Need advice on external monitor for new 16-inch MacBook Pro

[Ziggy101]

In the past I always used both a desktop and a laptop with iCloud syncing. I just ordered a new 16-inch MBP and would like to get some advice on setting up a large, high resolution external monitor so this can be my one and only computer.

Specs:

16-inch MacBook Pro - Space Gray​

With the following configuration: 2.4GHz 8‑core 9th‑generation Intel Core i9 processor, Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory 1TB SSD storage 16-inch Retina display with True Tone Four Thunderbolt 3 ports Touch Bar and Touch ID​

I often do consulting work where I work with large pdf files that may run to thousands of pages. I may want to have several of these files open at the same time. Some of the pdf files have small type so high resolution is valuable to me. Fast scrolling and rendering is also important.

I am wondering if one of the ultrawide monitors would make sense over dual monitors. I like the idea of a clean look with a single oversized monitor on my desk if that would work well with the new mac. Cost is not a significant issue as these consulting gigs pay quite well. I am clueless about this type of setup, so any advice would be appreciated. And will I need to order a special cable?

 

[melman101]

I’m not sure if this helps or not but I saw this today:

The Dell UltraSharp 49 review begins – first impressions - 9to5Mac

After explaining my thinking last time, it's time for my Dell UltraSharp 49 review to begin in earnest. I've been wanting a new monitor ever since ...

9to5mac.com

 

[Ziggy101]

Seems like 49 inches would be overkill? Maybe a 32 inch monitor? When is a monitor on a desk at close range going to feel too big?

 

[enthawizeguy]

im looking for a good 32

 

[bill-p]

Get yourself a LG 34WK95U. One cable supplies 85W charging to your 16" MacBook as well.

If you keep your MacBook in clamshell while running with this one, it'll "just work". No overheating or fan noise issues.

I have this at home. I honestly don't miss my dual 27" at work at all.

 

[pcdtech]

Novice question: how are the LG Ultrafine displays regarded?

 

[enthawizeguy]

cant seem to find any monitors in stock anywhere. I was looking at the lg Ultrafine 4k.... im not sure I wanna do 34. 32 seemed good. Any recommendations
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Get yourself a LG 34WK95U. One cable supplies 85W charging to your 16" MacBook as well.

If you keep your MacBook in clamshell while running with this one, it'll "just work". No overheating or fan noise issues.

I have this at home. I honestly don't miss my dual 27" at work at all.

is this 4k with thunderbolt? how's the resolution? does it need to upscale or anything

 

[Ziggy101]

Thank you, I will look at that LG 32 inch monitor. What cable do I use for display and charging? Is it a particular or special cable?

 

[richinaus]

cant seem to find any monitors in stock anywhere. I was looking at the lg Ultrafine 4k.... im not sure I wanna do 34. 32 seemed good. Any recommendations
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is this 4k with thunderbolt? how's the resolution? does it need to upscale or anything

love my 24” lg 4K. my favourite monitor ever [and have worked on a lot of monitors, inc the 5k 27”].
the reason I love it is I like 1 app only, max out the resolution and it is perfect to work on. I find the 27” 5k just too big for the way I work. It was a surprise to me that I settled on a 24” 4K, but there you go.... a decision based on experience and learning.

 

[malkovich87]

I got a Dell U2720q for it and absolutely love it.

 

[Ziggy101]

Sharp resolution for the PDF files I work with is critically important. Also, scrolling through pages and pages of PDF files, fast rendering of the pages is also critically important.

I see some of the monitors have 60 Hz refresh rates, and others have 144 Hz refresh rates. Will I notice a difference between these two refresh rates? All of the specs are Greek to me.

and finally, do the smaller monitors, say 27 inches, have more pixels per inch then the 32 or 34 inch monitors? Again, it seems that close range that very fine, sharp detail is so important.

 

[Ziggy101]

Ok, I am considering one more option, maybe a crazy option.

Would it be ridiculously wasteful to buy the 32” Apple Pro Display XDR? It is pricey, it will cost me one full day of consulting income, but I will likely use it for perhaps 4 or 5 years, many hours per day, almost every day? Maybe it isn’t all that crazy.

 

[xraydoc]

Seems like 49 inches would be overkill? Maybe a 32 inch monitor? When is a monitor on a desk at close range going to feel too big?

The Dell 49” above is basically two 27” WQHD monitors attached to each other. Big, but smaller than two 27” together due to the absence of the bezel down the middle. If you’re used to two big monitors, this would be the solution.

I have a 34” ultrawide. It’s 3440x1440, so it’s like 1.5 x 27” WQHD. It’s a good compromise — not so wide as to be a massive monolith on your desk, but big enough to spread out more than just a single monitor. And for games, it’s pretty sweet.

