SEAMLESS 4k monitor with Macbook Pro 13in 2019

[bj101305]

Hi. I see some threads several months ago, but I am still a bit confused.

I am interested in getting a great 4k monitor without spending an arm-and-a-leg. I want it to work seamlessly - so I think I need one which works off a USB-C wire. I am not sure which monitors may not look so good / aren't so compatible. For example, I saw complains regarding Dell's compatibility with Apple.

I am not gaming. I am not doing visual work. Mostly professional + pleasure. I think I plan to use it with my Macbook open.
What is a solid 4k monitor choice? LG 27UK850? Dell U2720Q?

Thanks!

 

[Cookie18]

What do you mean by seamless? For connecting you can buy USB C to HDMI cables these days which are pretty good. That would be the simplest way to hook the MacBook up but I’m not sure if that’s what you mean?

 

[bj101305]

What do you mean by seamless? For connecting you can buy USB C to HDMI cables these days which are pretty good. That would be the simplest way to hook the MacBook up but I’m not sure if that’s what you mean?

Thanks for your response. First, I meant it being USB-C. This way, I would be able to simply plug in a USB-C to my Macbook pro 2019 and there would be no other wires needed. (i.e., laptop is charged through this cord). Second, I meant it being compatible. (I.e., There are no glitches / computer works well with the monitor. No color issues. Etc.)

 

[Cookie18]

Thanks for your response. First, I meant it being USB-C. This way, I would be able to simply plug in a USB-C to my Macbook pro 2019 and there would be no other wires needed. (i.e., laptop is charged through this cord). Second, I meant it being compatible. (I.e., There are no glitches / computer works well with the monitor. No color issues. Etc.)

What is your budget? USB C monitors tend to be a fair bit more expensive. The USB C to HDMI port cable that I have actually has a USB C port on the HDMI which allows you to charge the computer from only one cable. I'll link an example below.

If we figure out your budget I can make some recommendations. My Samsung 4K monitor works perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/CHOETECH-Pow...id=1597868249&sprefix=choetech,aps,232&sr=8-3

 

[bj101305]

What is your budget? USB C monitors tend to be a fair bit more expensive. The USB C to HDMI port cable that I have actually has a USB C port on the HDMI which allows you to charge the computer from only one cable. I'll link an example below.

If we figure out your budget I can make some recommendations. My Samsung 4K monitor works perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/CHOETECH-Powering-Adapter-Thunderbolt-Compatible/dp/B078M57FVJ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2FB16YJG93SPI&dchild=1&keywords=choetech+usb+c+to+hdmi+cable&qid=1597868249&sprefix=choetech,aps,232&sr=8-3

Oh. Interesting. Thank you!

Was hoping to spend less than $750. $500 is ideal, but do want something great quality, so willing to go up to $750 or so.

 

[Cookie18]

Oh. Interesting. Thank you!

Was hoping to spend less than $750. $500 is ideal, but do want something great quality, so willing to go up to $750 or so.

You have a lot of options at $500. This LG is a great quality monitor and it supports USB C.

https://www.amazon.com/LG-27UK850-W...ywords=usb+c+monitor+4k&qid=1597868294&sr=8-3

This is an excellent monitor too, no USB C but $100 cheaper. It is great quality, I've used it before.

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LU28...words=usb+c+monitor+4k&qid=1597868294&sr=8-18

If you go to 1440P you can also get an ultra wide with USB C

https://www.amazon.com/LG-34WN80C-B...ywords=usb+c+monitor+4k&qid=1597868905&sr=8-4

 

[bj101305]

You have a lot of options at $500. This LG is a great quality monitor and it supports USB C.

https://www.amazon.com/LG-27UK850-W...ywords=usb+c+monitor+4k&qid=1597868294&sr=8-3

This is an excellent monitor too, no USB C but $100 cheaper. It is great quality, I've used it before.

