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Should i get a 4k monitor for my 2015 MBA or just a 1080P?

V

vanimal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 12, 2014
650
86
I recently picked up a 13" MBA 2015 for a KILLER deal when BB had them on sale. $719 after a 10% movers coupon. Had my eye on the MBR but between the $600 saved i just use it casually at home on the couch, in bed etc. The screen is absolutely fine for now or until Apple makes a 14" version. I often prefer to plug it into my 27" ASUS IPS 1080P monitor and use it like a desktop PC. I currently have my Xbox One hooked up to my 27" Asus monitor at my desk. I switch between the 27" monitor and my 65" TV on the wall for my Xbox one. But i prefer playing on a monitor mostly at my desk most of the time.

I would like get a 24-27" monitor to plug my MBA into at my desk to use while i play on my Xbox One. I will use it to browse the web, watch Youtube videos, Watch Sling TV, Netflix, Hulu etc.

Do you think its worth it to spend the extra $$$ to get a 4k? I mean would i greatly benefit? I would think the 1080p would hold me the 1-2 years fine with this MBA until Apple makes a 14" version of the MBR :)

This is the one i have my eye on, i had one of these before but sold it when i sold my gaming rig. Its fairly nice for a Acer, i chose this because i do "prefer" the glossy front panel which increases the contrast and color. I don't mind the reflection because i use it in a dark environment for the most part. Its a solid monitor for a external for the most part. Was pleased with it.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-h6...lack/4751006.p?id=1219103673253&skuId=4751006

Or.... should i spend a few hundred extra and get maybe a dell 4k? It is intriguing that the 2015 MBA can push 4k 60hz on a external. But i really don't know if a 4k would even benefit from the apps i use for streaming especially on a small sized monitor.


Decisions decisions...... I am leaning towards just grabbing that 1080p, you can actually get them fairly cheap on eBay slightly used for about $99.
 
Hmmm after reading over in the Macbook pro with 4k monitor people have reported slow down and choppiness.

So should i look at maybe a 1440p monitor instead? I dunno this all seems overdone. I think i will do fine with that 1080p monitor. And its far cheaper :p
 
vanimal said:
Hmmm after reading over in the Macbook pro with 4k monitor people have reported slow down and choppiness.

So should i look at maybe a 1440p monitor instead? I dunno this all seems overdone. I think i will do fine with that 1080p monitor. And its far cheaper :p
Click to expand...

Well...I am running three Dell 2410s (1200p) and am still very pleased with them.
 
If you plan to use it for gaming and watching movies I think the 4K would be overkill and not the best for consoles either. I would recommend a 1080P display for you. If you do go 4K check out the Dell P2715Q, it works great for me!
 
mjfutures said:
If you plan to use it for gaming and watching movies I think the 4K would be overkill and not the best for consoles either. I would recommend a 1080P display for you. If you do go 4K check out the Dell P2715Q, it works great for me!
Click to expand...

Well I already have a Asus mx279h 27" I use my Xbox One for, awesome IPS monitor. With a respectable 5ms responce time.

The 2nd monitor I'm looking for just to extend the MBA and be able to watch movies, browse the web, YouTube. Watch sling TV with a external mouse and keyboard. I think the 1080p might be a wise choice. But I'm reading up on that Dell as well.
 
vanimal said:
Hmmm after reading over in the Macbook pro with 4k monitor people have reported slow down and choppiness.

So should i look at maybe a 1440p monitor instead? I dunno this all seems overdone. I think i will do fine with that 1080p monitor. And its far cheaper :p
Click to expand...

If you plan on watching movies another option could be a 3440x1440 ultra wide.
 
cfedu said:
If you plan on watching movies another option could be a 3440x1440 ultra wide.
Click to expand...

Well "sorta" i casually like to watch or "listen" to TV while i game. I actually have a 60" TV on the wall in the same room, but its behind me so i have to keep turning to watch it. So i figured a nice smaller monitor in front of me could help that and not have to have the big 60" on lighting the whole room up while dark. :cool:

I watch dumb shows like American Pickers and shows on History that don't need a ton of undivided attention. I also like to watch Netflix and the Sling TV on my MBA while i game. But having a bigger monitor would be a lot better i would imagine.
 
vanimal said:
Yup that is what i am thinking. Any recommendation on a 24" or 27"?
Click to expand...

If you're getting a 27" then get a 1440p display like the Apple Thunderbolt Display or similar, like a Dell Ultrasharp U2713HM.

My favorite 1200p display is actually the old 23" Apple Cinema Display, which can be found pretty cheap these days (but aren't HDCP compliant and you'll need a displayport to DVI adapter)
 
WestonHarvey1 said:
If you're getting a 27" then get a 1440p display like the Apple Thunderbolt Display or similar, like a Dell Ultrasharp U2713HM.

My favorite 1200p display is actually the old 23" Apple Cinema Display, which can be found pretty cheap these days (but aren't HDCP compliant and you'll need a displayport to DVI adapter)
Click to expand...

Thanks i will look into both of those. As well as check craigslist for the Apple 23" and i will read about it. Getting a adapter is not a big problem.
 
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I use a dell st240l 1080p monitor. It works for my needs. Not much I can say besides that lol. Looking to buy another one to match my current one, but I don't think I'll be able to get a good deal on one. 1080p is fine for my needs.
 
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