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Want a 2nd display for my Macbook Pro...

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primedime

macrumors member
Original poster
Mar 21, 2011
66
0
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Hello everyone.

I am looking to get a 2nd display for my macbook pro so that I have more screen space to work with when doing my projects. (web dev/design, graphic design, etc.) (no gaming)

I looked in to the Apple 27" displays but for 1k it seems a bit much. For a few hundred dollars more I can get an iMac.

I am looking to spend up to about 300$, maybe a bit more if its worth it on a display other than the Apple Displays. Anyone recommend a brand or model that is 25" - 27"?

Also, what cables will I need to buy with the display?

Thanks!
 
What about this 24" DELL Ultrasharp IPS monitor?

As for cables, you need an MDP to DVI adapter:
Mini DisplayPort (MDP) / Thunderbolt
Mini DisplayPort is the current digital standard on all current Macs to transfer video to an external display or TV. It has been introduced in 10/2008 with the release of the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros and has gradually been adopted on all other Macs.
MDP is capable of transmitting video, and since 2010, audio too. MDP is a miniaturised version of DisplayPort. It is also license free and can support resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, which Mini DVI and Micro DVI are not able to do.
Since 2011, all Macs come with a Thunderbolt port, which is meant for fast data transfer and also as means to connect to an external display device to mirror or extend the Mac's screen.
To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP): Introducing Thunderbolt​
MR_video_out_Mac_Mini_DP.png
MDP adapters and cables can be bought online from:


Also of interest: "What is "Mini DisplayPort"? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from or better than Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?"
​
Click to expand...
 
I picked up an Apple ACD 27" (non thunderbolt) for $600. Works great...love it. :D
 
primedime said:
Hello everyone.

I am looking to get a 2nd display for my macbook pro so that I have more screen space to work with when doing my projects. (web dev/design, graphic design, etc.) (no gaming)

I looked in to the Apple 27" displays but for 1k it seems a bit much. For a few hundred dollars more I can get an iMac.

I am looking to spend up to about 300$, maybe a bit more if its worth it on a display other than the Apple Displays. Anyone recommend a brand or model that is 25" - 27"?

Also, what cables will I need to buy with the display?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

this has been doing just fine for me it was $200ish
Samsung BX2450
 
simsaladimbamba said:
What about this 24" DELL Ultrasharp IPS monitor?

As for cables, you need an MDP to DVI adapter:
Click to expand...

Thanks for the great info. My macbook pro only has Thunderbolt, btw. I read a bunch of the reviews and a fe people had issues using with macs, something to do with going in to power saving mode all the time.

I did like the fact it rotated so you can have more vertical space, that was cool!

----------
iisforiphone said:
this has been doing just fine for me it was $200ish
Samsung BX2450
Click to expand...

I really like that design and the price. It also says it is Mac compatible.

seems everyone has a 24" preference. Is trying to get a 27" display overkill?? I want to be able to have a few programs open on the screen at once. Typically Coda, Web Browser and maybe Fetch at the same time. Will 24" be enough for something like that? I also use Photoshop a lot as well when working throughout the day.
 
primedime said:
Are you currently using this display?
Click to expand...

Sadly no, but it is the one I will keep an eye on, due to its resolution and aspect ratio (no 16:9 crap) and IPS panel and LED backlight.


____________________________________________________________

Maybe have a look at Advanced Search to find threads, where people reference the Dell I linked to:
​
____________________________________________________________
​
 
primedime said:
Thanks for the great info. My macbook pro only has Thunderbolt, btw. I read a bunch of the reviews and a fe people had issues using with macs, something to do with going in to power saving mode all the time.

I did like the fact it rotated so you can have more vertical space, that was cool!

----------



I really like that design and the price. It also says it is Mac compatible.

seems everyone has a 24" preference. Is trying to get a 27" display overkill?? I want to be able to have a few programs open on the screen at once. Typically Coda, Web Browser and maybe Fetch at the same time. Will 24" be enough for something like that? I also use Photoshop a lot as well when working throughout the day.
Click to expand...

thunderbolt includes mini-displayport within its spec. Therefore, any monitor with displayport or mini-displayport will work natively.
 
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