Second Display options

[Commy1]

Hey guys,
So I purchased my iMac 2011 21.5" recently and so far I'm really enjoying it a lot. But coming from a PC desktop with 2 displays I'm really missing the second screen for productivity sake. Obviously iMac screens are set quite a bit higher than other screens and the TBD is only made in a 27" size, not to mention they're bloody expensive.

So my question is simply, does anyone know of any 1080 screens that set up nice next to an iMac?

 

[Geekazoid]

I assume your looking for an IPS display, since your iMac uses an IPS display?

Also, probably something important to mention is your budget for this 2nd display.

 

[Commy1]

I assume your looking for an IPS display, since your iMac uses an IPS display?

Also, probably something important to mention is your budget for this 2nd display.

Not a 1000$. That's not really an issue. And as for the type of display it doesn't matter, it's a sister display, just there for the option of more desktop real-estate.

 

[rkaufmann87]

Not a 1000$. That's not really an issue. And as for the type of display it doesn't matter, it's a sister display, just there for the option of more desktop real-estate.

Any external display will work, from a $99 piece of junk BBY display to as much as you want to spend. All you need is a mini display port adapter to either VGA, DVI or HDMI depending on what the display inputs has and the adapter and you're done. It's the easiest thing in the world to do on an iMac.

 

[Commy1]

Any external display will work, from a $99 piece of junk BBY display to as much as you want to spend. All you need is a mini display port adapter to either VGA, DVI or HDMI depending on what the display inputs has and the adapter and you're done. It's the easiest thing in the world to do on an iMac.

Yes I realize that anything will work, but please read the first post. I want to know if anyone has a display that will go well with the iMac, that will sit high enough, look good physically, etc.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Dell UltraSharp monitors are nice, and many of them include height-adjustable stands. The U2212HM has the same size & resolution as your iMac, it's height-adjustable so you can set it to be at the same level, and it has a DisplayPort input so you can connect it using a mDP->DP cable.

 

[Moonjumper]

Yes I realize that anything will work, but please read the first post. I want to know if anyone has a display that will go well with the iMac, that will sit high enough, look good physically, etc.

Are you looking for a monitor that it styled like the iMac? Or one that matches it functionally (some or all of: similar image quality, height, size, aspect ratio)?

For me the most important would be matching image quality (so a decent IPS panel) and position (so one with an adjustable height stand).

You are probably not getting everything to match, so what is most important to you?

 

[TyPod]

Dell UltraSharp monitors are nice, and many of them include height-adjustable stands. The U2212HM has the same size & resolution as your iMac, it's height-adjustable so you can set it to be at the same level, and it has a DisplayPort input so you can connect it using a mDP->DP cable.

I would go with this as well. I have an older one of these and I love mine. Matches my iMac pretty well too.

 

[boy-better-know]

Just today I bought an LG 23" IPS display to sit next to my 27" 2012 iMac.

So far it is great, it's fairly obvious that the iMac display is nicer but it is not bad at all.

My advice would be to work out what size monitor you want, work out which inputs you want (and buy the appropriate adapter) and then look around.

For me, I chose the LG because it is 3D capable (nice touch but not essential) and has a hdmi input as well as VGA, so I can hook up my second PS3 to it. Nice

 

[Commy1]

Thanks guys that's helpful, I did start looking into Dell monitors today before work. It looks like it will sit at a good level with the iMac.

I've been thinking quite a bit (while bored at work) about how I could utilize my Macbook and iPad more. SO what I think I'm going to do is get a stand for my Macbook to set to one side of the iMac for Media or reference use, or perhaps set it up as a second display for the iMac. And the Twelve South Hoverbar for iPad to bring the iPad into a comfortable, viewable position. Using AirDisplay I'll be able to use the iPad as a second screen for Photoshop tools or reference for typing or facetime or whatever else I can think of. Not to mention, it'll be cheaper than pretty much any decent monitor Dell has to offer and I won't feel so bad about not using my other devices as often ^^.

http://store.apple.com/ca/product/H8124ZM/B/twelve-south-hoverbar-stand-for-ipad?fnode=5b3abcc454654c56a0e1d775d3d6376d8a000ca2f8eb8018a98a9df7811d8f05a74a2bee895728422b6849e7c383053db057b41315123f5b5afa7c9322df356f

http://store.apple.com/ca/product/TN740ZM/A/rain-design-mstand-for-macbookmacbook-pro?fnode=5b3abcc454654c56a0e1d775d3d6376d8a000ca2f8eb8018a98a9df7811d8f05a74a2bee895728422b6849e7c383053db057b41315123f5b5afa7c9322df356f


Thanks for your help guys.
(I know it's a bit of a gamble with the Hoverbar, some review it as amazing, while others say it's slimsy, I'm hoping I get a good one.)