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Display-related survey for 27 inch iMac users

M

miretogo

macrumors regular
Original poster
Aug 19, 2014
137
134
1) Do you use its native resolution and default macOS font size or have you changed one or the other (or both)? If so, why?
2) How far are your eyes away from the display? Please measure, don't guess ;-)
3) Do you use an external monitor as primary display? If so, why?
4) Do you find the size of the 27 inch display of the iMac too small, just right or too big?

...

For me, the answers are as follows:

1) Yes, but I'm still undecided and sometimes wish some text was larger (e.g. in the menu bar).
2) My eyes are almost exactly 27" away from the display.
3) No, but in a few days I will try to use my 31.5" monitor again and check if I prefer it or not.
4) I would pref if it was larger. I guess I would like 30" to 32" the most.

Before I bought my 27" iMac, I used a 21.5" iMac together with a 31.5" monitor, which was my main display. However, I was intrigued by the thought of having a minimalistic setup with just one device. Also, I had the epiphany that sitting 27" away from a 27" display makes it look just as large as sitting 31.5" away from a 31.5" display. I guess many people would find sitting just 27" away from the 27" iMac too close, but for me it feels right and has therefore become a rule of thumb to sit as far away from the display as its diagonal. So far, I like my minimalistic iMac-only (plus speakers) setup, but I am still getting used to having less distance to the display than before, which makes my desk look a little less wide.

I am looking forward to your answers.
 
Last edited:
1) resolution: scaled one step down towards "more space", kept default font size
2) 60cm
3) no, just upgraded from a 17" MBP ;)
4) just right for now

One thing I'll have to get used to is that the screen is placed higher on my desk than before. I was used to sit kinda hunched over my MBP, now I have to straighten up. ;)
 
Would "one step down" not result in less space (but larger text)?

I am surprised that you are sitting 3-4" closer to the display than I am. I will try that distance later ;-)

Your new posture that you are getting used to is probably more ergonomic than looking down on your MacBook Pro. My orthopaedist told me that using a laptop is inherently unergonomic - unless you use an external display.
 
miretogo said:
Would "one step down" not result in less space (but larger text)?
Click to expand...

I meant I chose the first position right from the middle towards "more space". So smaller text, I guess I should've said "up" because it looks like you have more pixels on the same screen. I hate that Apple doesn't just give us the good ol' list of resolutions anymore... ;)

The viewing distance for me is a question of how comfortable reading text on the screen is. I wear glasses (near-sighted), and have always preferred working on the computer without them. Now as I'm getting older, I find I have to keep them on, but have to adjust my sitting position to be comfortable.

Your new posture that you are getting used to is probably more ergonomic than looking down on your MacBook Pro. My orthopaedist told me that using a laptop is inherently unergonomic - unless you use an external display.
Click to expand...

Yep, that's what I keep telling me too... while the tension in my upper back muscles slowly fades. :D That 27" screen is fantastic though, my 17" MBP looks so small now in comparison... :rolleyes:
 
Bohemien said:
I hate that Apple doesn't just give us the good ol' list of resolutions anymore...
Click to expand...

Just hold down the Option key while clicking on Scaled and you'll get the list like before :)

And to answer OPs survey:

1) I use default resolution (looks like 2560x1440) and default macOS font size
2) About 60 cm to my eyes (yes, I measured)
3) No external monitor. I've never used one with an iMac, but I tried having two monitors years ago and never liked it
4) I find 27 inch just right. It only felt big the first week or so, this screen is fantastic - highly recommended
 
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"I am looking forward to your answers."

No answer anyone gives here is going to determine what's right ... for you.

You have to experiment and discover that for yourself.
 
Not addressing the new 27" iMac here, but this may be of interest to those of us without the eagle's eye.

I used an 09 iMac 27" for years @1080p. As my eyes grew weaker I switched to a 32" TV which I now use every day.
The text and pix are way better.

I also run a MM on our 55" 4k tv, and the text is "Real Big". LOL It works. a2
 
Fishrrman said:
No answer anyone gives here is going to determine what's right ... for you.
Click to expand...

True, none of these replies will determine anything for me, but I (and hopefully others) find the answers interesting and helpful.
 
You might try holding "command" and pressing the "+" and "-" keys to zoom the text size up or down. It seems to maintain your desired setting for the duration of that session, even when switching pages in Safari.
 
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