Need Two 27" side-by-side RETINA quality monitors!

[NJRonbo]

Been posting in a few areas of this forum. Apologies for any duplicate posts.

I have a 2019 13" MBP. Will be getting the 16" MBP that will soon be announced.

Currently, I use a Samsung 55" 4k TV as a monitor. It sits on my desk and I get a crick in my neck looking up at it.

I really wanted the new LG 49" ultrawide display (LG 49WL95C-W), but most Macs can't run it at its recommended resolution.

So, the next idea is to use two monitors, starting at 27" in size each and run them side-by-side on my desk.

I want RETINA quality. I want razor-sharp text. I don't game. I don't do too much photo work. Still, I want a quality display.

Willing to pay up to $600 per display. No curved display as I am putting them side-by-side. The less bezel the better.

I need the monitor to be able to sit low on the stand so I don't have to look up.

If there is a single 49" ultra-wide available that will work with a MBP I will take it -- but right now, I think that's simply a fantasy.

Two 27"+ monitors side-by-side is the next best thing.


Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[NJRonbo]

I am down to the LG 27UK850-W

Or the HP Z27

Leaning towards the HP as it seems to be better built.
Hope I can get some advice here from anyone who has experience with these monitors.

 

[raduvlr]

Hello.

Currently testing the LG 27UL850-W (next iteration of the LG 27UL850-w). Some details on my experience here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/picking-monitor-size-resolution-scaling-resolution.2202001/

If you are looking for "razor-sharp text" and everything running perfectly smooth then you'll have to run the 27" 4K monitors either at native resolution (small interface) or at 2x scaling that gets you 1920x1080 (really big interface elements, not a lot of real estate). If you want to run in scaled mode, then I think you should try and test\look at some displays before buying to see if matches your expectations for sharpness.

 

[NJRonbo]

Hello.

Currently testing the LG 27UL850-W (next iteration of the LG 27UL850-w). Some details on my experience here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/picking-monitor-size-resolution-scaling-resolution.2202001/

If you are looking for "razor-sharp text" and everything running perfectly smooth then you'll have to run the 27" 4K monitors either at native resolution (small interface) or at 2x scaling that gets you 1920x1080 (really big interface elements, not a lot of real estate). If you want to run in scaled mode, then I think you should try and test\look at some displays before buying to see if matches your expectations for sharpness.

Thank you for your reply. I really need help with this and I'm sort of a novice when it comes to all this. I read the article you quoted in the other thread, but it's really all Chinese to me. I know nothing about resolutions and such. Guess I need a guiding hand...


Can you answer some questions for me? Would really appreciate the help.

1. The two model numbers you list (in your quote above) look basically the same except for the size of the "w." Do you actually mean the UK850? What are the differences between these two LG monitors and is the next iteration now available for sale?

2. You can't daisy chain these monitors. I have a Caldigit TS3+ dock. To connect the two monitors, I take it one I connect USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 and the other to the display port input? I can then run them together with a continuous screen?

3. I would look to run this in scaled mode for optimum space. Will the text be clear and crisp? Basically I am looking for the same retina feel that I get with my MBP.

4. I don't mind paying $100 more for the UK850. Do you think I would do better with that over the UL850? Some reviews say they are exactly the same model. I think the UL supports Thunderbolt 3 while UK is only USB-C.





I am ready to pull the plug on two LG 27UL850-W monitors. If there is another model I should go for, please let me know now. Perhaps the UK850 for $100 more? They basically seem to be the same monitor. The lower-priced UL offers Thunderbolt 3 vs. USB-C on the UK model.

If I have your blessing on either of these, I would be grateful for that.

Thanks for sticking with me on this. I am so grateful for the help.

 

[raduvlr]

Hi

1. Sorry, that was a typo. I was referring to the 27UL850 and 27UK850. As far as i know the 27UL850 is the 2019 update of the 27UK850. As differences, the new model has Display Port 1.4 (vs. 1.2) and has an official HDR 400 certificate. Is just a iterative update as far as i can tell. I got the UL model as it was the one they had in stock at that time.

2. One this one I don't know exactly as I am using just one external display

3. If you run it in native resolution of 4K (3840x2160 pixels) then yes, it will be sharp and offer lots of space. However everything will be really tiny on it. The same if you run it in retina mode at 1920x1080pixels but then everything will be sharp but huge and you get limited screen real estate.

Anything in between (like 2560x1440) will give better option from objects size and screen real estate perspective but will start degrading on sharpness. Honestly this depend on how much it bothers you (how far away you stay from it, how keen you are on pixel perfect, etc).

Some more details in the other thread (referenced in my 1st post).

