Looking for a better monitor, any suggestions?

[tlaw81]

I currently have an HP 1080p, 27” monitor. I’d like something better, with better (read, more space) resolution with the same size. Any suggestions? I’m not looking for the best of the best, but would like another 27” monitor, or bigger.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Spectrum]

Dell Ultrasharp are always good:
2560x1440:

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Or go for a 4K 27inch:

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or 32 inch?:

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OR

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Equip your business with PC accessories & professional notebooks. Free delivery when you shop from the official Dell UK store!

www.dell.com

Personally, I am holding out for a 32 inch 5K display...

 

[Fishrrman]

"I currently have an HP 1080p, 27” monitor. I’d like something better, with better (read, more space) resolution with the same size."

Wait.
Hold on a minute.

You didn't tell us WHICH Mini you have.

The only way you'll get "better resolution" on a 27" display is to buy a 4k monitor and then run it in "scaled mode" to get 1440p. (or at "full 4k")

But be aware that running any display in scaled mode is going to put a lot more work on the Mini's integrated GPU. It could slow down the Mini and heat it up, as well.

You could just run it at "full 4k resolution", but text will be so small at normal font sizes, you'll need a magnifying glass to read it on a 27" display.

For "more resolution" that doesn't run in scaled mode, you might consider a 32" display with native 1440p resolution. Something like the HP "Omen".

A list you could check out:
IPS Monitor List: Best AHVA, PLS & IPS LCD Displays

 

[ElectricPotato]

The only way you'll get "better resolution" on a 27" display is to buy a 4k monitor and then run it in "scaled mode" to get 1440p. (or at "full 4k")

I've grown very fond of 27" 4K at 200% scaling (1080P HDPI). Graphics get 4K detail and font sizes can be reduced (in terminals/text editors/browsers) so you get increased resolution where it counts even though UI elements are effectively 1080P sized.

A reasonably priced 5K monitor would be nice but no such thing exists. You can get nice 27" 4K monitors under $400.

Edit: I ended up preferring 27"/4K after a spending journey trying out 43" 4K at 1x. That had plenty of screen space but was too large to effectively use. Too much of the screen ends up at an uncomfortable angle and seeing individual pixels is painful after experiencing 4K HDPI at 27".

 

[Spectrum]

While the OP deosn't mention the mini (I assumed 2018), they clearly state 1080p (i.e. 1920x1080)

So, regarding your other point: 2560x1440 is clearly better resolution screen than a 1920x1080 screen.

I currently have 3 screens connected to my 2018 mini with 32GB RAM:

1. 27 inch LG 4K running at scaled HiDPI (looks like 2560x1440 - still very sharp to my eyes!)
2. 27 inch 2560x1440 rendering via SwitchResX to 5K and downscaling to 2560x1440
3. 24 inch 1920x1200 rendering via SwitchResX to 4K and downscaling to 1920x1200

I do #2 and #3 because it (ridiculously!) improves the clarity of PDFs rendered in Preview.
Whilst my UI is not butter smooth, it is perfectly acceptable for office tasks.

1:

2:

3:

"I currently have an HP 1080p, 27” monitor. I’d like something better, with better (read, more space) resolution with the same size."

Wait.
Hold on a minute.

You didn't tell us WHICH Mini you have.

The only way you'll get "better resolution" on a 27" display is to buy a 4k monitor and then run it in "scaled mode" to get 1440p. (or at "full 4k")

But be aware that running any display in scaled mode is going to put a lot more work on the Mini's integrated GPU. It could slow down the Mini and heat it up, as well.

You could just run it at "full 4k resolution", but text will be so small at normal font sizes, you'll need a magnifying glass to read it on a 27" display.

For "more resolution" that doesn't run in scaled mode, you might consider a 32" display with native 1440p resolution. Something like the HP "Omen".

A list you could check out:
IPS Monitor List: Best AHVA, PLS & IPS LCD Displays

 

[kohlson]

I have a Dell 2715Q (4K) that I usually run at 1440p. Love it. Tack sharp. Wish it were bigger so I could run 4K more often.

 

[tagumcity]

The post recommending the Dell 27" is good choice for a single or dual monitor setup. I'm using 3 Dell P2415Q models and their working well.
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[automerge]1576846865[/automerge]

I've grown very fond of 27" 4K at 200% scaling (1080P HDPI). Graphics get 4K detail and font sizes can be reduced (in terminals/text editors/browsers) so you get increased resolution where it counts even though UI elements are effectively 1080P sized.

A reasonably priced 5K monitor would be nice but no such thing exists. You can get nice 27" 4K monitors under $400.

Edit: I ended up preferring 27"/4K after a spending journey trying out 43" 4K at 1x. That had plenty of screen space but was too large to effectively use. Too much of the screen ends up at an uncomfortable angle and seeing individual pixels is painful after experiencing 4K HDPI at 27".

I've had the same issue with dual 30" monitors at work, too much screen real estate. At home I settled on three 24" dell P2415q monitors. Two 27" monitors may be the best all around set up.

 

[satchmo]

"I currently have an HP 1080p, 27” monitor. I’d like something better, with better (read, more space) resolution with the same size."

Wait.
Hold on a minute.

You didn't tell us WHICH Mini you have.

The only way you'll get "better resolution" on a 27" display is to buy a 4k monitor and then run it in "scaled mode" to get 1440p. (or at "full 4k")

But be aware that running any display in scaled mode is going to put a lot more work on the Mini's integrated GPU. It could slow down the Mini and heat it up, as well.

