Anyone with a 24” UltraFine 4K able to answer a question?

[fishkorp]

I have a question for those of you with the 24” UltraFine 4K. Can you set the resolution (using 3rd party software if Apple doesn’t give the option) to 2240x1260 HiDPI? I know it’s not “true retina.” If you can, how does it look?

Reason I’m asking. I’m using a 2019 16” MBP with 2 UltraFine 5Ks right now. I ordered a new iMac. If I decide to keep it, I’ll be selling one of the 5Ks for sure. However, as gorgeous as that display is, I know having mismatched sizes and resolutions is going to drive me crazy. I’m fine with the slightly smaller size, but no one makes a 4.5K display to match. So scaling that 4K is the best option if it looks good. Or I’m hoping Apple announces new displays soon.

 

[Amethyst1]

You can try 2304×1296 HiDPI which works out to a simulated pixel density of 111 ppi. The 23.5" iMac simulates 109 ppi. I use 2304×1296 HiDPI on a 23.8" monitor (the UltraFine is 23.7") and don't notice a difference to the 27" 5K running at 2560×1440 HiDPI (109 ppi) that sits next to it in terms of the size of UI elements and text. The two PPIs are close enough for me.

 

[fishkorp]

Thanks for the suggestion. Just tried that resolution on the 27" and it didn't look bad at all. So resolution would be close, still going to be off on physical size (I know, such a nitpick thing). I have 3+ weeks to figure it out. Then once I get it I'll see how much (if at all) it bothers me. Having the extra pixels helps a lot when I'm working in Fusion 360, but I don't know how much longer I'll be doing that. If I'm going to be just straight up writing code again, I will be fine.

Appreciate that suggestion. Gives me something to play with once the iMac arrives. Thanks.

 

[Stephen.R]

I’ve read the op three times and I don’t understand something.

You have two 5k 27”s
You want to use a 24” 4.5k iMac and sell one of the 5ks.

where does a 24” 4K come into it?

just run the iMac and the 5k 27” at “default” resolution, they’re both right around 220 ppi

 

[Amethyst1]

So resolution would be close,

Yes, but not the actual size of text and UI elements. If you want the size to be identical on both screens, they both need to have the same (real or simulated) PPI. As @Stephen.R said, this is the case when both screens are running at their default settings.

 

[fishkorp]

I’ve read the op three times and I don’t understand something.

You have two 5k 27”s
You want to use a 24” 4.5k iMac and sell one of the 5ks.

where does a 24” 4K come into it?

just run the iMac and the 5k 27” at “default” resolution, they’re both right around 220 ppi

Sell the 2nd 27” and replace it with a 24”.

I know, it’s a downgrade. But having mismatched sizes is probably going to drive me crazy. I’ll have to see if I can get used to it. I’m not OCD about a lot of things, but things like displays are one of them. They need to match and need to be angled a certain way or it bothers me and it’s hard to focus on what I’m doing. Silly, I know.

 

[Amethyst1]

@fishkorp - Does the fact the iMac is 23.5" and the UltraFine is 23.7" not bother you then? Joking aside, I can be similarly obsessed with displays so you're not alone.

 

[Stephen.R]

I guess it depends what you use it for. Personally I'd find a way to make the 5K "work" (or just not buy the 24" iMac, and wait for the 27" to be replaced)..

 

[xraydoc]

I guess it depends what you use it for. Personally I'd find a way to make the 5K "work" (or just not buy the 24" iMac, and wait for the 27" to be replaced)..

To throw a wrinkle in, I suspect the next iMac will be larger than 27".