Finding a monitor for the Mini is an exercise in frustration!

[Stephen.R]

My 24" 1080p screen is okay, but a bit grainy when looking at text. I guess I've been spoiled by my iPhone and iPad Pro

Right so if you're happy with the screen real estate of 1080p @ 24" but don't like the clarity compared to an iPhone/iPad, that Dell I mentioned (or, as I said, the LG 24", for a lot more $/£) would be perfect: everything on screen will look the same size, but at iPhone/iPad-like clarity.

Presumably I'd still be okay using this monitor but just scaled down to QHD or 1080?

Yep, it should be fine. One bonus the Dell has over the UltraFine's Apple sell, is multiple input sources so if you wanted, you could hook it up to both the Mac and PC, and just switch input via the OSD.

 

[djivatma]

They are expensive, and its a shame there isn't more competition.

If you can find one, I really like the Dell P2415Q. It's been around for ages (the 15 in the model name refers to 2015), and if you can find one, they're 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the LG 24", but at exactly the same size/resolution (and thus PPI). It seems like Dell either has, or is in the process of discontinuing this model though, so it might be hard to find now.


One thing to keep in mind is, a 'retina' of Hi-DPI screen, regardless of whether it's running at native 2x or even at a 'non-optimal' scaled resolution (e.g. if you wanted the screen resolution of 2560x1440 on a 4K 27"), is going to look much better than any non-Hi-DPI display.

I would generally recommend a display that can do Hi-DPI, because it gives you a lot more options (i.e. choosing different scaled resolutions on a Hi-DPI screen is very doable, and isn't likely to negatively impact most tasks (i.e. things where pixel perfectness isn't a factor), and gives a much clearer picture. If you had one at the time, think about the difference between the pre- and post- retina iPhone/iPad screens. It's exactly the same scenario.

Guys, what's the best way to connect the new Mac Mini M1 to Dell P2415Q?

Will I be able to change the brightness via the keys on the Magic Keyboard?

What's the difference with the P2715Q model besides the screen size?

 

[Stephen.R]

Depends how you use your Mac. If you need the USB-c ports for other stuff, use hdmi. If you can spare one, get a USB-c to DisplayPort(or Mini DisplayPort, the p2415q has both) cable.

for brightness control there is a menu bar app (but it also listens for brightness key presses). I’ll find it when I’m back at my desk and add the link below.

 

[Stephen.R]

The app I mentioned is called MonitorControl. https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl/releases

I use it with a 2018 Mac mini and two P2415Qs.

 

[djivatma]

Depends how you use your Mac. If you need the USB-c ports for other stuff, use hdmi. If you can spare one, get a USB-c to DisplayPort(or Mini DisplayPort, the p2415q has both) cable.

for brightness control there is a menu bar app (but it also listens for brightness key presses). I’ll find it when I’m back at my desk and add the link below.

Awesome! Thanks a lot for your quick reply and for the link. 🙏

Did you notice any issues with the sleep mode and awakening?

 

[sublunar]

I have to say that this Dell looks very promising. Had a quick look and have found a few places in the UK selling it for around £300-350, which is similar to the other monitors I'd been considering.

As I work at home on my Mac and look at text a lot, clarity is important. My 24" 1080p screen is okay, but a bit grainy when looking at text. I guess I've been spoiled by my iPhone and iPad Pro

I've also got a basic gaming PC. I don't play anything too demanding (no first person shooters or racing games) but I'm certain it won't run at 4K. Presumably I'd still be okay using this monitor but just scaled down to QHD or 1080?

I have arrived late to this conversation, I use a pair of U2520D monitors hanging off a Caldigit thunderbolt dock in a 2 monitor setup (one connected via USB-C the other using Displayport - that's how the Caldigit supports 2 external displays). The dock ensures I only use a single TB3 connector. Apple don't allow daisy chaining monitors so I can't run Macs off the monitors by daisy chaining one to the other (but PCs can).

The U series panels are purportedly better quality than the P series Dell panels (more colour accurate).

In terms of resolution I prefer these as they are 1440p - I wouldn't like to work on 1080p monitors or their 4k 'retina' equivalents and I believe 5k panels are becoming rarer. the 5k iMac sparked a massive interest in 5k 27" panels but that seems to be dying down now.

25" 1440p looks fine to me and I've never used a 5k iMac so I wouldn't appreciate the increased pixel density available there.

You probably won't get decent performance in PC AAA games from a 1440p 60Hz monitor but you might ironically be better off with a 4k monitor played at 1080p (exact pixels doubled) rather than trying to play something that's scaled to 1080p on a 1440p display. Obviously serious gamers would not pick a 60Hz monitor.

I'd just turn the detail down on a PC connected to one of these monitors. The U2520D has USB-C, HDMI, and Displayport if you want to hook up your PC separately.

