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rMB & external display

Hook85

Hook85

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 15, 2015
93
29
Sheffield, UK
'afternoon all,

Forgive for a thread that may somewhat repeat what has been said elsewhere, but I'm that behind with how display technology has developed that I need explaining in a clear and simple way ^_^

For the last few years I've relied on either a MBP/Work Laptop or my iMac. I've never had a need to connect to an external display, except when I dock my work (windows ugh) machine in the classroom.

However, having the rMB for only two weeks I now find using the iMac (which doesn't have a retina display) really annoying. I've road tested the rMB on all the tasks I normally do on the iMac and although slightly slower - especially with Aperture - it isn't a problem.

So I'm thinking of selling the iMac, and using the money to buy a decent display. I know there are some LG curved displays that people regularly recommend on here. I could then operate the rMB in clamshell mode while I'm at home, and just grab it and go when I'm off out and working on the road.

However, as my old work laptop connected to the interactive whiteboards via VGA and USB, I'm somewhat behind the times when it comes to display connections.

Now I know that thunderbolt seems to be the Apple standard, but the adapter for the rMB has USB-C, USB3 and a HDMI connection. So, should I be looking for a display that connects via HDMI?

Is the best solution to buy the multiport adapter and then permanently have a charger, the display and my powered USB plugged in to that to make docking easy?

What are the best HDMI displays out there? My budget is probably around £400/£500.

Feel like I'm rambled a bit here - but hope it all makes sense.

Dan
 
Yes, you will want the buy the Apple digital display adapter and look for an HDMI display. If you will be using it just in one place, you would probably find it more convenient to buy a second charger and cable so you can leave that all attached permanently at your desk and just make the single connection when you sit down. You can also add a USB hub so that peripherals can stay connected if you have any.

For a display, I would look at something high resolution, but under full 4k which the rMB cannot drive at 60hz. The 34" curved screens are ideal if you have the budget, but if not, I would look for a Dell in the 2560x1440 range and make sure it is an IPS display.
 
zhenya said:
Yes, you will want the buy the Apple digital display adapter and look for an HDMI display. If you will be using it just in one place, you would probably find it more convenient to buy a second charger and cable so you can leave that all attached permanently at your desk and just make the single connection when you sit down. You can also add a USB hub so that peripherals can stay connected if you have any.

For a display, I would look at something high resolution, but under full 4k which the rMB cannot drive at 60hz. The 34" curved screens are ideal if you have the budget, but if not, I would look for a Dell in the 2560x1440 range and make sure it is an IPS display.
Click to expand...

Thanks very much. I've seen the LG displays recommended - are they worth the price tag?

Thanks,
Dan
 
I don't have any personal experience with the LG's, (I presume you are referring to the curved models, not LG in general?) but from what I have seen here and elsewhere, they are certainly tempting. Basically two displays in one, and about the maximum resolution you can drive well from the rMB.
 
I have an LG 34UC97 display - I *replaced* an Apple Thunderbolt display with it, and I'm extremely happy with it. The curve is subtle but nice, the colour accuracy is great, and I love all the extra screen real estate. I'd say it's worth the money, especially if you're looking at a Thunderbolt display - the 34UC97 gives you Thunderbolt, DisplayPort and HDMI inputs.

Bonus: The rMB can drive the LG at native resolution (3440 x 1400) via the HDMI adapter. Here's a photo - the LG is currently displaying a Parallels Windows 8.1 session in full-screen.

MacBookLG.jpg
 
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mkelly said:
I have an LG 34UC97 display - I *replaced* an Apple Thunderbolt display with it, and I'm extremely happy with it. The curve is subtle but nice, the colour accuracy is great, and I love all the extra screen real estate. I'd say it's worth the money, especially if you're looking at a Thunderbolt display - the 34UC97 gives you Thunderbolt, DisplayPort and HDMI inputs.

Bonus: The rMB can drive the LG at native resolution (3440 x 1400) via the HDMI adapter. Here's a photo - the LG is currently displaying a Parallels Windows 8.1 session in full-screen.

View attachment 574810
Click to expand...

Wonderful. Thank you very much. Having spent the afternoon researching I had come here to post a link to the LG 34UC97 display and ask if it was suitable for the rMB. Looks like it's time to get my iMac on eBay and my hand in my pocket!
 
Hook85 said:
Wonderful. Thank you very much. Having spent the afternoon researching I had come here to post a link to the LG 34UC97 display and ask if it was suitable for the rMB. Looks like it's time to get my iMac on eBay and my hand in my pocket!
Click to expand...

LOL! I'm happy to have helped. I'm really quite surprised by the rMB - I figured it would drive the LG at its native resolution, but I expected it to do so at 30 Hz. I'm actually getting 50 Hz via the HDMI cable, so video plays back quite smoothly.
 
I have the Dell U2515H and it's gorgeous. I love it. Granted I'm running it with a 13" rMBP, but the integrated graphics are similar and if the Macbook can power a higher resolution 34" LG it'll handle the Dell no problem. I recommend considering it if you don't want to spend $1,000 on the LG. It's not "retina" but the 2" difference in screen size makes the pixel density far superior to the 27" thunderbolt. Doesn't bother me at all and things don't look blurry.

You can find it on Amazon (USA) here: http://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraSharp-U2515H-25-Inch-LED-Lit/dp/B00SPWPF1O
 
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Thanks for this thread, I am so at loss at what will replace my iMac now, but knowing the wonderful rMB can power a screen like that is fantastic news.

I really loved playing with the rMB yesterday, the keyboard and force touch track pad were so much easier to use than the rMBPs.
 
Last edited:
I sold my Macbook Air and Thunderbolt as I received my rMB. I have tried several high and mid level monitors from Dell, Samsung and LG (not 34UC97). All using HDMI. Compared to the Thunderbolt Display they have all looked like poop. My hope is that the Hub + will allow use of Mini Display port and hence provide a decent alternative. All screens have been pixelated and blurry. Tried several third party resolution software.
 
It will drive a 4k display at 30hz, but that's not an acceptable refresh rate for most people.
 
Queen6 said:
Some users are documenting that 10.11 changes this and the rMB can drive the display at 60hz, am considering the 34" LG for same reasons.

Q-6
Click to expand...

The 34" LG is not 4k, so it should be able to be driven at 60hz by this chipset.
 
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