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Best recommended external monitor for Macbook 12" model?

Turnpike

Turnpike

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 2, 2011
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New York City!
If I were to go pick up a 27" to 32" size monitor to be used with my 12" Macbook, are there any models I should start with to consider? Something the Macbook could easily power... I realize it may not have the retina type display in this situation, but what would you recommend I start looking at? Thanks!
 
Turnpike said:
If I were to go pick up a 27" to 32" size monitor to be used with my 12" Macbook, are there any models I should start with to consider? Something the Macbook could easily power... I realize it may not have the retina type display in this situation, but what would you recommend I start looking at? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Reading online at The Verge you may run into issues if you have the 2015 model or you do not have the proper cables. Otherwise, Dell, LG, and Acer seem to have models. I'm partial to Dell monitors.
 
I run a HP Envy 32" with my 2015 MacBook and have no problems. I had a screen flickering problem for a while but it has stopped in the last month or so(I had the issue for probably 6-8 months) so I think it was fixed in a software update. I use Apple's HDMI cable and their adapter.
 
I use an LG 27" 4K (27UD88) with mine via USB-C. It works great, but the MacBook starts to struggle with the 4K resolution if I'm doing any heavy-ish multitasking.

Problem is, the 27UD88 stocks depleted at exactly the same time Apple/LG released their UltraFine range. According to an LG rep, this was caused by a sudden shortage of 27" 4K displays. Coincidences, ey....... :rolleyes:

The information in that article from The Verge is now incorrect - the 2015 MacBook should run 4K / 60Hz natively over USB-C. If it's limited to 48Hz as reported in the article, then Apple is intentionally restricting refresh rates for the UF displays via a software hack - which is somewhat concerning.

Edit: The same LG rep is reporting there will be availability in the UK as of tomorrow over at Overclockers (I bought mine from there and a load of my PC hardware too, would recommend them). I imagine there will also be stock reaching US retailers too.
 
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Acer K272HUL using HDMI and the USB-C to HDMI adapter from Apple

2560x1440 :)
 
Ditto for the LG 27UD88, one cable connection for power, video, and USB hub (easily saves $100 for separate adapter), brilliant screen.
 
andy9l said:
Problem is, the 27UD88 stocks depleted at exactly the same time Apple/LG released their UltraFine range. According to an LG rep, this was caused by a sudden shortage of 27" 4K displays. Coincidences, ey....... :rolleyes:
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It seemed to happen after the new MacBook Pros were released which makes sense. I was in the market before that and it was a buyer's market. I could've bought one for $550 shipped on Amazon but decided to "think about it" over the weekend and missed out.
 
Dunbar said:
It seemed to happen after the new MacBook Pros were released which makes sense. I was in the market before that and it was a buyer's market. I could've bought one for $550 shipped on Amazon but decided to "think about it" over the weekend and missed out.
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The release of the MacBook Pros shouldn't have an impact on the availability of 27" 4K panels. It would have an impact on the availability of the products they are in - e.g. the LG 27UD88.

The LG rep specifically said it's a panel shortage that's causing the restraints. I just find it somewhat coincidental that the sudden supply issues (presumably lower yields) occurred after the launch of the UF range, which are more profitable for the company in question.

It might be that LG have contracts with other 27" 4K display manufacturers that means they are struggling to keep up with demand for their panels. I admit that is very possible.

Either way, I have had nothing but great LG products, so I don't want to knock them too much. Would recommend, if you can get one!
 
I'm using a 2015 12" Macbook with the LG 38uC99. Not 4k but I really like the ultrawide curve and size of it.
 
Contemplating an LG 34" ultrawide but have a couple of minor queries for those of you already using one.

If connected via USB-C (or TB2) could I use a USB-A to Ethernet adaptor attached to the monitor to connect laptop to a wired LAN?

Also, when using the monitor's Split Screen software to divvy up the screen real estate does it treat them as independent Spaces? ie. if you used Split Screen to create 2 virtual workspaces would each of those show as separate Spaces, could you change them one by one if selecting the Displays have separate Spaces in Mission Control?

Grateful for any answers asap.
Thanks.
 
xqtr said:
Acer H277HU. It has a USB-C port.
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Second nomination for this monitor. Single cable (USB-C) for power, video and audio, and USB. I keep an Apple extended keyboard and USB-3 cable (for portable Time Machine drive) plugged in to the two ports. I don't use many peripherals, so this is a near ideal docking station for me. Have the same setup at the office and the home office.
 
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boast said:
It runs choppy on my 34UC97, I can't imagine the performance on the 38UC99!
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Haven't noticed any choppiness. Then again, I don't really play games.

Mostly do productivity related stuff, browsing, email.. the 38" screen really comes in handy with multiple windows.
 
xqtr said:
Acer H277HU. It has a USB-C port.
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psymac said:
Not 4K.
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Trade offs. Fast, bright 27" display with enough space (2560x1440) for side-by-side document display. Fast and convenient daily set up with single cable plug and go solution. Bought two for the cost of one 4K to have same setup at the office and home office. If the next MacBook supports thunderbolt 3 then 4K would be a great upgrade.
 
junkmail509 said:
Trade offs. Fast, bright 27" display with enough space (2560x1440) for side-by-side document display. Fast and convenient daily set up with single cable plug and go solution. Bought two for the cost of one 4K to have same setup at the office and home office. If the next MacBook supports thunderbolt 3 then 4K would be a great upgrade.
Click to expand...
MacBook 2016 works and MacBook 2017 does not work
 
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