Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Super stuck on which External display to buy.

J

JeffiJers

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 12, 2012
552
1
U.S.
Made a similar thread in peripherals ...

Have a early 13 15R macbook.

options
#1. Used, 2month old thunderbolt display for 600$ (time sensitive)
#2. New Dell 27" 1440p from bestbuy 590+ tax
#3 Wait for new apple display that may not even work with my macbook.


External HDD & DAC will be hooked up to display via usb/tbolt hub. I don't use large files on the reg but will stink having usb2 in 2014.
 
JeffiJers said:
Made a similar thread in peripherals ...

Have a early 13 15R macbook.

options
#1. Used, 2month old thunderbolt display for 600$ (time sensitive)
#2. New Dell 27" 1440p from bestbuy 590+ tax
#3 Wait for new apple display that may not even work with my macbook.


External HDD & DAC will be hooked up to display via usb/tbolt hub. I don't use large files on the reg but will stink having usb2 in 2014.
Click to expand...

I would have to recommend the TB display because it is basically a docking station that gives you firewire, USB2 (or possibly even USB3), and of course TB pass through. If you got the DELL, I would think you would only get TB passthrough.

As for a new Apple display, it's almost always better to wait as even Apple gear tends to either drop slightly in price or offer more features. I seriously doubt Apple's next TB display wouldn't work with an rMBP released this year (unless they wait 3 years to refresh it)! With a 15" rMBP, why is it you are looking for an external display in the first place? There are apps that can allow you to switch your existing Retina display to crazy high resolution (reading glasses required :p ).
 
r0k said:
I would have to recommend the TB display because it is basically a docking station that gives you firewire, USB2 (or possibly even USB3), and of course TB pass through. If you got the DELL, I would think you would only get TB passthrough.

As for a new Apple display, it's almost always better to wait as even Apple gear tends to either drop slightly in price or offer more features. I seriously doubt Apple's next TB display wouldn't work with an rMBP released this year (unless they wait 3 years to refresh it)! With a 15" rMBP, why is it you are looking for an external display in the first place? There are apps that can allow you to switch your existing Retina display to crazy high resolution (reading glasses required :p ).
Click to expand...


Thanks for the reply, the current TB display is usb2. Which... is fine however old tech.

The next TB display will more then likely be a 4k to match the nMP. My Early 2013 15R only has thunderbolt1/DP1.1 where as this doesn't handle DP1.2 (uHD, 4k).

Everything in this thread is just speculation as no one knows... I just don't want to pass up on this deal for the lightly used TB @600$ as it is the lowest I have seen.

Just asking what Macrumors would do.
 
JeffiJers said:
Thanks for the reply, the current TB display is usb2. Which... is fine however old tech.

The next TB display will more then likely be a 4k to match the nMP. My Early 2013 15R only has thunderbolt1/DP1.1 where as this doesn't handle DP1.2 (uHD, 4k).

Everything in this thread is just speculation as no one knows... I just don't want to pass up on this deal for the lightly used TB @600$ as it is the lowest I have seen.

Just asking what Macrumors would do.
Click to expand...

Will you ever need to connect the monitor to a non-TB computer? If yes, go for the Dell. Otherwise, I like my Cinema Display pretty well and chose that specifically so I could connect my Hackintosh to it as well as my rMBP. I do miss the dock options, but I love being able to use it with any other computer.

If you like Apple stuff, get the used TB. You will always be able to unload it for the same money or more in a few months if the TB2 Display finally arrives.
 
JeffiJers said:
Thanks for the reply, the current TB display is usb2. Which... is fine however old tech.

The next TB display will more then likely be a 4k to match the nMP. My Early 2013 15R only has thunderbolt1/DP1.1 where as this doesn't handle DP1.2 (uHD, 4k).

Everything in this thread is just speculation as no one knows... I just don't want to pass up on this deal for the lightly used TB @600$ as it is the lowest I have seen.

Just asking what Macrumors would do.
Click to expand...


