard time getting used to is the small text. I'm used to the other monitors that I've used. Last one was a 1280x768. Picture is much better but everything is smaller on the screen. I played with the settings a little but then sites didn't look right on the screen. I'll mess around with more when I have more time later.

Is there any setting that I should try or should I goto a bigger monitor? I used 19" monitors before I went to the last one (30"). They were lower resolution so the text and everything on the screen was what I consider "normal".

[victoryroad]

Originally Posted by iMas70

Ok, I went with the 24" Dell S2440L -

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...n&sku=320-9801

Problem with this monitor is that it's a 24" but is only 1920x1080 (16:9). At this size, it should be 16:10. I would rather get the 23"

[Lancer]

Originally Posted by victoryroad

Problem with this monitor is that it's a 24" but is only 1920x1080 (16:9). At this size, it should be 16:10. I would rather get the 23"

The BenQ above is 16:9 also, which I don't mind.

[Trvlngnrs]

Originally Posted by victoryroad

Problem with this monitor is that it's a 24" but is only 1920x1080 (16:9). At this size, it should be 16:10. I would rather get the 23"

Dell Ultrasharp u2412m: 24", 16:10, USB 2.0 hub. Just lowered to $279.99 on Amazon. Great reviews (4.5 stars/141 reviews)

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraShar.../dp/B005JN9310

[hugodrax]

Originally Posted by iMas70

Ok, I went with the 24" Dell S2440L -

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...n&sku=320-9801

Not a bad monitor. Found a great price online ($199.99) and Best Buy matched it. I haven't had much time to use it today but one thing that I'm having a hard time getting used to is the small text. I'm used to the other monitors that I've used. Last one was a 1280x768. Picture is much better but everything is smaller on the screen. I played with the settings a little but then sites didn't look right on the screen. I'll mess around with more when I have more time later.

Is there any setting that I should try or should I goto a bigger monitor? I used 19" monitors before I went to the last one (30"). They were lower resolution so the text and everything on the screen was what I consider "normal".

I will repeat myself. You bought a repackaged TV set.

You should have purchased a proper computer monitor. Dell U2412M
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=REG&A=details

They run 294 bucks. I have several of these, great monitors.

Avoid monitors that are 24inch and are 1080, those are just TV panels shoehorned as monitors. They fail in that regard and are only good for casual computing.

If you spend time on the screen you want a proper monitor and invest a little more and get the 2412M

[Mojo1]

NEC displays usually have DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D and VGA inputs so there are plenty of connection options.

Here is a 27" display that lists for $499 U.S.: http://www.necdisplay.com/p/desktop-monitors/ea273wm-bk