The best alternative to LG Ultrafine 5K

[Xyella]

Hi there,

I'm actually considering an external display for my home office. Today I have a MBP 15'' and an iMac. When I am connected in VPN I cannot share my desktop with the iMac or the TV, so I must have another screen.
The first idea was LG Ultrafine 5K, which has a USB-C and good power for my MBP but wondering which other options exist in the area of 27 inches 4k (3840 x 2160 pixels) with power delivery on USB-C.
Ideally, if the screen can be used with both the iMac and the MBP it would be great. A plus can be the ability to use with my iPad pro!

I've found many 27'' 4K deliver only 60w which is not enough for a MBP 15'' (also, there're different standpoints whether underpowering the MBP might cause battery life issues or not). Quality side, I am not a photographer, so not looking for the best-in-class panel with 100% Adobe/RGB.

Dell U2720Q seems to be a good alternative but it's rather new, not many comments.

Other ideas?
Thanks
S

 

[Fishrrman]

My advice:
Don't be concerned about a display that offers "power delivery".
Instead, get a power brick or other device that satisfies that requirement.

If you do that, it will greatly "open up" your possible choices for displays...
A list that may have something of interest:
IPS Monitor List: Best AHVA, PLS & IPS LCD Displays

 

[Xyella]

My advice:
Don't be concerned about a display that offers "power delivery".
Instead, get a power brick or other device that satisfies that requirement.

I agree. The reason why I am looking for a PD is due to the small space of my desk which is partly filled already by the iMac. If I have a single power, I can reduce cables and, plus, I can easily move the screen on my kitchen table, power the screen the have ashort cable mbp2screen rather than 2 powers + 1 hdmi.

 

[eyalben]

Just got the U2720Q and besides some bug in Apple's System Information app, it works exactly as expected.

I am using USB-C to USB-C cable (supplied in the box) to connect it to my MacBook Pro 16".

1. I get 4K 60Hz
2. Charging works at 90W
3. It works as a basic dock station: I have speakers connected directly to the monitor and wireless keyboard dongle in the USB.

It didn't work out of the box so I had to prioritize usb data over usb resolution in the monitor's setting (not sure why).

I just got it today so I guess it will take me a few days to test it, but for now - it looks great

 

[tms0425]

Just got the U2720Q and besides some bug in Apple's System Information app, it works exactly as expected.

I am using USB-C to USB-C cable (supplied in the box) to connect it to my MacBook Pro 16".

1. I get 4K 60Hz
2. Charging works at 90W
3. It works as a basic dock station: I have speakers connected directly to the monitor and wireless keyboard dongle in the USB.

It didn't work out of the box so I had to prioritize usb data over usb resolution in the monitor's setting (not sure why).

I just got it today so I guess it will take me a few days to test it, but for now - it looks great

I've been looking at the U2720Q for use with a 2018 Mac Mini, but very few reports out there. Looking forward to any further feedback on this one. TIA

 

[schmorf]

It didn't work out of the box so I had to prioritize usb data over usb resolution in the monitor's setting (not sure why).

Hi! But doesn't prioritizing usb data vs resolution mean that you only get 30Hz? I think I read that you get either USB 2.0/60Hz or USB 3.0/30Hz.

As @tms0425 I'm also looking at this monitor and I would like to know if you have experienced the common sleep/wake loop issue with dell monitors: https://www.dell.com/community/Monitors/U3419W-MacBook-USB-Type-C-sleep-wake-issues/td-p/7342413

 

[eyalben]

Hi! But doesn't prioritizing usb data vs resolution mean that you only get 30Hz? I think I read that you get either USB 2.0/60Hz or USB 3.0/30Hz.

As @tms0425 I'm also looking at this monitor and I would like to know if you have experienced the common sleep/wake loop issue with dell monitors: https://www.dell.com/community/Monitors/U3419W-MacBook-USB-Type-C-sleep-wake-issues/td-p/7342413

There are two settings: USB-C Prioritization: High Resolution and High Data Speed.
I get 60Hz on both settings, so I actually haven't found any difference between the two settings.

Also, I don't have any Sleep/Wake loop issues.

I am using MacBook Pro 16"

 

[tms0425]

My Dell u2720q just arrived. My new Mac Mini 2018 won't arrive until late next week, so I tried with USB-C to USB-C on a 2017 MacBook Retina 12". With USB-C Apple System Report says "Resolution 5120 x 2880 (5k) UI Looks like 2560x1440 @29hz". The "Refresh Rate selection in the display preference pane is grayed out with a value of 29.5 Hertz. I found threads on Dell.com and Apple forums, various workarounds to get 60hz, but no luck on my 12" so far. One suggested using a USB-C - DP adapter, then DP - DP cable to the display. I ordered a cable so we'll see.

