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hajime

macrumors 604
Original poster
Jul 23, 2007
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Hello, anybody here used monitor of about 40"? How do you like it? Is it too big? Does it take extra moving to move the mouse across the screen? Is it better to use two 30" monitors vs. one 40" monitor? Any user experienced appreciated. Thanks.
 

apolkowski

macrumors regular
Hello, anybody here used monitor of about 40"? How do you like it? Is it too big? Does it take extra moving to move the mouse across the screen? Is it better to use two 30" monitors vs. one 40" monitor? Any user experienced appreciated. Thanks.
I believe, that mouse move depends on resolution and not the physical size of the monitor. It will take as much space/time to move it from edge to edge on 24" 4K as on 40" 4K.
I use 40" 4K Samsung UHD TV as my main screen an I am happy with it, but I am not a profi in graphics or photo. In fact I am almost decided to add 43" 4K as a main screen leaving the 40" one as a second monitor.
I use WIN PC with two 1080 in SLI and image quality is fine, but sometimes bit map dialogue boxes do not look as sharp as expected.
I have 2011 Mac Mini attached to this Samsung, but it took some time to adjust display settings in the tv to show Mac's 1080p screen good enough (still not perfect).
 

hajime

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Jul 23, 2007
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It will take as much space/time to move it from edge to edge on 24" 4K as on 40" 4K.

Do you mean if I need to move 20 cm across my desk for the mouse to move from one side of the desktop of my MBP 17" to the other, it will also take 20 cm of real mouse movement to move the mouse to across the screen of a 40" monitor?
 

drewsof07

macrumors 68020
Oct 30, 2006
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Do you mean if I need to move 20 cm across my desk for the mouse to move from one side of the desktop of my MBP 17" to the other, it will also take 20 cm of real mouse movement to move the mouse to across the screen of a 40" monitor?
4K is 4K, the only difference is pixel size and density.
 

hajime

macrumors 604
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Jul 23, 2007
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Thanks. Do you recommend one large 40"s monitor or two smaller monitors? Should I settle for 4K or 5K? I guess 5K monitors are still expensive.

I do writing, design using 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks and 3D physical simulations using Matlab/Simulink.
 

campyguy

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Mar 21, 2014
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Coming from the perspective of an engineering firm owner who regularly seeks input from my co-workers (others might call them employees, but that's not my style as I'm often drafting and being billable alongside them…), my sweet spot is 2 27" or 32" displays at a minimum per workstation. I started out with CRTs - those today have no frickin' idea how good they've got it! We do have 3 42" Philips displays in house but have found they're great for presentations but not design work.

The apps we're using are SW, AutoCAD, MicroStation, VectorWorks, and Revit along with a few specialized drafting/design apps for water flow calcs and retaining wall design. BTW, I'm over 50 now and appreciate non-blurry displays…

One of my peers has a 42-inch hi-res display in his office and it looks great. Sorry, I don't know the manufacturer but he did brag it cost around $15k. Ugh. There are plenty of CAD/CAM displays by Eizo and BenQ that sit on my desks that I would recommend any day of the week but they're in the size I alluded to earlier as the displays are much sharper than the larger, affordable and color-correct (sub-$2k) panels targeted to our industry.
 
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mike1123

macrumors 6502
Sep 19, 2007
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I feel well-positioned to answer this, since I have a quad monitor setup at home with:
1x 40" 3840 x 2160 Display (16:9), centered at eye level
1x 34" 3440 x 1440 Display (21:9), centered above eye level and angled downwards
2x 27" 1920 x 1080 Displays (16:9), on either side of the 34" (above eye level and angled downwards)

2160p (4K) is truly a blessing for multitasking with 4 1080p windows fitting at once, and you can scale down to 1080p "old school" mode and still have a fairly crisp image since it's a direct 4:1 pixel shrinkage. Previously, I only had 2x 27" displays, and I used to think they were awesome on their own, but once I had the 4K and the 21:9 screen, it's a WORLD of difference. You learn to utilize any space you have, and if your graphics card supports it, I highly recommend getting at least one larger display. I would say that if you only get one display, get a high quality 34" 3440 x 1440 21:9 (Make sure you don't get a 2560 x 1080 by accident). I love my LG 34UC88, and it is truly a joy to use.