 

[Fishrrman]

I don't think you can get a 144hz refresh rate.
(I could be wrong).

Also, be aware that if you use "scaling" with many displays, this may stress the GPU in the MBP, resulting in more heat and noisy fans that run all the time. There is a long-running thread posted in the MBP forum about that.

So whatever display you choose, be sure that it will "look right" for you running in either "native resolution" or in HiDPI (retina) mode. Doing either of these won't overtax the MBP GPU.

As the saying goes...
"Choose wisely..."

 

[bill-p]

is 4k with thunderbolt? how's the resolution? does it need to upscale or anything

It's 5120 x 2160. Technically a bit wider than 4K (3840 x 2160). I run the display at "looks like 3360 x 1417", which is effectively 6720 x 2834 internally and I don't see any performance issue, extra heat or fan noise.

Yes, it has Thunderbolt 3 with two USB 3.0 pass-through and 85W power delivery.

Edit: pics or it didn't happen:

With this solution, it just "works".

 

[pollycat]

Ok, I am considering one more option, maybe a crazy option.

Would it be ridiculously wasteful to buy the 32” Apple Pro Display XDR?

This is precisely what I'm in the process of doing right now!

Have an ageing 2012 iMac. Was going to replace it with another iMac and a 13" MBP for on the go.

Decided instead to get a fully maxed out 16" MBP and splurge on the Pro Display, then treat the MBP as a "desktop" in clamshell mode when at home. Plan on keeping both for a long time if it works out well.

Everything on the way and delivering on Monday.

Hope I don't live to regret this!

 

[Ziggy101]

I decided to just splurge and buy the 32 inch Apple XDR monitor. The resolution should be excellent and I will use it for a long time. I am going to order it today.

 

[pcdtech]

I decided to just splurge and buy the 32 inch Apple XDR monitor. The resolution should be excellent and I will use it for a long time. I am going to order it today.

Wow, I’m excited for you! I would love to see one in person.

 

[pollycat]

Took delivery of my MBP 16 and XDR display today.

I think I'm in love!

I've got the MBP sat on a Rain Design raised aluminium stand behind the display in clamshell mode. Zero noise in my room and I can't hear anything coming from the machine at all, no fan noise whatsoever.

iStat Menus shows a temperature of 57 degrees C and fans at around 1,800 rpm. But I hear nothing.

THE DISPLAY!

It is seriously gorgeous!
So easy on the eyes.
So much space!
Perfect for what I need and wanted.

 

[pcdtech]

Snap a photo

 

[pollycat]

 

[Ron21]

Absolutely incredible setup! Enjoy

I'm drooling daily over this monitor, I just can't justify it 😂

 

[pcdtech]

Wow! Simply stunning. I would love to see one in a store. Remember those? Stores! Enjoy every minute of it!

 

[mfouks]

Took delivery of my MBP 16 and XDR display today.

I think I'm in love!

I've got the MBP sat on a Rain Design raised aluminium stand behind the display in clamshell mode. Zero noise in my room and I can't hear anything coming from the machine at all, no fan noise whatsoever.

iStat Menus shows a temperature of 57 degrees C and fans at around 1,800 rpm. But I hear nothing.

THE DISPLAY!

It is seriously gorgeous!
So easy on the eyes.
So much space!
Perfect for what I need and wanted.

looks great. Can you tell me how far away from the monitor you have to sit in order to be comfortable and still see the details. Do you find the monitor too large at all? I‘m coming from a 27 inch iMac monitor but I would like a bigger screen For editing my photos. My desk is just 24 inches in depth- would that be enough space for the monitor and stand. Thanks so much for any advice you can give me.

marsha

 

[pollycat]

I'm also coming from a 27-inch iMac and sit the same distance to the XDR as I did to my iMac, about 30-40 inches away. There is a difference in size between the two but it is not such that the XDR feels overwhelming. The main thing is the brightness, the very sharp clarity of text and graphics on the new XDR, it feels very easy on my eyes, and the iMac screen was already very comfortable (but suffering from image retention, sadly, after 9 years.)

The depth of my desk in the photos is 35 inches. It's a comfortable fit to have the XDR and then the laptop on a stand behind it but, as you can see, it takes up most of the depth space. 24 inches might work but the screen would be very close to you then; in that situation, maybe look at a setup where you can put the MBP beside the screen and not behind it?

Another possibility - Rain Design (and others) make a stand where you slot the MBP in upright, that would save a lot of depth and make your desk very workable. Let me show you this stand in action - still deciding which one to use.
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