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LU28...words=usb+c+monitor+4k&qid=1597868294&sr=8-18

Great. That's where my initial Q comes in. How does the LG 27UK850-W compare with the Dell U2720Q? I would maybe go by something like RTings, but I'm not sure whether its use with a Macbook Pro changes anything.

Thanks so much btw.

 

[Cookie18]

Great. That's where my initial Q comes in. How does the LG 27UK850-W compare with the Dell U2720Q? I would maybe go by something like RTings, but I'm not sure whether its use with a Macbook Pro changes anything.

Thanks so much btw.

I don't have first hand experience but Apple sell the LG ultrafine monitors on their own store. They're unofficially the third party monitor of choice for Mac.

Edit: Just to be clear, the one on Amazon is like the step below the Ultrafine monitors that Apple sells.

 

[bj101305]

I don't have first hand experience but Apple sell the LG ultrafine monitors on their own store. They're unofficially the third party monitor of choice for Mac.

Edit: Just to be clear, the one on Amazon is like the step below the Ultrafine monitors that Apple sells.

Good point. Thank you.

 

[TheIguana]

Struggled with this myself but ended up going with the Dell U2720Q.

My main drivers were I run a 16" tMBP so having 90 watts of power delivery of USB C was a need and Dell has a pretty phenomenal warranty (3-years) on their more expensive panels. It also happened that when I purchased in Canada Dell had an additional 10% deal running.

 

[robvas]

20” LG

 

[azentropy]

I bought a U2720Q and I'm very happy with it.

 

[bj101305]

@TheIguana & @azentropy - Thanks for your comments regarding the U2720Q.

I don’t know if it’s just because it’s very popular, so complaints are bound to happen, but I see quite a bit of discourse regarding using a U2720Q within the Apple ecosystem. I see quite the number of Reddit, Apple, and other threads regarding issues. Like I said, perhaps it is because those who have issues are the ones posting.

That’s the reason why I am asking, as I wonder whether it‘s worth the extra $150 over the LG 27UK850W if the Dell may prove to be problematic?

 

[arthur486]

I have the 2020 MacBook Pro 13" (4TB) connected to a Dell U2720Q for more than a week now. Laptop is in clamshell mode (closed lid), and display is used without scaling (I think equivalent of 1080p resolution - very easy on the eyes). I have the laptop connected to the display using the display's own USB-C cable and use the following:

• Logitech peripherals (MX Keys and MX Master connected to the laptop using BT)
• Audioengine speakers connected via USB to the display

Everything seems to work smoothly. Laptop is being charged (the macOS battery health feature also seems to work fine), can put everything to sleep and resume using a single keystroke (display does NOT wake up randomly when not in use). Audio works well. Also, when doing light work (Word, Excel, browsing), laptop fans are at minimum (1350 RPM) and silent. I've set up everything according to this: https://www.reddit.com/r/Monitors/comments/f4avo3/dell_u2720q_review/



Hope this helps.

 

[azentropy]

@TheIguana & @azentropy - Thanks for your comments regarding the U2720Q.

I don’t know if it’s just because it’s very popular, so complaints are bound to happen, but I see quite a bit of discourse regarding using a U2720Q within the Apple ecosystem. I see quite the number of Reddit, Apple, and other threads regarding issues. Like I said, perhaps it is because those who have issues are the ones posting.

That’s the reason why I am asking, as I wonder whether it‘s worth the extra $150 over the LG 27UK850W if the Dell may prove to be problematic?

Yep, every monitor is going to have some problems. I didn't have any with mine and have been very happy with the Dell Ultrasharp monitors I have had over the years. The monitor it replaced is a 7 year old 27" and still works, I just wanted a higher resolution when I got the new 2020 13" MBP and wanted to take advantage of the USB-C and charging. I still have the 12 year old 24" that the original 27" replaced as a backup - still works although has some streaking now. 3 of my TVs are LG (65, 55, 46) that I've also been really happy with.

