4K TV as a display for a M1 Mini ?

[drsox]

Would a 4K TV be a better display for a M1 Mini than a 1080 HD TV ? Instinctively my guess is yes, but anyone with direct experience ?

It's sharpness and clarity that I'm looking for as well as larger text for spreadsheets. I would also increase the screen size from the 40in one I now have. Viewing distance is 102in (260cm).

The best current resolution is 1280 x 720 so the characters are not that sharp but are big enough.

Thanks.

 

[heretiq]

I use my AppleTV-connected Vizio V Series 55 inch 4K TV as an external monitor for my M1 Max MacBook Pro regularly via airplay. The TV shows up as a monitor in preferences and can be easily added with a single click. This is my go-to configuration when I want to sit on the couch and work. The TV is 10 feet away and looks great at that distance. I don’t think I could use such a large TV as a desktop monitor though — even though it would work. Ymmv.

 

[drsox]

I use my AppleTV-connected Vizio V Series 55 inch 4K TV as an external monitor for my M1 Max MacBook Pro regularly via airplay. The TV shows up as a monitor in preferences and can be easily added with a single click. This is my go-to configuration when I want to sit on the couch and work. The TV is 10 feet away and looks great at that distance. I don’t think I could use such a large TV as a desktop monitor though — even though it would work. Ymmv.

Is it as sharp and the characters as big as those on your MacBook Pro ?

 

[heretiq]

My MacBook pro screen is absolutely sharper and better because it was made for close viewing. The TV screen is not as sharp, but definitely better for viewing lots of content because it was made for wide perspective viewing a distance. For me personally, a 32 inch monitor is almost too big at native resolution at desktop distances because it requires a lot of head movement to see everything. For me, a 55 inch 4K tv would be way too big at desktop distance unless the content was significantly zoomed in, but then it wouldn't be as sharp as the MacBook Pro monitor. There may be a sweet spot for you depending on your preferences though.

 

[drsox]

My MacBook pro screen is absolutely sharper and better because it was made for close viewing. The TV screen is not as sharp, but definitely better for viewing lots of content because it was made for wide perspective viewing a distance. For me personally, a 32 inch monitor is almost too big at native resolution at desktop distances because it requires a lot of head movement to see everything. For me, a 55 inch 4K tv would be way too big at desktop distance unless the content was significantly zoomed in, but then it wouldn't be as sharp as the MacBook Pro monitor. There may be a sweet spot for you depending on your preferences though.

Thanks, but I'm viewing the TV at TV distances (2+m). My eyes don't like short distance screen viewing any more - that's why I sent back my 14in MacBook Pro. I'm loth to buy a 4K TV unless I know it's going to be an improvement. I might try an intermediate alternative and move the Mini to another room where I can use a 30in monitor at 1.5m or so. Happy to spend £300 on a trial but not £800+.

 

[heretiq]

Thanks, but I'm viewing the TV at TV distances (2+m). My eyes don't like short distance screen viewing any more - that's why I sent back my 14in MacBook Pro. I'm loth to buy a 4K TV unless I know it's going to be an improvement. I might try an intermediate alternative and move the Mini to another room where I can use a 30in monitor at 1.5m or so. Happy to spend £300 on a trial but not £800+.

Well, if your use case is viewing at a distance I think you will be pleased with the 4K monitor option. At 2+ meters the resolution and color quality on my Visio 55 inch 4K TV is excellent, and can be zoomed as desired without the loss of quality that would be apparent at desktop distances. I use my TV this way frequently and the experience is downright joyous. I give this configuration an unqualified thumbs-up — though your choice of TV will also be an important factor in your own experience. Good luck with your decision!

 

[drsox]

Well, if your use case is viewing at a distance I think you will be pleased with the 4K monitor option. At 2+ meters the resolution and color quality on my Visio 55 inch 4K TV is excellent, and can be zoomed as desired without the loss of quality that would be apparent at desktop distances. I use my TV this way frequently and the experience is downright joyous. I give this configuration an unqualified thumbs-up — though your choice of TV will also be an important factor in your own experience. Good luck with your decision!

Thanks. I'll give it a try. I have bought only Sony Bravia TVs for the past 20 years or so, so I'll look at them first.

 

[JPMLondon]

I wouldn't know if this is accurate, but this says you wouldn't be able to see any find at the distance you're sitting:

OLXTOTO > Link Daftar & Login Togel Online Baru Ditahun Ular

Olxtoto penyedia Link login dan daftar terbaru bandar togel online terbaru ditahun ular 2025 yang sangat mudah di akses oleh seluruh platform browser di dunia.

stari.co

 

[drsox]

I wouldn't know if this is accurate, but this says you wouldn't be able to see any find at the distance you're sitting:

OLXTOTO > Link Daftar & Login Togel Online Baru Ditahun Ular

Olxtoto penyedia Link login dan daftar terbaru bandar togel online terbaru ditahun ular 2025 yang sangat mudah di akses oleh seluruh platform browser di dunia.

stari.co

Thanks, but I don't think it's as simple as that for me. e.g. I have to use 1280x720 as the display resolution rather than the 1600x900 that I would have used if the TV was in genuine desk top use. 1600x900 is too small for me to use - even though the text (on Excel etc) is sharper. My eyes are not 10/10. Yes, I could sit at 5ft distance but this would screw up the rest of the room.

So the question for me and 4K is : Is an Excel spreadsheet on a 4K screen at the same distance and screen size sharper AND larger than a 1080 screen ?

As an aside I normally buy hardback versions of books now (usually as good s/h copies) not paperback (unless I see the paperback before buying). Text in paperbacks can be too small (esp for long thick books). I've had to replace many paperbacks in order to reread the book. (e.g. East of Eden).