Best Non-Apple external monitor for Air?

[warfed]

I'd like some feedback on this idea that the 13" MBA doesn't render well on 16x10 screens. I'm looking to buy a 1920x1200 monitor and will be using my MBA in clamshell.

Not sure why the Air wouldn't render well on a 16x10 considering the built in screen is 16x10 (on the 13" anyway).

 

[minnus]

I'd like some feedback on this idea that the 13" MBA doesn't render well on 16x10 screens. I'm looking to buy a 1920x1200 monitor and will be using my MBA in clamshell.

Not too sure what is meant by the "doesn't render well", but it looks fine on my U2410 using mini-displayport to displayport adapter. (hdmi didn't play too well).

 

[calvol]

Not too sure what is meant by the "doesn't render well", but it looks fine on my U2410 using mini-displayport to displayport adapter. (hdmi didn't play too well).

It's hard to describe, but the rendering of my 2010 13" MBA on a Dell 2412m looks larger than it should be for 1920x1200. It looks like it's rendering at 800x600 or something like that. Using a PC, everything looks smaller like I would expect at 1920x1200 resolution.

 

[chubucko]

I use the ViewSonic VP2365WB 23-Inch IPS (http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-VP2365WB-23-Inch-IPS-Monitor/dp/B002R0JJYO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333314650&sr=8-2) to pair up with my 11inch air. Wonders like a champ especially using Lightroom.

 

[airkevin]

Ultrasharp??

I just priced ultrasharps (dell site):
27" at $999 is same price as apple 27 thunderbolt monitor. 24" is $549. Anything over $300, I'd probably cough up the extra for Apple since you get 2560x1440, connectivity to gigabyte ethernet, all the extra usb ports, the ($$$) thunderbolt cord that also charges the laptop, firewire port, cool speaker with subwoof, plus the cool Jonathan Ives design..

At $1K it's a bargain, actually.

Kevin
Mac Air 11"

 

[glen e]

I have a 27 in LG....happy with it but I'm not spec crazy...just looks fine for me....

 

[rookpsu]

I'm going to be placing an order for one of these in the next few days.

27'' - 2560x1440 - IPS - $300

Allegedly, it's the same LG panels used in the cinema display, but ones that dont meet Apple's exceptionally high standard of quality. For less than a 1/3rd of the price... I can live with that. Anandtech, seems to agree.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/320857320377?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_5247wt_871

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5885/the-achieva-shimian-qh270-a-350-27inch-wqhd-sips-display

 

[islanders]

ips

The extra $200 for a IPS monitor is worth it. I would rather have nothing than a POS monitor.

I'm using a 24'' Asus Pro Art 1920x1200 IPS off the 2012 11'' MBA mini port to DVI. It works well at 1920x1200 but text didn't' appear to be quite as sharp as my desktop Asus 570 GTX, although very close.

I couldn't be happier with the screen on the 11'' and my desktop. Most of my internet use will be on the 11'' and graphics work on the desktop. Still nice to be able to use the external with the 11'', but don't think I'll be using it as much as I thought for general use.

 

[theSeb]

I'd like some feedback on this idea that the 13" MBA doesn't render well on 16x10 screens. I'm looking to buy a 1920x1200 monitor and will be using my MBA in clamshell.

I use my 13" MBA with a dell 1920x1200 and I have never seen anything like that.

 

[smithy1185]

I'm going to be placing an order for one of these in the next few days.

27'' - 2560x1440 - IPS - $300

Allegedly, it's the same LG panels used in the cinema display, but ones that dont meet Apple's exceptionally high standard of quality. For less than a 1/3rd of the price... I can live with that. Anandtech, seems to agree.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/320857320377?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_5247wt_871

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5885/the-achieva-shimian-qh270-a-350-27inch-wqhd-sips-display

I bought this same monitor in the beginning of April back when they were going for $328 and it is one of the best purchases I've made in a while. I was nervous since it seemed like a gamble but I read a lot of people's experiences on this one forum and I couldn't be happier with it. These monitors are the ones that truly are bargains.

I don't have a MBA yet (can't decide between the 11" or the 13") but back when my 2008 15" MBP was still alive, it worked perfectly with the Shimian. It did have the dual link DVI port though so I didn't have to buy one of those pricey adapters. I've seen them for around $60 online for the third party ones though.

The 1440p res is tough on gpus so it motivated to update my desktop. The downside to most of these Korean monitors is that since there only is one dvi-d port, I'd have to get a KVM switch to use 2 computers with it. When I do get my Air though I'll probably just use it with my 24" 1200p monitor.