The Dell display doesn't even have Firewire, Magsafe, ethernet, webcam, or speakers. (No USB 3 either)

I would buy the TB with warranty at $600 easily.
 
martinm0 said:
Will you ever need to connect the monitor to a non-TB computer? If yes, go for the Dell. Otherwise, I like my Cinema Display pretty well and chose that specifically so I could connect my Hackintosh to it as well as my rMBP. I do miss the dock options, but I love being able to use it with any other computer.

If you like Apple stuff, get the used TB. You will always be able to unload it for the same money or more in a few months if the TB2 Display finally arrives.
Click to expand...


As of right now, no I would not Need to however there is a possibility of connecting to a windows computer. I like the cinema display as well however for the age and price used it doesn't seem like a smart buy. I would dell over the cinema.

Consultant said:
The Dell display doesn't even have Firewire, Magsafe, ethernet, webcam, or speakers. (No USB 3 either)

I would buy the TB with warranty at $600 easily.
Click to expand...

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...e_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch

Dell does have usb 3.0.


It appears that general opinion so far is the Thunderbolt display. :apple:
 
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
JeffiJers said:
It appears that general opinion so far is the Thunderbolt display. :apple:
Click to expand...

+1 on the TB display. If it was just a monitor, I would agree with others it is not worth it. But with the built in webcam and speakers and all in one TYB connection it is a nice setup. As far as USB, you will still have your Macbook sitting right there next to the TB display, so you could always plug a USB3 drive or whatever into it. That is what I do when I need to attached a drive to my MBA with the TBD.
 
Most likely a new TB display will arrive within a few weeks along with the MacPro. It won't be a 4k display, but it may have higher resolution than the current model, which your computer would still be able to drive. Apple specifically stated that the MacPro's will be able to drive several 3rd party 4k displays. Apple doesn't do much monitor business as it is, and it would shock me for them to compete in an even much much smaller, much more expensive market. Apple will down the road compete in the 4k market, but when the prices come down to greatly expand that market.

Expect it to be the form factor of the new iMacs
Lower screen glare
USB 3.0
2 TB2 ports (backwards compatible)
lack of Firewire 800 (but a dongle will get you there)
audio port
dual microphones for enhanced FaceTime calls
MagSafe 2
potentially a graphics card (hopefully replaceable)

So far I think your best bet is a new TBD, or a current TBD that you return when a new one comes out. Once the TBD 2 come out, you will have a choice. Either go for a great monitor in the old one at a reduced price, or go for a better monitor/hub in the new one. Why would you want a hub with slower ports than you already have on your laptop?
 
mtmac said:
Most likely a new TB display will arrive within a few weeks along with the MacPro. It won't be a 4k display, but it may have higher resolution than the current model, which your computer would still be able to drive. Apple specifically stated that the MacPro's will be able to drive several 3rd party 4k displays. Apple doesn't do much monitor business as it is, and it would shock me for them to compete in an even much much smaller, much more expensive market. Apple will down the road compete in the 4k market, but when the prices come down to greatly expand that market.

Expect it to be the form factor of the new iMacs
Lower screen glare
USB 3.0
2 TB2 ports (backwards compatible)
lack of Firewire 800 (but a dongle will get you there)
audio port
dual microphones for enhanced FaceTime calls
MagSafe 2
potentially a graphics card (hopefully replaceable)

So far I think your best bet is a new TBD, or a current TBD that you return when a new one comes out. Once the TBD 2 come out, you will have a choice. Either go for a great monitor in the old one at a reduced price, or go for a better monitor/hub in the new one. Why would you want a hub with slower ports than you already have on your laptop?
Click to expand...

Ah you just through a wrench in the gears! I was ready to go pick up the used(like new) TB display.

Furthermore, I have a set of Audioengine A5+'s and USB DAC that will be connected to the display. So, display doesn't need sound. Have extra power sources as well to go with macbook.

Have.. Apple wireless keyboard/trackpad/mouse.


Seems like the current TB display still appears to be the best buy. + It is gorgeous.

Keep the input coming, have to decide by late tonight!
 
Don't forget about adjustments, which might be important to you.