The wider aspect ratio is more useful for having two windows next to each other as a split screen, since each one can be displayed at full size with a comfortable viewing perspective.

The 40", though, is another beast entirely. It's just space upon space upon space. Now, if you are able to sit about 3 feet away from it, the 3840 x 2160 resolution is awesome. However, you could also scale down to 1920 x 1080 or 2560 x 1440, as well as a few others.

As for panel type, I loathe TN panels. Just throwing that out there. Unless you are gaming or performing a task where high screen response time is important, go with either an IPS or VA panel. IPS has the most accurate color reproduction and is generally preferred by designers. Response rates have gotten much better over the years, as well. You will pay the most for an IPS compared to the others. VA, though, is probably my favorite overall. Colors pop, blacks are actually black (similar to my Plasma TV), and it looks the most natural to my eyes. Of course, this is IMHO, so try and get to a store (if you have a Micro Center near you, they usually have a nice variety to look at) and check them out.

5K is a waste of money right now, IMHO. Again, with a resolution of "4K" (really a bit less than 4K), you can sit about 3 feet away and clearly distinguish everything without pixelation. The real benefit of higher resolutions, whether that's 4K on a smaller screen (< 40") or 5K anything up to probably 60" or so, is being able to use Hi DPI modes to scale text and icons up so that you can reap the benefits of the higher resolution without needing a magnifying glass.

Hope that helps!
 
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Samuelsan2001

macrumors 604
Oct 24, 2013
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I feel well-positioned to answer this, since I have a quad monitor setup at home with:
1x 40" 3840 x 2160 Display (16:9), centered at eye level
1x 34" 3440 x 1440 Display (21:9), centered above eye level and angled downwards
2x 27" 1920 x 1080 Displays (16:9), on either side of the 34" (above eye level and angled downwards)

2160p (4K) is truly a blessing for multitasking with 4 1080p windows fitting at once, and you can scale down to 1080p "old school" mode and still have a fairly crisp image since it's a direct 4:1 pixel shrinkage. Previously, I only had 2x 27" displays, and I used to think they were awesome on their own, but once I had the 4K and the 21:9 screen, it's a WORLD of difference. You learn to utilize any space you have, and if your graphics card supports it, I highly recommend getting at least one larger display. I would say that if you only get one display, get a high quality 34" 3440 x 1440 21:9 (Make sure you don't get a 2560 x 1080 by accident). I love my LG 34UC88, and it is truly a joy to use.

The wider aspect ratio is more useful for having two windows next to each other as a split screen, since each one can be displayed at full size with a comfortable viewing perspective.

The 40", though, is another beast entirely. It's just space upon space upon space. Now, if you are able to sit about 3 feet away from it, the 3840 x 2160 resolution is awesome. However, you could also scale down to 1920 x 1080 or 2560 x 1440, as well as a few others.

As for panel type, I loathe TN panels. Just throwing that out there. Unless you are gaming or performing a task where high screen response time is important, go with either an IPS or VA panel. IPS has the most accurate color reproduction and is generally preferred by designers. Response rates have gotten much better over the years, as well. You will pay the most for an IPS compared to the others. VA, though, is probably my favorite overall. Colors pop, blacks are actually black (similar to my Plasma TV), and it looks the most natural to my eyes. Of course, this is IMHO, so try and get to a store (if you have a Micro Center near you, they usually have a nice variety to look at) and check them out.

5K is a waste of money right now, IMHO. Again, with a resolution of "4K" (really a bit less than 4K), you can sit about 3 feet away and clearly distinguish everything without pixelation. The real benefit of higher resolutions, whether that's 4K on a smaller screen (< 40") or 5K anything up to probably 60" or so, is being able to use Hi DPI modes to scale text and icons up so that you can reap the benefits of the higher resolution without needing a magnifying glass.

Hope that helps!

5k allows you to display and work on 4K video on a one to one pixel basis with all your editing tools still on display that is the bonus of 5k screens for computers.
 