I'd love a 5k display but can't justify the expense and having 2 monitors gives a bit of flexibility which I appreciate - even though I might get more out of a single 5k screen.

 

[djivatma]

Guys, I made my own list of the monitors (accordingly to this thread and a few YT videos).
I'm looking for
* a "compact" model up to 27" (since I have myopia and work without glasses, I have to sit closer to the screen)
* with QHD 2560 * 1440 resolution
* for Mac Mini M1 2020
* for web browsing, office tasks, video editing (not pro)
* USB-C connection, integrated sound - preferred

DELL
- P2415Q (380$) UHD
- U2520D (350$) QHD, USB-C
- U2721DE (450$) QHD, USB-C

BENQ
- EX2780Q (450$) QHD, USB-C, 144 Hz - here is a review on YT
- PD2705Q (420$) QHD, USB-C

ASUS
- PA278QV (380$) QHD

I'm going to order 2 monitors to find the best one

Which ones will YOU choose?



* prices are for the Spanish market and converted from EURO

 

[Stephen.R]

Awesome! Thanks a lot for your quick reply and for the link. 🙏

Did you notice any issues with the sleep mode and awakening?

Not really. Sometimes I noticed one wouldn’t go fully to sleep (but it’d have no picture) - not sure if I’ve seen that since I added an eGPU (I had both displays attached to a single tb3 port via a tb3 to dp adapter before; now they’re both connected to the dp outputs of the egpu)

 

[kollektr]

Related: I'm in the market for a new USB-C 25-27" monitor to go with my MacBook Pro M1.

I have tried using a Dell U2515H and a Dell U2721DE and both only showed YPbBr colours which seemed dull and resulted in blurry text (tried USB C - Displayport on the 25" and USB C - DP alt.mode on the 27"). Somehow Dell seems to have a problem showing RGB colors when connected to non-intel Macs (and also Intel macs) - people have found a workaround changing the EDID-profile which unfortunately no longer works under Big Sur as the file are non-write.

I am still looking for a USB-C monitor which displays RGB colors connected to my new M1 MBP. Got a BenQ PD2705q coming and am thinking about returning the U2721DE (which has dead pixels anyways) and getting a Dell U2520D in return.

Dell are my favorite when it comes to design and connectivity but unfortunately they don't seem to pair well with (my) new M1.

 

[pldelisle]

Related: I'm in the market for a new USB-C 25-27" monitor to go with my MacBook Pro M1.

I have tried using a Dell U2515H and a Dell U2721DE and both only showed YPbBr colours which seemed dull and resulted in blurry text (tried USB C - Displayport on the 25" and USB C - DP alt.mode on the 27"). Somehow Dell seems to have a problem showing RGB colors when connected to non-intel Macs (and also Intel macs) - people have found a workaround changing the EDID-profile which unfortunately no longer works under Big Sur as the file are non-write.

I am still looking for a USB-C monitor which displays RGB colors connected to my new M1 MBP. Got a BenQ PD2705q coming and am thinking about returning the U2721DE (which has dead pixels anyways) and getting a Dell U2520D in return.

Dell are my favorite when it comes to design and connectivity but unfortunately they don't seem to pair well with (my) new M1.

The YCbCr is a software bug. This is not Dell’s fault (unless the dead pixel which is rare on Ultrasharp displays).

I’m personally disgusted by having two different monitors sitting next to the other.

 

[kollektr]

Haha. You probably got me wrong, I am only going for one external monitor to pair with my MBP. Just haven't found the one I am going to keep yet and therefore, I am trying various models.

 

[djivatma]

Related: I'm in the market for a new USB-C 25-27" monitor to go with my MacBook Pro M1.

I have tried using a Dell U2515H and a Dell U2721DE and both only showed YPbBr colours which seemed dull and resulted in blurry text (tried USB C - Displayport on the 25" and USB C - DP alt.mode on the 27"). Somehow Dell seems to have a problem showing RGB colors when connected to non-intel Macs (and also Intel macs) - people have found a workaround changing the EDID-profile which unfortunately no longer works under Big Sur as the file are non-write.

I am still looking for a USB-C monitor which displays RGB colors connected to my new M1 MBP. Got a BenQ PD2705q coming and am thinking about returning the U2721DE (which has dead pixels anyways) and getting a Dell U2520D in return.

Dell are my favorite when it comes to design and connectivity but unfortunately they don't seem to pair well with (my) new M1.

Thanks for posting and, please continue sharing your experience with us!

I ordered today Dell U2721DE and BenQ EX2780Q (I was looking at PD2705q as well). Also, I'm going to check Dell U2520D 😁

Will post my thoughts here in the next 2-3 weeks once I get my Mini M1 and all the monitors.

 

[pldelisle]

Apple has known issue with monitor support on M1 and knows it. It was in the news some weeks ago and Apple said they are working on improving support. All this are software related problem and will likely be fixed in upcoming Big Sur Update (maybe 11.2 final build). It's only a matter of time.

