Need a display for 2015 rMBP 15" MJLT2LL/A

[370zulu]

My Thunderbolt Display was hit by a surge and no longer under AppleCare. Before I look into trying to have it repaired, I figured I would look for recommendations for a replacement display since Thunderbolt Displays are no longer made. I use my macbook pro for sysadmin/devops and office work. I use VMware Fusion Pro and really need the large desktop area, so I would prefer 27" or larger, but no less than 24". I would also prefer to be connected via thunderbolt /mini displayport with audio on the monitor, but HDMI will work I guess. I only want to plug in my MagSafe and the display connection - my mouse and keyboard are both Bluetooth so I do not need USB on the monitor, but would be OK with it.

I am looking for folks who can recommend a display based on experience rather than research of their own. Although, having both research and personal experience with a display would be fine as well. I just am trying to avoid pitfalls that may already be learned by you kind folks who offer a reply.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Trey M]

Couple things I'd ask are what are your price considerations and how essential is 4k, for you. Personally I wouldn't purchase a non-4K monitor these days but they are considerably more expensive. Your machine can handle 4K @ 60Hz no problem.

I've found the sweet spot for 4K is around $400. You can get a great IPS display at that price and there are several options from reputable brands (Samsung, LG, Dell). Of course you can spend a lot more (LG Ultrafine 5k), but most users don't need such an advanced display. The only thing the sub-$600 displays don't offer are built-in docking features, however I'd personally rather get a great IPS display for around $400 and put that extra money towards a Thunderbolt dock, which will trump any monitor's built-in features and still allow for one cable connectivity.

Very recently I purchased an LGUD69P-W 27 inch 4K monitor (Best Buy only for some reason) and I have been very satisfied. I did a lot of research and this one seemed to check off the most boxes, most importantly offering by far the best monitor stand in its class. The display is fantastic and I have no complaints.

 

[uller6]

I've got the dell P2415Q 4K monitor that I got for $350 on amazon. I'm mostly happy with the monitor - I have dual 24" screens on my desk and I use the dell in retina mode. The picture is great, the display doesn't buzz and flicker, and the owner consumption is low. I'm using the minidisplayport connection with my 2013 Mac Pro. My only issue is that the display takes a really long time to wake from sleep - sometimes 20-30 seconds. I'm not sure why it takes so long to wake up, but it doesn't bother me enough to replace the screen.

 

[kschendel]

If your work is mostly text based, you might want to consider a non-4K monitor. I use a BenQ BL3200PT which is 32 inches at 2560 x 1440 (via DisplayPort). The apparent text size is almost identical to the 24 inch Apple LCD that I used to use, with considerably more screen real estate. The text quality is perfectly fine, if not as lusciously sharp as (say) a retina display. The monitor is nice and bright and the anti-glare coating is less intrusive than many I've seen. It does dull the blacks a bit but I don't use that screen for looking at graphics. It will be easy for your MBP to drive, as well.

 

[370zulu]

Thank you everyone for the thoughtful replies. I will be shopping this weekend.

 

[frankdogg]

I went ultrawide. I’ve been using the LG 34um94 for a couple of years now. It has great screen space and has a thunderbolt 2 connection (x2). I don’t have any experience with a 4K monitor but with the ultrawide it’s like using dual monitors without having two monitors.

I also have a asus pb278q but that doesn’t have any usb connections only audio out.