anyone using a non-mac monitor as external?

[slesnick3]

MBP 13" 2011 -- Samsung SyncMaster P2770HD

I recently went through this entire debate/decision process on purchasing a nice monitor for use as a docking station. There is no doubt that I loved the look, quality, and high resolution of the Apple Thunderbolt Display, but to justify spending $1000 on something I would be using just half the time ... that is a hard pill to swallow. I did not need to remind myself, I purchased a laptop to be free from the desk; to use around the house, at work sites, a local cafe, etc.

When I started to look at price points and what one receives for the money, it seemed that once a spending budget was set to fall somewhere between $200 - $400, that the 1080p resolution was really the only option for bigger displays. This in mind, I have always enjoyed the quality of Samsung products so I narrowed my search a bit more. Finally, I re-examined the idea of having a part time 27" display and thought of how to get the most out of the purchase. For me, this meant getting a display that could serve as a TV for the office, plug in a blu-ray or PS3 console if so desired, etc. I ended up getting a Samsung Syncmaster P2770HD:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001392&Tpk=p2770HD

I have two computers hooked up at the moment and Cable TV. I do gain additional screen space from the native resolution of my MBP 13" (1280 x 800 --> 1920 x 1080). For my purposes, the crispness and clarity seem very clear, especially after adjusting the settings. For $300 spent on a multi-purpose HD screen, I am very happy with my purchase.

 

[Tali]

I've used a 3008 WFP as my work monitor for almost 2 years. It cost half what the Mac 30" cost at the time. It uses the same panel and has 5 years warranty. Oh and I can pretty much connect every device known to man to the thing. Unless you need Thunderbolt or you honestly only want Apple devices (which is totally ok - be honest to yourself here) I'd suggest a different route.

I also use a 27" iMac at work. The screen is lovely but boy is it expensive.

All that being said. If I had to choose today (I do a lot of work with texts and some video editing) I'd use the funds for the 30" or the 27" for 2 monitors, a 24" in Dell and a ColorGraphic from Eizo (or equivalent). But that's just me.

 

[theluggage]

Just an update if anybody is still listening...

I found a non-StarTech adaptor & tried it with the DisplayPort cable that came with my HP LP2475W - still didn't work properly.

On the other hand, I also got to try my mac + StarTech cable + HP ZR24W and it worked fine (based on a quick check), so I'm now pretty sure that my problem is specifically to do with the combination of LP2475w, Thunderbolt MBP and DisplayPort. Apologies, StarTech

Someone in another thread has confirmed that these cables work with the Dell U2711 (which is more important since you need it for the 1440p resolution).

 

[bf2008]

I have a dell 24 inch 1080p displayport monitor and it's very nice. But I would like a 27 inch higher resolution one (is it 1440p?). Don't get a 27 inch 1080p one, I think it's too pixelated - so much hype about the macbook pro retina and then people go and get a 1080p 27 inch monitor, doesn't make sense.

 

[LorenK]

What you use for a monitor depends on what you use your computer for. I have a 32" Vizio LCD as my primary monitor and have also hooked up to a 60" Pioneer Plasma. I use my computer primarily for audio, but will also watch movies, so having the 60" makes it a more enjoyable experience. Knowing that you're a college student, you might want to consider multiple uses for the monitor, i.e. not just as a space where you will view papers you're working on, but for other tasks, and a larger monitor will give more flexibility. The price on LCDs is so low right now, you can't do wrong by going bigger.

 

[gnasher729]

A 1920x1080 resolution on a 27in screen!? Ew! Maybe on a ~22in screen. I couldn't imagine going from a 27in 2560x1440 27in to a 1080p 27in haha

Wait until you are in your mid 40s. You'll really appreciate a 1920 x 1200 27" screen when it means you don't have to stick your nose right on the screen to read it.

Hopefully Apple will sell a 3840 x 2400 27" display reasonably soon

 

[midwestfisherma]

I just bought a HP Compaq LA2405wg LED monitor. It's an excellent monitor! I paid $228 through my University. New Egg has it for $259.

 

[nightlong]

Dell u2412, excellent value.