I've only had one LG monitor (still have it hooked to my work/PC laptop) it is a 32" 4K and it is just "ok". The base isn't as good and it wobbles some - picture isn't in the same league as the U2720Q that is right next to it at the moment.. But it is a pretty base model...... I actually found the 32" to be too big for my liking. As the distance I like to be away from it I find myself moving my head too much (rather than just my eyes). Overall I wish I would have spent a little more and got a better 27" instead.

Pros and Cons for both, I got a killer deal on the U2720Q - so the price difference wasn't a factor at the time.

 

[ilikewhey]

i paid 430ish after tax on my dell u2720q, at the time i was also looking at lg options, the one thing you gotta look out for alot of lg panels with usb-c only charges 60w, that leaves alot of 15 and 16inch which requires 87 or 96 watt out. other then that the dell is a bit more brighter in lumens.

the dell u2720q can charge up to 100w through usb-c, i have both a 13 and 15inch now so thats a must for me. currently have the u2720q for about a month now and no complaint. the dell also has like 4 usb ports so my setup allows me to plug in mouse, keyboard, webcam, and a external drive, and just one cable between the mbp and the monitor allows a pretty simple plug and play.

also the bezels is smaller on the dell if that type of thing you consider.

 

[bj101305]

Hi - one more question for those with the DellU2720Q. (Ordering it now!).

Do you use it with the screen open? If so, is the bottom of the panel high enough that you can use your laptop below it? (I.e., does the screen of a Macbook Pro, in my case 13 in, block part of the monitor)? If so, do you use a stand for the laptop, or put the monitor on the stand?

Alternatively, for those that keep the laptop on the side, do you put the laptop on a stand, put it side-by-side with the monitor, and use a Bluetooth keyboard / mouse?

 

[ilikewhey]

i have my mouse and magic keyboard plug into the u2720q, along with c920 webcam and speakers. closed the lit and use it as a desktop basically. works quite well with one thunderbolt 3 cable.

 

[bj101305]

i have my mouse and magic keyboard plug into the u2720q, along with c920 webcam and speakers. closed the lit and use it as a desktop basically. works quite well with one thunderbolt 3 cable.

Thanks for your comments. Question - does quality of the 4K monitor ever bother you? I’m assuming the MacBook retina screen looks better? Or is this something that is overshadowed by having so much 4K real estate?

 

[ilikewhey]

The quality of the dell ultra sharp is really good, I honestly don’t even see the difference. The 27inch real estate Beats out 15 inch any time. Chances are your gonna plug in to the dell more often than you use the Mac by itself

 

[bj101305]

Hi - as an update --- I ended up going with the U2720Q. Unfortunately, my emphasis on "Seemless" is not panning out.
Today marks 3 days with it. For some reason, when I plug in my Macbook, the monitor display remains black (My macbook definitely recognizes it, as I see the dell listed under displays. Also, the macbook screens flickers when I plug it in). Have tried restarting both, to no avail.

Any recommendations?

 

[bj101305]

An update another hour later... For an unknown reason, it now began working. Not sure what the glitch is.

Spoke with Dell and the representative was not even familiar with how to access display settings of a macbook... They are sending me out a new monitor. Who knows!

 

[bj101305]

Nevermind. Working no longer.

 

[arthur486]

Are you using the monitor supplied USB-C cable, plugged into the output directly below the display? (it's the one that supplies 60W + DP Alt). Have you tried setting the display explicitly to USB-C input?

It would help us to know more about what exactly you've tried...

 

[bj101305]

Are you using the monitor supplied USB-C cable, plugged into the output directly below the display? (it's the one that supplies 60W + DP Alt). Have you tried setting the display explicitly to USB-C input?

It would help us to know more about what exactly you've tried...

Hi Arthur. Thanks for your response.
1) Yes, I am using the monitor supplied USB-C cable, and it is plugged into the output directly below the display.
2) Yes, I have already switched the output from Auto Detect to USB-C.