 

[harriska2]

Apple has known issue with monitor support on M1 and knows it. It was in the news some weeks ago and Apple said they are working on improving support. All this are software related problem and will likely be fixed in upcoming Big Sur Update (maybe 11.2 final build). It's only a matter of time.

Not holding my breath. It’s why I won’t update my 2018 to Big Sur from Mojave. My Samsung 4k works with hdmi and I prefer to keep it that way.

 

[richmond62]

Personally I use 3 monitors with my 2018 Mac Mini: all 3 were second hand things that would have ended up in the dumpster if my friend at the bank hadn't tipped me off.

No obvious problems except cannot get colour calibration across the 3 of them.

 

[Cassandle]

Thanks for posting and, please continue sharing your experience with us!

I ordered today Dell U2721DE and BenQ EX2780Q (I was looking at PD2705q as well). Also, I'm going to check Dell U2520D 😁

Will post my thoughts here in the next 2-3 weeks once I get my Mini M1 and all the monitors.

Will be interested in your findings on the U2520D. This is the third option for me (along with the S2721QS and the P2415Q).

The fact that the U2520 is only 1440 is putting me off, but it does have USB-C and as it's smaller than a 27" it will fit better on my desk.

 

[pldelisle]

Not holding my breath. It’s why I won’t update my 2018 to Big Sur from Mojave. My Samsung 4k works with hdmi and I prefer to keep it that way.

The problem is only for M1 macs. Anything on Intel has zero problem. You can upgrade safely.

 

[kollektr]

Will be interested in your findings on the U2520D. This is the third option for me (along with the S2721QS and the P2415Q).

The fact that the U2520 is only 1440 is putting me off, but it does have USB-C and as it's smaller than a 27" it will fit better on my desk.

Just ordered a U2520D today. Should be here in a few days. Will report back.

I have also used it's predecessor U2515H (QHD) which has been great for my girlfriend for several years but unfortunately it must have broken when my brother shipped his one to me, it had rattling noises coming from the inside and showed a thick blue line across the left third of the panel (picture failure somehow).

QHD on a 25" is definitely nicer than on a 27".

 

[sublunar]

The YCbCr is a software bug. This is not Dell’s fault (unless the dead pixel which is rare on Ultrasharp displays).

I’m personally disgusted by having two different monitors sitting next to the other.

I also have a U2515H - I like the size and resolution - and that's standalone without a USB-C port - I believe it has multiple HDMI inputs, Displayport and Mini DisplayPort. Obviously the USB-C based U2520D would be better for direct support from Macs that have USB-C support. Is this issue restricted to Apple Silicon Big Sur macOS?

 

[pldelisle]

Is this issue restricted to Apple Silicon Big Sur macOS?

It seems restricted to M1 Macs. And since they are all running Big Sur ...

 

[sublunar]

Just ordered a U2520D today. Should be here in a few days. Will report back.

I have also used it's predecessor U2515H (QHD) which has been great for my girlfriend for several years not, unfortunately it must have broken when my brother shipped his one to me, it had rattling noises coming from the inside and showed a thick blue line across the left third of the panel (picture failure somehow).

QHD on a 25" is definitely nicer than on a 27".

Definitely agree, the slight increase in density is good, even if nowhere near retina 5k 27".

I'd like to see Apple following the idea of keeping pixel density consistent by making a 24" display a 4.6K one. Perhaps they might be planning that way to suit the characteristics of the graphics performance on an M1X or M2 for an iMac. Video editors could still edit 4k with tools for example.

 

[jhat3k1]

I'm blown away that there is little to no discussion of the fact that any 4k monitor is essentially unusable with a Mac. You either have to squint, or be 1ft away to go full 4k, or drop resolution, then whats the point?

Stupid that apple wont provide correct support for native resolution.

 

[pldelisle]

I'm blown away that there is little to no discussion of the fact that any 4k monitor is essentially unusable with a Mac. You either have to squint, or be 1ft away to go full 4k, or drop resolution, then whats the point?

Stupid that apple wont provide correct support for native resolution.

????????
Scaling is there for any 4K display. You can select the scaling you want. Scaling is NOT a lower resolution. It’s still 4K but text is bigger.

 

[jhat3k1]

????????
Scaling is there for any 4K display. You can select the scaling you want. Scaling is NOT a lower resolution. It’s still 4K but text is bigger.

went through a multi day process trying to make a 4k monitor display well.

I was able to get it in the highest resolution using the program "resolutiontab".

In full 4k the menu bar is too small to use.

 

[pldelisle]

went through a multi day process trying to make a 4k monitor display well.

I was able to get it in the highest resolution using the program "resolutiontab".

In full 4k the menu bar is too small to use.

Well, you don’t need any app to make a 4K display work properly and displaying scaled text. 4K display works like any retina display.