4k or 3440x1440 for my 2015 macbook pro 13?

[douirc]

I ordered a 2015 MacBook Pro 13 and feel like I need a new monitor to go with it. I currently have a 2405FPW 1920x1200 and I would like more desktop space. Which do I get?

a) 4k monitor running 2560x1440 HiDPI Retina

or

b) Dell U3415W 3440x1440


This is purely for work, no gaming. Clearly there's more desktop space on the U3415W, which I like, but will the text and clarity be as nice as the 4k running 1440p? Just wondering which will give me the best experience.

 

[symple84]

I ordered a 2015 MacBook Pro 13 and feel like I need a new monitor to go with it. I currently have a 2405FPW 1920x1200 and I would like more desktop space. Which do I get?

a) 4k monitor running 2560x1440 HiDPI Retina

or

b) Dell U3415W 3440x1440


This is purely for work, no gaming. Clearly there's more desktop space on the U3415W, which I like, but will the text and clarity be as nice as the 4k running 1440p? Just wondering which will give me the best experience.

I have been wondering the same thing......

 

[magicMac]

I ordered a 2015 MacBook Pro 13 and feel like I need a new monitor to go with it. I currently have a 2405FPW 1920x1200 and I would like more desktop space. Which do I get?

a) 4k monitor running 2560x1440 HiDPI Retina

or

b) Dell U3415W 3440x1440


This is purely for work, no gaming. Clearly there's more desktop space on the U3415W, which I like, but will the text and clarity be as nice as the 4k running 1440p? Just wondering which will give me the best experience.

The HiDPI resolution of a 4k monitor is 1920x1080. If you want 2560x1440 desktop space with HiDPI then you need a 5k display like the new retina iMac. And that would require a thunderbolt 3 connection - which will likely be on the late 2015/early 2016 skylake Intel chips.

 

[douirc]

The HiDPI resolution of a 4k monitor is 1920x1080. If you want 2560x1440 desktop space with HiDPI then you need a 5k display like the new retina iMac. And that would require a thunderbolt 3 connection - which will likely be on the late 2015/early 2016 skylake Intel chips.

so I beg to differ. the mac pro works fine with dell's 5k because it uses two dp ports as input. the 2015 macbook pro 13 also has two dp ports and both are capable of 4k@60hz simultaneously (i checked the specs on the website). since the 5k dell only requires 2x 2560x1440@60 to run it, technically speaking the mbp is more than capable. problem is if apple will update yosemite so the macbook pro will recognize and configure the dell 5k correctly.

one can only wish/hope/pray...

 

[magicMac]

so I beg to differ. the mac pro works fine with dell's 5k because it uses two dp ports as input. the 2015 macbook pro 13 also has two dp ports and both are capable of 4k@60hz simultaneously (i checked the specs on the website). since the 5k dell only requires 2x 2560x1440@60 to run it, technically speaking the mbp is more than capable. problem is if apple will update yosemite so the macbook pro will recognize and configure the dell 5k correctly.

one can only wish/hope/pray...

Ok, it requires a thunderbolt 3 connection OR two thunderbolt 2 connections

Doesn't change the fact that 4k HiDPI is 1920x1080 though and to run 2560x1440 at HiDPI then you need a 5k monitor.

PS its 2x 2560x2880 not 2x 2560x1440...

 

[actuallyinaus]

The HiDPI resolution of a 4k monitor is 1920x1080. If you want 2560x1440 desktop space with HiDPI then you need a 5k display like the new retina iMac. And that would require a thunderbolt 3 connection - which will likely be on the late 2015/early 2016 skylake Intel chips.

You could do 5k video via DisplayPort 1.3 over USB-C, (if the machine runs USB 3.1 Gen2 that's 10GB/s per lane = 40GB/s) see https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=20836511#post20836511

These might be on the late 2015/early 2016 skylake rMBP (or maybe along side TB 3)

 

[douirc]

Putting future technology aside and focusing on what exists today, technically speaking is the 2015 rMBP 13 capable of running the 5k with two dp cables, just like the Mac Pro does? Is the OS the only thing holding it back?

 

[KenAFSPC]

I don't know about 5K compatibility...but the new MBP 13 works great with the 4K Dell P2715Q.

 

[douirc]

I don't know about 5K compatibility...but the new MBP 13 works great with the 4K Dell P2715Q.

And at what resolution do you run your setup? 1080p retina? Have you tried 1440p? How does that look?

 

[KenAFSPC]

And at what resolution do you run your setup? 1080p retina? Have you tried 1440p? How does that look?

The rMBP outputs a 3840 x 2160 @ 60hz signal with assets scaled to appear as 2560x1440. It looks fantastic.

 

[douirc]

Ok I'm sold. Dell P2715Q it is! Thanks.

 

[KenAFSPC]

Ok I'm sold. Dell P2715Q it is! Thanks.

Be aware that that Dell periodically offers significant discounts on new monitors. I got my P2715Q from Dell for about $450.

To be notified about these discounts, you can create a "deal alert" on Slickdeals.net to be notified via email or text when there is a deal that contains the keyword "P2715Q." Similar deals probably come up every 2-3 months.

 

[larslevie]

I don't know about 5K compatibility...but the new MBP 13 works great with the 4K Dell P2715Q.

Have you noticed any performance issues? I just got the new MBP 13 and I noticed serious UI lag, especially at >= 2556 x 1440 (using SST at 60 Hz), even with the MBP **** sot it only needed to drive the single display.