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Alternative to the LG UltraFine 5k display

Menopause

Menopause

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 26, 2011
663
1,807
Hi guys,

I read many of you either hate the "ugly plastic" look of the LG display announced by Apple the other day, or think the $1300 contains quite some  Tax.

Which are your best alternative 5k display suggestions? Would love to understand everyone's perspectives.
 
It maybe is still too early. I am waiting to see if Dell will come up with something similar, it needs to be Thunderbolt 3 display, cause I want both charging and display through one cable. And I am totally fine with fewer ports, I can't imagine having only one cable on my desk now, but soon... : ) I like the direction where everything is going for now.
 
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ultraman982 said:
The LG38UC99 looks great if you want to make the jump to ultrawide.

It also supports docking / charging via a single USB-C: http://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-38UC99-W-ultrawide-monitor

It looks like it'd match the silver MBP quite well.
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How much power does it provide via USB-C? This is something I haven't seen from many solutions. I ordered the 15" so it'd need to provide 85W and it sure feels like there's nothing out there for that (found a few 60W accessories).
 
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Can't wait for the one-cable setup either. Seems the availability of TB3 or USB-C monitors is very limited right now (some plastic-y LGs and the Acer H277HU), but imho none of them look good enough. Hopefully all brands will come out with support for these ports, maybe during CES early next year.
 
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What everyone wants is that gorgeous iMac 27" display minus the iMac part.
We want it to scale well at different resolutions and be that thunderbolt 5K display that everyone has wanted.

The only option is the LG ultrafine 5K if you must have a high-res screen. (It is a must for me hehe)

I have had bad experiences with a 4K with poor hidpi scaling and poor quality control with the screen. Display not being detected after sleeping. Hard to adjust brightness etc because of menu system on the monitor. Etc etc.

Given all of the above, the 5K is the only option, even if it was full price. If I had the money I would pay full price just not to have the headaches and to have a good return policy and to be able to see it and test drive it in store.

If you are one of those people who is practical about calculating the value of things this monitor is a bargain. Why? Because one trip to the hospital for any neck or shoulder or eye issues in the future will negate the $250 savings you got by opting for a cheaper brand or model. Productivity will increase regardless of whether you are a programmer. If you are even a blogger or hobby photographer you get more done faster and leave you more time to do get back to what you earn money doing. And you stare at this thing every day. I would say this purchase will save you more money than replacing all of your home appliances with the latest energy efficient models. It's just about whether you can afford the price upfront. I think it's a smart purchase and not an extravagance. Cool I think I just talked myself into ordering the 5K. There's nothing to lose. If I don't like it then it goes back no questions asked.My biggest problem is that I don't have any computer capable of driving it. That does change the value equation a bit.
 
3587 said:
It is FAR from 4K, sorry to burst your bubble... Text looks horrible in my humble opinion... I'm returning mine for the LG 5K.
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You're mixing up terms. It is 4K. If you're used to a rmbp, you're used to the pixel doubling that Apple uses. That's why the 21.5" display is 4K and the 27" is 5K. It scales nicely, because it's a multiple of what they previously used.
 
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I really like the Thinkvision X1, feature set seems really similar to 27UD88-W except its made of aluminum and a lot more sleek.

Only issue is there are very few reviews.
 
thekev said:
You're mixing up terms. It is 4K. If you're used to a rmbp, you're used to the pixel doubling that Apple uses. That's why the 21.5" display is 4K and the 27" is 5K. It scales nicely, because it's a multiple of what they previously used.
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Yikes. Worst 4K monitor I've ever used then.
 
Steveuk82 said:
If you are USB C fan might want to rethink the LG38UC99 :(

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Ha! I have that same notebook and same monitor... USB-C worked just fine to make the display work... It will NOT charge the MBP at the same time however... It's going back and I'm getting the LG 5K!
 
3587 said:
Yikes. Worst 4K monitor I've ever used then.
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you really don't seem to know what you're talking about. how is this 4k different than other 4k monitors out there?
[doublepost=1480996524][/doublepost]
AAP8 said:
That guy is wrong - read the comments - he used the wrong cable.
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this guy has no clue what he is talking about. a firmware isn't magic fairy dust that can suddenly make the power charging from 60w to 85w. can you make a v6 car a v8 simply by flashing its firmware?
 
Outrigger said:
you really don't seem to know what you're talking about. how is this 4k different than other 4k monitors out there?
[doublepost=1480996524][/doublepost]

this guy has no clue what he is talking about. a firmware isn't magic fairy dust that can suddenly make the power charging from 60w to 85w. can you make a v6 car a v8 simply by flashing its firmware?
Click to expand...

Do a quick Google search silly... many YouTubers are saying this is no where near 4K. False advertisement. Just do the math. But I guess we all have no idea what we're talking about, even though we own one
 
3587 said:
Do a quick Google search silly... many YouTubers are saying this is no where near 4K. False advertisement. Just do the math. But I guess we all have no idea what we're talking about, even though we own one
Click to expand...

So what is the actual resolution? The specs claim 3840 2160 which is 4k.
 
unagimiyagi said:
Productivity will increase regardless of whether you are a programmer... My biggest problem is that I don't have any computer capable of driving it. That does change the value equation a bit.
Click to expand...

I went to the Apple Store this weekend and read a document on the iMac 5K screen and then read the same document on the Thunderbolt display next to it and I found it a lot easier to read the text on the iMac. I have reading difficulties so anything that improves my ability to read faster is good for my productivity and also lessens fatigue from working long hours.

Like you, I'm in love with that 5K display. I'm so in love with it that I talked myself into buying that computer that will power it even though I hate what Apple's doing with the MacBook Pro line. I'm mosty going to use my MBP closed or as a second monitor with an external keyboard so it basically comes down to if I'm willing to pay a premium for stuff I don't plan on using just to get the monitor and the answer is yes.

I had to really think hard about going back to a desktop computer with an iMac to dodge the issue of having to take on a laptop I wasn't excited about, but in the end, having the option for mobility was too important and my need for a 5K screen is too big to put off the purchase for a more evolved MBP (if it even ever comes).

I'm a disgruntled Apple customer, but a likely to be very happy LG customer. How things change...
 
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