You could just run it at "full 4k resolution", but text will be so small at normal font sizes, you'll need a magnifying glass to read it on a 27" display.

For "more resolution" that doesn't run in scaled mode, you might consider a 32" display with native 1440p resolution. Something like the HP "Omen".

A list you could check out:
IPS Monitor List: Best AHVA, PLS & IPS LCD Displays

This is what's stopping me from picking up a 2018 Mac mini.

So do the current 27" 5K iMacs essentially do the same with respect to scaling?

I simply want to mimic the sharpness of the iMac.
Is there a way to achieve this without scaling using a Mac mini?

 

[Heat_Fan89]

This is what's stopping me from picking up a 2018 Mac mini.

So do the current 27" 5K iMacs essentially do the same with respect to scaling?

I simply want to mimic the sharpness of the iMac.
Is there a way to achieve this without scaling using a Mac mini?

I already own a 2018 Mini and have a Dell 19" 5:4 monitor (great for webpages) and have held off buying a replacement because 1080P isn't as good as a retina screen on an iMac. So, I would like the answer to these questions as well because if I do get another monitor I would like the screen to look as close as they do on an iMac or a MBP.

 

[xraydoc]

I’m currently running two Dell S2719DM monitors on my 2014 mini; 27” WQHD (2560x1440) and are quite nice. Not 4K, but my old mini won’t support two 4K monitors, anyway.

 

[HeavyMantra]

Is the 23.7" 4K Ultrafine a good match with a high-end Mac Mini?

Finding a monitor for the Mini was way harder than I thought

 

[xraydoc]

Is the 23.7" 4K Ultrafine a good match with a high-end Mac Mini?

Finding a monitor for the Mini was way harder than I thought

I should think one would be fine. Two and the integrated GPU will have trouble keeping up.

 

[Originalbitman]

Is the 23.7" 4K Ultrafine a good match with a high-end Mac Mini?

Finding a monitor for the Mini was way harder than I thought

I love the 23.7” LG UltraFine with my 2018 Mini. Very nice monitor. Zero issues.

 

[Spectrum]

I love the 23.7” LG UltraFine with my 2018 Mini. Very nice monitor. Zero issues.

What resolution do you run this at?

 

[sublunar]

The LG 23.7" Ultrafine seems like a decent monitor but only have Thunderbolt 3 ports leaves out PCs a bit. Interestingly, though, you'd imagine that Apple have to be interested in using that panel for a future iMac.

 

[Ungibbed]

I’m currently running two Dell S2719DM monitors on my 2014 mini; 27” WQHD (2560x1440) and are quite nice. Not 4K, but my old mini won’t support two 4K monitors, anyway.

I’m currently using a single Apple TB display which is a 1440p monitor and personally, I think it looks alright. Would like a second TB display once I can work out a couple “gotchas” with macOS Catalina (and a bugger desk).

It, like you said isn’t 4K but I’ve been experimenting with a 2012 Mini that only set me back $200. I’m rather impressed but I seriously would kill it trying to push 4K even on a single screen.

 

[HeavyMantra]

I don't really understand monitor resolution and so on. Would the Benq PD322OU be a good choice for my Mac Mini with 32gb ram? What resolution would I run that in? Pros/cons compared to the Ultrafine monitors/other 27" monitors? I'll get an eGPU if I have to

I'm going to use it for Logic, browsing, video etc.

If anyone owns the Benq monitor I would also like to know if the grey stand matches Apple space grey or not

 

[dryjoy]

I’m currently using a single Apple TB display which is a 1440p monitor and personally, I think it looks alright. Would like a second TB display once I can work out a couple “gotchas” with macOS Catalina (and a bugger desk).

Steady on.

 

[Ungibbed]

Steady on.

Stupid autocorrect... ?

 

[LiE_]

Is the 23.7" 4K Ultrafine a good match with a high-end Mac Mini?

Finding a monitor for the Mini was way harder than I thought

It's a very nice monitor, I have it. I run it in default best for display that gives a very sharp 1920x1080. This isn't an increase in desktop space over what you currently have. If you use one of the scaled resolutions to get more space then the Mini will find it harder to smoothly drive this monitor.

If you don't need retina high Dpi display then a 27" 1440p monitor would be my recommendation.

 

[batfink]

Sorry to jump on he wagon but would the Dell Up2516D be a good compliment to a 2020 Mac Mini?

 

[Wando64]

I currently have an HP 1080p, 27” monitor. I’d like something better, with better (read, more space) resolution with the same size. Any suggestions? I’m not looking for the best of the best, but would like another 27” monitor, or bigger.

Thanks for the suggestions.

higher resolution on a 27” monitor does not necessarily translate into “more space”, unless you are willing to live with minuscule fonts.
If you really want/need “more space” you should also consider increasing the monitor’s dimensions.

 

[kohlson]

does not necessarily translate into “more space”,

I think this may depend on the person. I have several friends who are nearsighted. and put the monitor at the back edge of the keyboard, which sits at the edge of the desk. One friend remarked that if the 27 was just an inch or so wider, it would fill his field of view. He does not have problems with smaller fonts. Indeed, if he needs to see something in more detail. he takes off his glasses and moves even closer.

I am the opposite - farsighted. My monitors sit well beyond an outstretched arm. I am envious of a 32 or even a 40-inch monitor.

 

[sublunar]

Sorry to jump on he wagon but would the Dell Up2516D be a good compliment to a 2020 Mac Mini?

fStoppers don't seem to like it. Buying a decent colour accurate monitor isn't cheap sadly.