The Dell has height adjustment. The Apple monitor does not.
 
I am in same situation….

I have a early 13 15" Retina for my work computer with the Apple Thunderbolt display and it is really nice. At home I have a crappy LG 23" 1920 x 1080 and I am thinking about buying a new display. My problem is I like to keep my work separate from my home stuff so I actually have a 2012 13" Mac Book Pro on my desk too and really need the ability to switch back and forth between the computers. Lots of competition out there in the monitor domain, I actually had to make a spreadsheet to keep it straight. Here are some interesting buys:

-NewEgg has a Dell 29" 2560 x 1080 for $399.99 with USB 3.0
-Macworld called the mono price 27" 2560 x 1440 @ $416.23 amazon a "affordable alternative to Thunderbolt Display"
-Then the 27" Dell looks pretty good

So I am torn I am leaning towards the 29" Dell because my desk has a low ceiling over it and it might fit better. It is difficult to justify a Thunderbolt Display because it is not a good value in its current configuration.
 
rovitotv said:
I have a early 13 15" Retina for my work computer with the Apple Thunderbolt display and it is really nice. At home I have a crappy LG 23" 1920 x 1080 and I am thinking about buying a new display. My problem is I like to keep my work separate from my home stuff so I actually have a 2012 13" Mac Book Pro on my desk too and really need the ability to switch back and forth between the computers. Lots of competition out there in the monitor domain, I actually had to make a spreadsheet to keep it straight. Here are some interesting buys:

-NewEgg has a Dell 29" 2560 x 1080 for $399.99 with USB 3.0
-Macworld called the mono price 27" 2560 x 1440 @ $416.23 amazon a "affordable alternative to Thunderbolt Display"
-Then the 27" Dell looks pretty good

So I am torn I am leaning towards the 29" Dell because my desk has a low ceiling over it and it might fit better. It is difficult to justify a Thunderbolt Display because it is not a good value in its current configuration.
Click to expand...

glad im not the only one having such an issue! But sorry to hear your dilemma.

I really just have no clue what to buy Still. Considering just giving up on an external for now as it was only a luxury.

That mono-price looks sharp!
 
I'm in the same boat. Just purchased a late 2013 15" rMBP and looking to dock it with the current Thunderbolt Display offering but I'm of the opinion now that I might hold off and hopefully pick it up on the cheap once Apple finally release a new model!
 
Picked up a Brand new TB display of of CL for a good deal, guy who purchased it new from his apple at the end of october just missed the return period. He plugged it in to make sure it worked then packaged it back up.. Shocked, when i turned it on still had the new apple smell to it.

Was on the fence between Dell 27" for usb 3.0 or the new TB display.

I will say I am completely 100% happy with my purchase. While using a 15R daily I am not super impressed by the 27" 1440P, So if apple were to keep that resolution for the revised TB I would not be purchasing that @ 1k$

It is beautiful compared to the Dell and I can live with the usb2.0 as I will only be connecting a DAC to it. For the times I need fast usb3.0 for my external I will connect it directly to the macbook on my desk.

Bonus: Still has 11 months of apple care and I can buy more. :)
 
Last edited:
With the price of 4k displays coming down, I now think there will be two new iMac-styled 27" TBDs. A 4k TB2 display, and a current resolution TB1 display. The big feature they've been touting on the Pro is 4K, and it would only make sense for them to show it off with a new display, possibly color matched to the Pro. Most TB macs can't drive that, so a replacement for the TBD is needed as well. They offered both a 27" cinema display and TBD, so it is likely they would offer two versions now. Though it's only speculation, their TBD is severely outdated and most sources agree that we'll likely see one next week along with the Pro.
 
JeffiJers said:
Picked up a Brand new TB display of of CL for a good deal, guy who purchased it new from his apple at the end of october just missed the return period. He plugged it in to make sure it worked then packaged it back up.. Shocked, when i turned it on still had the new apple smell to it.
Click to expand...

I now have this mental image of you standing there sniffing your monitor. :D

Sounds like you snagged a good deal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back