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iOSGoober

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 17, 2013
41
20
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!
 
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...
 
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 :)
 
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.
 
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