Display for Mac Mini

[sigurros]

My school is replacing the 27" iMacs in my classroom with new machines. Since you can't get large iMacs anymore, they are going with Mac Minis and external displays. Apple's are just to expensive (need 25 displays), so what are good alternatives and should they connect via HDMI or something else?

Please post links too. TYIA

 

[Longplays]

If you're the decision maker I'd wait 2-4 more months as a iMac M2 may come out.

Also if budget's a constraint why not the iMac 24" even if it a smaller screen.

It sounds weird that I want to buy a 27" M2 from a 27" Intel but in a school environment the students need to learn to adopt to changing equipment.

 

[PeteBurgh]

My school is replacing the 27" iMacs in my classroom with new machines. Since you can't get large iMacs anymore, they are going with Mac Minis and external displays. Apple's are just to expensive (need 25 displays), so what are good alternatives and should they connect via HDMI or something else?

Please post links too. TYIA

Connecting visa HDMI should be fine.

But I think it would help if you provided more information about your needs.

Eg., what sort of budget are you working with? What do you need the displays to do? Are they just going to be used for simple productivity stuff like web browsing and office apps, or are they to be used for design work where things like more space, more pixels and colour accuracy are important? Does your school have existing procurement contracts? Where in the world are you based (costs and availability varies quite a bit)? Do you want like-for-like 27" replacements, or would you consider other sizes? Etc.

There's a whole world of monitors out there, from simple generic ones that cost $60-100 to far more specialised expensive ones. I would start by defining your needs rather than just asking for random recommendations.

 

[sigurros]

Connecting visa HDMI should be fine.

But I think it would help if you provided more information about your needs.

Eg., what sort of budget are you working with? What do you need the displays to do? Are they just going to be used for simple productivity stuff like web browsing and office apps, or are they to be used for design work where things like more space, more pixels and colour accuracy are important? Does your school have existing procurement contracts? Where in the world are you based (costs and availability varies quite a bit)? Do you want like-for-like 27" replacements, or would you consider other sizes? Etc.

There's a whole world of monitors out there, from simple generic ones that cost $60-100 to far more specialised expensive ones. I would start by defining your needs rather than just asking for random recommendations.

I teach video production, design and journalism, so we are using FCP, Photoshop and InDesign. The 24" iMac screen is just too small.

 

[sigurros]

If you're the decision maker I'd wait 2-4 more months as a iMac M2 may come out.

Also if budget's a constraint why not the iMac 24" even if it a smaller screen.

It sounds weird that I want to buy a 27" M2 from a 27" Intel but in a school environment the students need to learn to adopt to changing equipment.

We have to buy now to have everything ready for when student return at the end of August. That's how the education cycle works.

 

[padams35]

Personally, I like 24" 4K displays for the near-retina experience and use an LG 24UD58. Only flaws: (a) you said 24" is too small, (b) it doesn't include working speakers (maybe fixed with the current LG 24UD58-B edition?) so I have to choose between the Mini's sound or adding a separate speaker set to the desk.

Maybe something like the Dell 27" 4K S2722QC: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/del...2qc/apd/210-bbqt/monitors-monitor-accessories

By the way... is the school replacing 2013/older 1440p 27" iMacs or 2014/newer 5K 27" iMacs?

 

[ovbacon]

My school is replacing the 27" iMacs in my classroom with new machines. Since you can't get large iMacs anymore, they are going with Mac Minis and external displays. Apple's are just to expensive (need 25 displays), so what are good alternatives and should they connect via HDMI or something else?

Please post links too. TYIA

There are a lot of threads on monitors for mini's (the search function is your friend) so instead of making a new one I would suggest looking at what people have already posted about this. here is one: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...u-using-on-your-mini-m1-2-and-beyond.2386772/

 

[i486dx2-66]

My school is replacing the 27" iMacs in my classroom with new machines. Since you can't get large iMacs anymore, they are going with Mac Minis and external displays. Apple's are just to expensive (need 25 displays), so what are good alternatives

How about refurbished 27" iMacs?

You didn't say how old the current iMacs are... but Apple's Certified Refurbished section still has a bunch of 2020 27" iMacs available, with prices as low as $1169. 27" 2020 iMacs are also still available new ($1799 on Amazon via Adorama, for example).

Anything else is either going to be more expensive, or a step down in display quality. And from what you've said, the display is a significant part of your selection process.

 

[Zest28]

I teach video production, design and journalism, so we are using FCP, Photoshop and InDesign. The 24" iMac screen is just too small.

The size difference between 24" and 27" isn't that big really based on what I have seen of the M1 iMac vs Apple Studio Display.

 

[mushy peas]

The Samsung Viewfinity S9 is said to be coming in sale early next month. That’s a 27” 5K display at a cheaper price than the (massively overpriced) Apple Studio Display. Would be the best option if you’re used to using 27” iMacs.