 

[Bob Coxner]

I just priced ultrasharps (dell site):
27" at $999 is same price as apple 27 thunderbolt monitor. 24" is $549. Anything over $300, I'd probably cough up the extra for Apple since you get 2560x1440, connectivity to gigabyte ethernet, all the extra usb ports, the ($$$) thunderbolt cord that also charges the laptop, firewire port, cool speaker with subwoof, plus the cool Jonathan Ives design..

At $1K it's a bargain, actually.

Kevin
Mac Air 11"

The u2412m goes on sale frequently for around $300. I got one for that price and it's fantastic.

 

[hashholly]

IPS Ultrasharp Dell monitors are really nice compared to Apple's displays. And they come without the gloss.

The cheaper models ($200ish) only have 1920x1080 resolutions. For $400+ you can get monitors with 1920x1200 resolutions. You can even go cheaper with Dell, but I believe they have TN panels and aren't as nice as IPS panels.

Also, the Ultrasharp monitors offer Displayport connectivity (aka thunderbolt). The cable is somewhat expensive, but it will future proof your purchase when you move from VGA/DVI to display port when the cables are cheaper.

I agree, those Dell IPS monitors are damn good non-glossy alternatives

 

[OrlandoV]

Best value under $200

Obviously there are a lot of options, but I love this monitor. It combines a gorgeous screen and pretty decent speakers. I will never go less than a LED LCD at this point and this monitor is a great value for a perfect picture. It doesn't shame a beautiful MBP.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Y3BJ7S

 

[Moshe1010]

I'm going to be placing an order for one of these in the next few days.

27'' - 2560x1440 - IPS - $300

Allegedly, it's the same LG panels used in the cinema display, but ones that dont meet Apple's exceptionally high standard of quality. For less than a 1/3rd of the price... I can live with that. Anandtech, seems to agree.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/320857320377?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_5247wt_871

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5885/the-achieva-shimian-qh270-a-350-27inch-wqhd-sips-display

There is a better display than this one. Here is a link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/120911008070#ht_37214wt_1396

 

[bembol]

I thought about getting the Series 7 Samsung 27" LED Monitor but backed out because I didn't want to spend too much.

Waiting for a seller on kijiji to get more Dell UltrSharp U2412M.

 

[asting]

Can anyone recommend a monitor suited for the 11" Air?

I saw a few Acer 21.5-24in range monitors I've been looking into.

I have 2 of the 21.5" s211hl monitors. They're very good monitors and a fantastic value. If you need super accurate colors pick up a calibration tool and you'll be set.

 

[DanInTheRockies]

28" Hanns-G Monitor is Awesome Deal

I purchased this Hanns-G monitor for the first time 4 years ago, and it is still going strong. It is $270 on http://www.newegg.com with free shipping, and has a resolution of 1920 x 1200. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254052

I now supply these to every new hire, as they are only $100 more than a crappy 22".

I can say with confidence that this is the best monitor you can buy for the money. In my case it is the best two monitors, as I have a Thunderbolt Display from Apple my work bought me, a Mini DVI monitor that is the same as thunderbolt (daisy chained), and two of these I bought myself using a USB VGA adapter. Fine speed for e-mail and blogs, but run video on Mac monitors. I can run this monitor on the Thunderbolt port with an adapter to HDMI or VGA connection, but since I have the Mac displays too, I don't have enough Thunderbolt ports to do that.

 

[kent912]

What is the possibility of using dual IPS monitors in OS X and Win7 under Bootcamp with the new 2012 MBA?

Thx

 

[Don2108]

Best Non-Apple external monitor for Air

I love all the beautiful screens as found in the apple store, but I had to look elsewhere for a better value. I think this Viewsonic is the best value for the money.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LXK8LI

 

[soldierblue]

Here's a super basic guide:

I want something smaller than 24 inches: Buy the corresponding Dell UltraSharp.

I want a 24 inch monitor: Buy the Dell U2412 (expect to pay around $300 if you shop around).
I want a 24 inch monitor but I need 1:1 pixel mapping: Buy an HP ZR2440w or an Asus PA248Q (expect to pay around $390 and $350 if you shop around, respectively).

I want a 27 inch monitor: Buy the HP ZR2740w (expect to pay around $680 if you shop around).
I want a 27 inch monitor but I need 1:1 pixel mapping and/or a scaler: Buy the Dell U2711 (expect to pay around $800 if you shop around).

I would avoid the Cinema Display unless you like having a mirror on your desk, no hardware OSD and no input flexibility.

And yes, I'm intentionally ignoring TN panels.