My recommendation is to try and look at the monitors in a physical store and try playing with the various resolutions. Currently I'm debating between keeping the display or exchanging it for a 34" ultra wide display (QHD resolution 3440 x 1440 that will run in native resolution without scaling).


Hope this helps

 

[NJRonbo]

Hi

1. Sorry, that was a typo. I was referring to the 27UL850 and 27UK850. As far as i know the 27UL850 is the 2019 update of the 27UK850. As differences, the new model has Display Port 1.4 (vs. 1.2) and has an official HDR 400 certificate. Is just a iterative update as far as i can tell. I got the UL model as it was the one they had in stock at that time.

2. One this one I don't know exactly as I am using just one external display

3. If you run it in native resolution of 4K (3840x2160 pixels) then yes, it will be sharp and offer lots of space. However everything will be really tiny on it. The same if you run it in retina mode at 1920x1080pixels but then everything will be sharp but huge and you get limited screen real estate.

Anything in between (like 2560x1440) will give better option from objects size and screen real estate perspective but will start degrading on sharpness. Honestly this depend on how much it bothers you (how far away you stay from it, how keen you are on pixel perfect, etc).

Some more details in the other thread (referenced in my 1st post).

My recommendation is to try and look at the monitors in a physical store and try playing with the various resolutions. Currently I'm debating between keeping the display or exchanging it for a 34" ultra wide display (QHD resolution 3440 x 1440 that will run in native resolution without scaling).


Hope this helps

You have been a big help.

What do you recommend in the 34" ultra-wide? I may go that route too if it means no issues with resolution.

 

[NJRonbo]

Also considering this

Dell U-Series 38" Screen LED-Lit Monitor (U3818DW), Black

Dell U-Series 38" Screen LED-Lit Monitor (U3818DW), Black

www.amazon.com

So, it's either a single monitor of this size or two 27" monitors

 

[NJRonbo]

Just bought 2 x 27UL850 Monitors. Will let you know how they work out. Delivery tomorrow.

 

[sboychuck]

Just saw the thread. I have a 2019 MBP with Vega graphics and bought the LG 27UL850 off of Amazon. I have it connected via a CalDigit hub via DisplayPort. This monitor does have a matte finish, if that works for you. We are fine with it and gaming is good. Text is nice as well. I would like to know if you are able to connect two of them. I think you would use DP on one and USB C on the other? Considering getting a second one. Hope this helps...

 

[NJRonbo]

Just saw the thread. I have a 2019 MBP with Vega graphics and bought the LG 27UL850 off of Amazon. I have it connected via a CalDigit hub via DisplayPort. This monitor does have a matte finish, if that works for you. We are fine with it and gaming is good. Text is nice as well. I would like to know if you are able to connect two of them. I think you would use DP on one and USB C on the other? Considering getting a second one. Hope this helps...

I am getting both monitors today so I will let you know. I have a Caldigit TS3+ dock with DP and USB-C.

Will let you know if I get this working with two displays off my 13" 2019 MBP

 

[NJRonbo]

Have two LG 27LU850 monitors running off a 2019 13" MBP.

The second monitor would not work using the Caldigit T3+

One monitor was connected to the Caldigit using display port. The other using USB-C

The Caldigit was not able to transmit a signal to both monitors, which was kind of perplexing to me.

Then I simply plugged both monitors into my MBP USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and they instantly were recognized.


Perhaps I'll do better with the upcoming 16" MBP as it will have a different graphic card.


I am very pleased with these monitors. I have them running at 2560x1440 @60Hz. Seems to be a nice middle ground where the images aren't too big nor too tiny. Text is very sharp. Colors are very nice. I even don't mind the matte finish, which I am surprised about, as I have always loved glossy screens.

 

[rickray]

Have two LG 27LU850 monitors running off a 2019 13" MBP.

The second monitor would not work using the Caldigit T3+

One monitor was connected to the Caldigit using display port. The other using USB-C

The Caldigit was not able to transmit a signal to both monitors, which was kind of perplexing to me.

Then I simply plugged both monitors into my MBP USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and they instantly were recognized.


Perhaps I'll do better with the upcoming 16" MBP as it will have a different graphic card.


I am very pleased with these monitors. I have them running at 2560x1440 @60Hz. Seems to be a nice middle ground where the images aren't too big nor too tiny. Text is very sharp. Colors are very nice. I even don't mind the matte finish, which I am surprised about, as I have always loved glossy screens.

Thank you for the information! I’m looking for a double monitor setup too. Have you tried running different refresh rates also? I notice you’re using 60Hz.

 

[rickray]

Thank you for the information! I’m looking for a double monitor setup too. Have you tried running different refresh rates also? I notice you’re using 60Hz.

Oh nevermind. Answered my own question. These monitors are 60Hz native.