Advice needed - I'm about to buy a Mini M2 Pro. Need Dual Monitor recommendations

[Martin29]

I'm about to buy a Mini M2 Pro and will be using it primarily for handling research and studying old document images (15th century onwards) not always very clear, but involving a lot of detail.

I'm looking for a dual monitor setup (or equivalent) with 4K and good pixel density.

If anyone has a dual monitor setup and is able to recommend the best monitors in terms of image quality, stability and compatibility with MacOS, I would be very grateful.

I'm happy to spend about 500-600$ for each monitor, but can't justify going to the minimum 1600 for an Apple display

All suggestions welcome

Thank you

 

[Fishrrman]

"4K and good pixel density."

One 4k display (in a given size) will have the same pixel density as the rest.

Two 27" 4k would probably do well for you.

Perhaps something like:
- Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor - U2723QE
or
- Dell 27 4K UHD USB-C Monitor - S2722QC

 

[meson]

I don't think you could go wrong with an option from the LG Ultrafine lineup. I've been quite happy with my 32UL500-W (pretty much the lowest end model). My only quibble with it is that its 300 cd/m^2 of brightness could use to be a little higher. I usually run it at or near full brightness. Stick with an option at 350 cd/m^2 or higher and you should be fine. I opted for it, so I could fit all I need on one screen instead of two. For your application, I think dual 27" displays makes more sense, and you will benefit from the higher pixel density.

Do you plan to use the stock LG stands or will you be using VESA mounts? The reason I ask is because they will use the same display panel in models that have different stands. The settings on my monitor lists 3 model numbers. Mine, one from the gaming lineup with a black back and height/tilt adjustable stand, and one with an ergo stand. The price of the monitor goes up pretty significantly with a more adjustable stand. If you are providing your own mount, then find models that have the same ports on the back, same display brightness and features and buy the cheapest. If you plan on using the supplied stand, I could see how the ability to rotate the display 90 degrees might be beneficial to studying old documents, so something with an ergo stand may be worth the extra cost. You could also consider using something like an Ergotron LX VESA arm (Amazon Basics and HP BT861at are rebrands that can be found significantly cheaper) to mount the monitors and get a larger range of motion if you have a need to reposition your monitors.

At the upper end of your budget, the 27UN880-B would be worth a hard look. With LG displays, the 500 series will give you a very nice monitor. As you move up, you will find some nicer panels and additional nice to haves in a display. The 600 series should get you slightly nicer panel than the 500 series, and the 800 series with a nicer panel, a couple extra ports on the back and the ability to charge a laptop.

 

[Martin29]

Thank you both for those suggestions. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Flexibility to rotate a display for documents will be more than useful, and more flexible stands will leave me more desk space, so I will likely stretch the budget to add that.

 

[Basic75]

Good luck: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/external-displays-swapping-arrangement-not-remembered.2320211/

 

[locovaca]

I have a 2018 i7 but just upgraded to two 24” 4k monitors from LG (24UD58-B). They are “lower end” monitors from LG but they do a good job. I have mine wall mounted but if you need rotation they do make external vesa mount stands that would support that, so you could spend the extra budget on one of those.

 

[SjoukeW]

I would look at the maximum brightness measured in cd/m^2, especially if you do sit in a light environment. Enough brightness and contrast in a screen really helps to see details you would otherwise miss.