 

[msullivanxi]

I bought this same monitor in the beginning of April back when they were going for $328 and it is one of the best purchases I've made in a while. I was nervous since it seemed like a gamble but I read a lot of people's experiences on this one forum and I couldn't be happier with it. These monitors are the ones that truly are bargains.

I don't have a MBA yet (can't decide between the 11" or the 13") but back when my 2008 15" MBP was still alive, it worked perfectly with the Shimian. It did have the dual link DVI port though so I didn't have to buy one of those pricey adapters. I've seen them for around $60 online for the third party ones though.

The 1440p res is tough on gpus so it motivated to update my desktop. The downside to most of these Korean monitors is that since there only is one dvi-d port, I'd have to get a KVM switch to use 2 computers with it. When I do get my Air though I'll probably just use it with my 24" 1200p monitor.

For the display did you need to buy a adaptor for the power cord it looks like its sold with a korean plug?

If so what one did you buy?

 

[johnbraun]

Asus 25" for Macbook Air?

Hi,

After reading this thread, I am considering the Asus 25" to connect to my Macbook Air, which I just bought about a month ago.

Which cable(s) do I need for the connection?

NeutronUSA seems to have the best price for this display. Anyone have any experience with NeutronUSA?


Thanks much!

(Note- I'm literally copy/pasting an email I recently sent to a friend looking for a cheap, decent monitor for under $200. This was the best match I found after some light digging)

The Asus VH236H is well under $200, averages 5/5 stars from 1000 Newegg users and 4.5 stars from 100 Amazon reviews, performs well in its price range, and also has an HDMI port if needed for Xbox/etc. I wouldn't recommend it for professional color work, but I'll just quote CNET's "bottom line" about the monitor (I've linked the review below).

"The bottom line: The Asus VH236H is a great-performing 23-incher with a
welcome low price."


The CNET review:
http://reviews.cnet.com/lcd-monitors/asus-vh236h/4505-3174_7-33615002.html

Newegg Link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

 

[Osamede]

It's hard to describe, but the rendering of my 2010 13" MBA on a Dell 2412m looks larger than it should be for 1920x1200. It looks like it's rendering at 800x600 or something like that. Using a PC, everything looks smaller like I would expect at 1920x1200 resolution.

Ditto to this feedback, in my case on my Dell 2408WFP display that I use at work. (S-PVA CCFL-lit display, btw - wipes the floor with these over-hyped, overgrown IPS blurry mush)

I am using the 2012 MBA 13" and the mini-DisplayPort to DVI adapter, then a plain old DVI cable. It does render a bit less finer than comparing to my personal Sony Z laptop coming in to this on HDMI or an older Dell XPS laptop through a plain old VGA connection, which shocks me.

Will try the mini-displayport to Displayport cable and report back if it is any better.

Also the MBA does not let you specify or adjust the external resolution in any way. Its an A/B choice of either rendering at "laptop" size or at some unspecified "other", which IMO cant be the pure 1920x1200 that the display is capable. I wold have expected better.

 

[jweiix]

Ditto to this feedback, in my case on my Dell 2408WFP display that I use at work. (S-PVA CCFL-lit display, btw - wipes the floor with these over-hyped, overgrown IPS blurry mush)

I am using the 2012 MBA 13" and the mini-DisplayPort to DVI adapter, then a plain old DVI cable. It does render a bit less finer than comparing to my personal Sony Z laptop coming in to this on HDMI or an older Dell XPS laptop through a plain old VGA connection, which shocks me.

Will try the mini-displayport to Displayport cable and report back if it is any better.

Also the MBA does not let you specify or adjust the external resolution in any way. Its an A/B choice of either rendering at "laptop" size or at some unspecified "other", which IMO cant be the pure 1920x1200 that the display is capable. I wold have expected better.

I think I have the same issue. Was doing research on this when I came across this forum. Did you ever figure it out if the mini-displayport to displayport cable fixes the "fuzzy" rendering?

I have a MBA (2010 model) connected to a U2412 via mini-displayport to DVI adapter, then then DVI cable to the monitor. I'm experiencing the same thing but can't figure out precisely why. It just seems....less sharp then it's supposed to be? I've tried calibrating and loading ICC profiles but it still seems text is a bit fuzzy. My bootcamp Win7 OS works perfectly though and text is sharp.

Anybody have any clues? Kind of bugging me as I thought this setup would be better than it is. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Writergirl7]

Monitor for 11" MBA

Did anyone answer the question wrt the 11.6 MBA? It has a 16:9 ratio. Will that be okay on the Dell 2412m which has a16:10 ratio? Does it matter? I have the 2013 model and need a monitor that is good for text and photography.