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matryska

macrumors member
Mar 31, 2009
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5k allows you to display and work on 4K video on a one to one pixel basis with all your editing tools still on display that is the bonus of 5k screens for computers.

I've seen this mentioned multiple times but haven't been able to experience this. Using either Final Cut Pro or Premiere, my usual workflow means video is in 1 quadrant of the screen so it would need a 8K+ display to display 1:1. Do you all have a better way of arranging the workspace so that video is 1:1?
 

hajime

macrumors 604
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Jul 23, 2007
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[doublepost=1489837836][/doublepost]
The 40", though, is another beast entirely. It's just space upon space upon space. Now, if you are able to sit about 3 feet away from it, the 3840 x 2160 resolution is awesome. However, you could also scale down to 1920 x 1080 or 2560 x 1440, as well as a few others.

Thanks for sharing your experience. The dimensions of my desk are: 185cm x 90cm. For a depth of 90cm, will a 40s" 4K monitor be too large and too close?
 

campyguy

macrumors 68040
Mar 21, 2014
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The dimensions of my desk are: 185cm x 90cm. For a depth of 90cm, will a 40s" 4K monitor be too large and too close?
FWIW, all of my displays - personal and in my offices, are mounted on Herman Miller Flo arms or Flo Plus arms; the Plus arms are rated for heavier displays (or laptops with an adapter). Display arms like these make your workspace so much more usable. I chose the HM arms because they're both sturdy and attractive, but other manufacturers offer nifty solutions for standing desks and shallow workspaces - I like the arms because, when you're tired of the displays being close to your face it's a simple movement to push them back a bit. Cheers!
 

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
28,925
12,982
There seem to be very few "computer displays" in the 40-43" size.
Philips has one:
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-BDM4...51&sr=8-1&keywords=philips+40+inch+4k+monitor
… but it gets mixed reviews.

If I was going to put up a display this size, I might consider a decent 4k -tv- instead.
And then run it at "full resolution" (i.e., non HiDPI mode).
One would have to take care to get a tv with the right inputs (HDMI 2.0) and also one that has an adequate color range.
 

hajime

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Jul 23, 2007
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I have not been keeping up lately. What are the differences between 4K monitors for computers and 4K TV?
[doublepost=1489955397][/doublepost]I have a Wacom Intuos Pro Medium. Will the experience be the same when: a) using it with a 4K display vs. with the screen on rMBP; b) using it with a 30"s 4K display vs. on a 40"s 4K display?
 

campyguy

macrumors 68040
Mar 21, 2014
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I have not been keeping up lately. What are the differences between 4K monitors for computers and 4K TV?
[doublepost=1489955397][/doublepost]I have a Wacom Intuos Pro Medium. Will the experience be the same when: a) using it with a 4K display vs. with the screen on rMBP; b) using it with a 30"s 4K display vs. on a 40"s 4K display?
Hah, good one. It took a few seconds for me to stop laughing! Thanks!

To the point, I've been a Wacom and digitizer (CalComp) user for about 25 years, I own and use that same tablet. On 32-inch size displays, it's a bit of a challenge just to find the cursor. On our 43-inch displays, we need to budget additional money for therapy (/s) - mapping the cursor on a display 40+ inches is a real PITA and, in CAD apps all of us HATE using the presentation displays as IMO it's difficult to focus on the task and keep track of the cursor. FWIW all of my drafters and I have 15 years experience or more doing this - the larger displays really cut down on productivity (I've got the billings to back me up). YMMV…

If you do want to use a Wacom tablet with a larger display, I'd recommend the Large unit and a large desk to put it on! Cheers!
 

hajime

macrumors 604
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Jul 23, 2007
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Hah, good one. It took a few seconds for me to stop laughing! Thanks!