 

[MacGizmo]

I don't know anything about the Dell U2720Q, but I do know that Dell's UltraSharp models have been superb over the years. The quality is generally amazing for the price, and you rarely find a monitor with as many connectivity options (again, in general). They do have a fairly convenient return policy though, so you probably can't go wrong no matter what.

 

[tms0425]

My Dell u2720q just arrived. My new Mac Mini 2018 won't arrive until late next week, so I tried with USB-C to USB-C on a 2017 MacBook Retina 12". With USB-C Apple System Report says "Resolution 5120 x 2880 (5k) UI Looks like 2560x1440 @29hz". The "Refresh Rate selection in the display preference pane is grayed out with a value of 29.5 Hertz. I found threads on Dell.com and Apple forums, various workarounds to get 60hz, but no luck on my 12" so far. One suggested using a USB-C - DP adapter, then DP - DP cable to the display. I ordered a cable so we'll see.

I bought a 4k USB-C to DisplayPort cable on Amazon and all is well with the MB 12" and U2720P @60hz instead of 29hz now using DP. Just no USB-C charging to the MB 12" that way, so I'll try this Startech USB C to DP Adapter with a straight DP - DP cable next.

 

[Robert McNewbie]

My LG 5K was delivered yesterday. But I am 3000km away and not sure when I will find a flight home. Meanwhile I watched all youtube reviews. I have some questions to you, owners, if you don't mind:

1. Some reviewers note that the stand is wobly. Shall I order a monitor arm? Any suggested model?
2. The way I work now: MBP13 in front of me and a 24" monitor on the right near the laptop, mouse in front of the 24". Can I do the same with the 27" LG5K in place of the 24" or is too large? Do I need to push it further away?
3. Do you use monitor above your laptop screen? Is it better than the approach above (side to side)?
4. What about select or toggle the active camera for FaceTime, zoom, ms teams (laptop or monitor)?
5. Is the camera tilted slightly downwards? If yes is it still usable if monitor at minimum height and vertical?

 

[satcomer]

1. Not sure! You tells us if you think that stand is wobbly! All I could think of monitor arm vesta! The brand is up to you, don’t pay to much and make it’s made of metal!

2. Not sure of your preference!

3. For a web cam I would go fir a 1080 Logitech Web Cam because most business love these!

4. Get the one camera that can move around, easy enough!

 

[wowee]

I bought a 4k USB-C to DisplayPort cable on Amazon and all is well with the MB 12" and U2720P @60hz instead of 29hz now using DP. Just no USB-C charging to the MB 12" that way, so I'll try this Startech USB C to DP Adapter with a straight DP - DP cable next.

I'm actually looking for a monitor for my 2017 Macbook 12inch now as well and m interested in the Dell. A little concerned about the usb-c not working properly. Any other issues using this monitor with the macbook 12?

 

[aednichols]

My Dell u2720q just arrived. My new Mac Mini 2018 won't arrive until late next week, so I tried with USB-C to USB-C on a 2017 MacBook Retina 12". With USB-C Apple System Report says "Resolution 5120 x 2880 (5k) UI Looks like 2560x1440 @29hz". The "Refresh Rate selection in the display preference pane is grayed out with a value of 29.5 Hertz. I found threads on Dell.com and Apple forums, various workarounds to get 60hz, but no luck on my 12" so far. One suggested using a USB-C - DP adapter, then DP - DP cable to the display. I ordered a cable so we'll see.

What setting are you using for "prioritize data"/"prioritize resolution" in the OSD? Have you tried changing it?

 

[wowee]

that is the solution. Set the data/res priority and it will work with usb-c.

I am currently actually testing this display. I feel there is a slight green hue to it. Is it just me?

 

[KPOM]

My LG 5K was delivered yesterday. But I am 3000km away and not sure when I will find a flight home. Meanwhile I watched all youtube reviews. I have some questions to you, owners, if you don't mind:

1. Some reviewers note that the stand is wobly. Shall I order a monitor arm? Any suggested model?
2. The way I work now: MBP13 in front of me and a 24" monitor on the right near the laptop, mouse in front of the 24". Can I do the same with the 27" LG5K in place of the 24" or is too large? Do I need to push it further away?
3. Do you use monitor above your laptop screen? Is it better than the approach above (side to side)?
4. What about select or toggle the active camera for FaceTime, zoom, ms teams (laptop or monitor)?
5. Is the camera tilted slightly downwards? If yes is it still usable if monitor at minimum height and vertical?

Not sure if you made it home, but if not:

1) It is a little wobbly when I type. I am ordering a monitor ARM and will see if it works any better.
2) I think that would work.
3) Yes, I use it above the screen. I find it more natural since I can keep the external monitor at eye level.
4) I typically use the LG camera since it is higher quality than the one in the MBP.
5) The camera seems tilted every so slightly downward. I haven’t used it at minimum height.