Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
New macbook 13 2016 tb & LG 27UD88
- Thread starter pookitoo
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
It is functionally okay but is not very suitable for use on a Mac.
This is because it is too pixel dense for standard 1x resolution, but not pixel dense enough for 2x (Retina) resolution.
What this means is that you will have to choose between:
This is because it is too pixel dense for standard 1x resolution, but not pixel dense enough for 2x (Retina) resolution.
What this means is that you will have to choose between:
- Text and interface that is too small to read easily
- A stretched-out (or scaled) display that is too big and has the same working area of a display much smaller than 27"
Last edited:
I've decided to go for this one and should have it in a couple of days so will report back on what I find.
I'm in the same boat as you - I can't justify the near-double cost of the 27" UltraFine screen, but this one does seem to tick most of the requirements.
I'm in the same boat as you - I can't justify the near-double cost of the 27" UltraFine screen, but this one does seem to tick most of the requirements.
You should be fine. I had the 27UD88, but ended up returning it.
Overall, it was a very nice monitor, with good ergonomics (switching inputs, turning on/off, etc.), but since my daily driver is a Late 2014 Mac mini, the 4K @ 30Hz just did not cut it for me. If/when I replace the mini, I'll reconsider this exact monitor.
I did try out the DisplayPort input fed from my Late 2013 Mac Pro (TB2), and it handled 4K at 60Hz, no problem. I also used the USB-C input, from my Early 2016 MacBook. It also looked fine for everyday tasks at 4K/60Hz. The MacBook had occasional issues when disconnecting the USB-C port. One time it froze the laptop after disconnect, and a few other times the monitor simply would not recognize the input from the MacBook, leading to a few sessions of opening/closing the MacBook. I would imagine that further macOS optimization will help this.
Overall, it was a very nice monitor, with good ergonomics (switching inputs, turning on/off, etc.), but since my daily driver is a Late 2014 Mac mini, the 4K @ 30Hz just did not cut it for me. If/when I replace the mini, I'll reconsider this exact monitor.
I did try out the DisplayPort input fed from my Late 2013 Mac Pro (TB2), and it handled 4K at 60Hz, no problem. I also used the USB-C input, from my Early 2016 MacBook. It also looked fine for everyday tasks at 4K/60Hz. The MacBook had occasional issues when disconnecting the USB-C port. One time it froze the laptop after disconnect, and a few other times the monitor simply would not recognize the input from the MacBook, leading to a few sessions of opening/closing the MacBook. I would imagine that further macOS optimization will help this.
I've tested a little, and all is fine (the MacBook Pro 13 2016 with touchbar (I've receive today), the Mac is charging well, don't disconnect. I don't find any issue. But with the very good screen in the MacBook Pro 2016 (p3 etc..) when I compare, i don't succeed to have a good picture quality and color accuracy (something like the 5k iMac. maybe I need a probe).
It's weird but I prefer to work on the MacBook Pro screen....
Last edited:
I had this combination for 2 days, and then the USB C port on the LG died completely... no pictures and no charging.
When it was working, it worked beautifully. One single cable from the MBP for both charging and video is awesome, plus the screen does offer additional USB A ports so it also works as a USB hub. The stand is also great.
A couple of notes:
1. The USB ports are 2.0 speed only
2. Don't connect Mac via HDMI, as Apple only has HDMI 1.2 and it works at only 30Hz for 4k. The experience is far from smooth.
When it was working, it worked beautifully. One single cable from the MBP for both charging and video is awesome, plus the screen does offer additional USB A ports so it also works as a USB hub. The stand is also great.
A couple of notes:
1. The USB ports are 2.0 speed only
2. Don't connect Mac via HDMI, as Apple only has HDMI 1.2 and it works at only 30Hz for 4k. The experience is far from smooth.
I wouldn't worry too much about this. As you say external displays scale fine, I am currently using a 32" BENQ 4K monitor at 3008x1692 and it looks "retina" to me. It is possible if I peer closely I could tell it isn't quite as crisp as native 2x Retina but I can't really tell.
Also given Apple now ship the 15" at a scaled 1680x1050 as the default as opposed to 1440x900 which would be proper 2x pixel mapping, it can't be that big a deal.
I don't know if it's me, but when the screen is connected to the MacBook Pro, it seem to me I've less "performances", all the ui feel less snappier.
I fall in love with the screen of the 5k iMac and I'm looking for the same feeling. I've a probe, I've calibrate the screen and I'm not happy with the color.
Hard to describe maybe a good screen for some people but not for me and I've a doubt about the capacity of the MacBook Pro 13 to handle a 4k monitor without any issue
I fall in love with the screen of the 5k iMac and I'm looking for the same feeling. I've a probe, I've calibrate the screen and I'm not happy with the color.
Hard to describe maybe a good screen for some people but not for me and I've a doubt about the capacity of the MacBook Pro 13 to handle a 4k monitor without any issue
Like I said in another post , very good explanation about monitor for Webdesigner :
https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/
https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/
So basically the 2016 13" tbMBP isn't powerful enough to drive 2 4k displays at 60Hz. That is a shame.