To the point, I've been a Wacom and digitizer (CalComp) user for about 25 years, I own and use that same tablet. On 32-inch size displays, it's a bit of a challenge just to find the cursor. On our 43-inch displays, we need to budget additional money for therapy (/s) - mapping the cursor on a display 40+ inches is a real PITA and, in CAD apps all of us HATE using the presentation displays as IMO it's difficult to focus on the task and keep track of the cursor. FWIW all of my drafters and I have 15 years experience or more doing this - the larger displays really cut down on productivity (I've got the billings to back me up). YMMV…

If you do want to use a Wacom tablet with a larger display, I'd recommend the Large unit and a large desk to put it on! Cheers!

Thanks for the experience. I supposed there might be apps that allow one to find the cursor quickly. Have you tried? Does your experience apply also to iPad Pro 12.9 + Astropad with 4K display?
 

campyguy

macrumors 68040
Mar 21, 2014
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Thanks for the experience. I supposed there might be apps that allow one to find the cursor quickly. Have you tried? Does your experience apply also to iPad Pro 12.9 + Astropad with 4K display?
I've got 30-odd employees on staff, plus myself. Please understand, my drafters and techs are pretty much very vocal - a good thing IMHO.

In Windows, about one-half of my workstations, a contrasting color of the cursors as defined in the OS generally help location of the cursor; the downside here is the precision of the cursor - the active area of the enlarged cursor is IMHO degrades the user experience in CAD/CAM apps in that one may want an exact location for an action (selection, line width) but a big, fat cursor is (again) IMHO akin to using a catcher's mitt to putting a pushpin in a precise location. The workflow method is to use the keyboard to key in the exact location coordinates, but IMO this defeats use of a tablet for precise work.

My use of Wacom tablets includes using the two application-tagged toggles/triggers for application-specific macros/routines. This, IMHO, is a powerful use of Wacom's hardware/software - the customizable software "driver".

What I learned, on my own, is to set up custom user profiles for sets of applications. A workstation may have up to 5-7 user profiles (accounts) that have input profiles for the apps that one of my employees use in a given day. It's really not that complicated; each account will have a Wacom setting set for the type of work being done/accomplished (we use the CAD/CAM apps I alluded to earlier, plus Illy/PS/FCPX/Affinity Designer).

I own an iPad Pro with Astropad. I generally don't use the app, finding it not as effective a drafting tool accessory as an Intuos tablet - maybe that's just my being so used to a Wacom tablet (I started with the ADB tablets - made in Japan and so much more solid than the product sold today). For CAD/CAM work, I can't get my head around an iPP and Astropad being a great productivity combination - yet; I'm not going to allocate any funds to train my employees to use Astropad because it'll cost far more than a Wacom tablet that most of them are already used to working with. Astropad works well with PS, however, PS is only a tiny portion of our billable workflow.
 

hajime

macrumors 604
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Jul 23, 2007
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Isn't there some kind of app that allows one to enlarge the cursor when a key is pressed? For example, cursor remains small. When you lost the cursor, you press a function key. The cursor enlarges or flashes to help you locate the cursor. Then, it returns to its normal small size. I think I had tried something like that over ten years ago. Don't remember if it was under Windows or Mac OS though.
 

campyguy

macrumors 68040
Mar 21, 2014
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Sierra has that "wiggle" the mouse bit to temporarily enlarge the cursor, cribbed from Windows. Citing my post about our workflows, finding a black cursor against a grey desktop and/or really dark grey or black workspace present in a lot of CAD/CAM apps while in darkened rooms and/or with hooded displays kind of reminds me of playing that "Dark Room" game - in this instance sometimes bigger doesn't make much of a difference…

At least with Windows a user can switch to a different color cursor or cursor set. :oops:
 

hajime

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Jul 23, 2007
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Sierra has that "wiggle" the mouse bit to temporarily enlarge the cursor, cribbed from Windows. Citing my post about our workflows, finding a black cursor against a grey desktop and/or really dark grey or black workspace present in a lot of CAD/CAM apps while in darkened rooms and/or with hooded displays kind of reminds me of playing that "Dark Room" game - in this instance sometimes bigger doesn't make much of a difference…

At least with Windows a user can switch to a different color cursor or cursor set. :oops:

Thanks for your experience.
[doublepost=1490102033][/doublepost]Anybody using large screen curved monitor? I feel dizzy whenever I see those monitors in stores.
 
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