MB Pro 2018 - Recommend External Display?

[iOSGoober]

Hi Folks. I'm currently using a MB Pro 15" 2018 and I also have an iMac 5K at home. I'm thinking about replacing the iMac 5K with an external display and I could use your input on the best options available at the moment. Not really interested in the LG 5K due to cost, and I would definitely like to stay at 27" (or larger). 4K resolution definitely preferred.

A couple of years back I tried an LG 27UD88-W with a 13" MB over USB-C and the experience was kind of frustrating. It would often have trouble awakening form sleep with the MB in clamshell mode. I eventually gave up and switched to iMac. Recently I have had a need to be more portable again, hence the 2018 MB Pro.

Anyway, thanks for any input you can share!

 

[poorcody]

I've had excellent experience with the LG 5K with my 2016 MBP. (Got it when it was initially on sale though when it was a much better deal.) How about the 4K Ultrafine? The thing with these monitors is they are sort of semi-official Apple, so they seem to be tested and get driver updates by Apple.

But... wait until Oct 30. There are rumors of new Apple monitors coming out...

 

[iOSGoober]

Thanks poorcody. I suspect if Apple does release a new monitor it will be a very high end model. Certainly well over $1000, but let's hope I'm wrong. Given what I would likely get from selling my iMac (~$1600), there would not be much point in spending that kind of money on a standalone display when the iMac 5K display is so good.

As for the 4K Ultrafine - $700 for a 21.5" display seems utterly insane to me. Regardless of the cost, 21.5" is just way too small. I'm sure it looks great though

 

[Hater]

Which year iMac? Can't you use Target Display Mode and just use your iMac as a secondary display?

 

[iOSGoober]

It's a 2017 iMac. No target display mode as far as I know.

Also, I just realized that my thread was moved to this "Mac Accessories" forum, which previously I was unaware of. There is a lot of good content floating around here which I am working my way through. Sorry for jumping right in with a new thread.

Still open to suggestions of course!

I came across this link in another thread which is really giving me pause about a 4K 27" too:

https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/

It will be used mostly for app development.