What Monitor are you using for your Mac mini ?

[Totally Bored]

A dell 1080p monitor

2009 24" Apple Cinema Display using a USB C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter

See this makes me think maybe I should just be good with my not so perfect HP mh 24" and not spend all that money that I don't have 😎

FWIW, I wish there was a store I could test all these monitors out with my MBP M2 but there isn't UGH

 

[TEG]

I'm currently using a 30" Apple Cinema Display HD, shared through a KVM with my 2012 MBP. I have 2 27" Thunderbolt (mDP) displays waiting to replace it. Just need the energy and time to take apart my whole desk to remove the 30" from its VESA mound and put one of the TB displays on the same mount.

 

[DankeBrutus]

It's kinda meh and the text is really small on it.

That's weird because macOS should be rendering 1080p at a x1 scale, so native resolution. IIRC the Mac will render up to 1440p at x1.

So what are you guys using ?

I'm currently using an Alienware 25" 1080p 240hz display. I want to upgrade to 27" 5K 120hz but the handful of monitors that currently have those specs are either multiple thousands of dollars or not available in my region (Canada). I think I'd be okay with a 4K monitor since I also use a Linux desktop, but at this point I'm either going to wait for a good deal on one of those or for a less expensive LG 5K 120hz monitor becoming available here. Whichever comes first.

 

[Totally Bored]

That's weird because macOS should be rendering 1080p at a x1 scale, so native resolution. IIRC the Mac will render up to 1440p at x1.

Yeah I'm a musician and not much of a Computer guy so I don't know what I'm doing. I played with resolution and text sizes but it gets grainy and yatta yatta . I've got a family member/certified Mac nerd thats gonna play with it all in a few weeks when he visits but I'm learning a lot in this thread. My Libra brain needs to be tortured more before I make a decision ...lol

I'm currently using an Alienware 25" 1080p 240hz display. I want to upgrade to 27" 5K 120hz but the handful of monitors that currently have those specs are either multiple thousands of dollars or not available in my region (Canada). I think I'd be okay with a 4K monitor since I also use a Linux desktop, but at this point I'm either going to wait for a good deal on one of those or for a less expensive LG 5K 120hz monitor becoming available here. Whichever comes first.

I think I've gotten the "I want a 32" monitor" decision eliminated. To much money for 5k-6k Monitors for me. Did I say I was a musician ... lol

A budget 4k 27" might be it IDK, although the 5k ASUS on Amazon for $650ish - $700ish looks interesting


I looked for "LG 5K 120hz monitor" and didn't find it

 

[fricotin]

5 year old 2D FHD LG TV Display 23-inch (1920 x 1080) used as TV / monitor.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

Using a Philips 27 inch 4k Monitor. It is over a year old now. I previously used a really nice high end Dell monitor but that one died so I bought my current one.

 

[PaulManchester]

Newly registered here today and browsing this thread. I started off my Mac mini journey with a Samsung 32 inch, 4k M70D smart monitor last year (before I knew anything about the way MacOS scales resolutions) and, whilst it is a decent enough monitor for consuming media via the built in apps (Netflix etc), I found the text a little blurry.
Did a bit of research and swallowed my pride and purchased a cheap monitor from MSI, The MSI MD272UPSW. Really glad I did. It is a 27 inch, 4k screen, with 95% DCI P3 and 130% sRGB colour gamut coverage. For a cheap monitor (around £180), the quality is surprisingly good. Text is very sharp (when viewed in 1440p, the UI when on 4k is way too small), media looks really good, and if I’d done my research earlier I would have saved the £300 I spent on the Samsung monitor.
The speakers - in common with a lot of monitors - are frankly rubbish, but a set of pebble v3 desktop usb-c speakers for £30 sorted that problem. I’d love a Studio Display, but just couldn’t justify the cost.
Really happy, and so glad I made the move to MacOS. Everything just….’works’. From power on to using the computer takes around 5-10 seconds.
Anyway, that’s my two penn’arth.

​

 

[Totally Bored]

Newly registered here today and browsing this thread. I started off my Mac mini journey with a Samsung 32 inch, 4k M70D smart monitor last year (before I knew anything about the way MacOS scales resolutions) and, whilst it is a decent enough monitor for consuming media via the built in apps (Netflix etc), I found the text a little blurry.
Did a bit of research and swallowed my pride and purchased a cheap monitor from MSI, The MSI MD272UPSW. Really glad I did. It is a 27 inch, 4k screen, with 95% DCI P3 and 130% sRGB colour gamut coverage. For a cheap monitor (around £180), the quality is surprisingly good. Text is very sharp (when viewed in 1440p, the UI when on 4k is way too small), media looks really good, and if I’d done my research earlier I would have saved the £300 I spent on the Samsung monitor.
The speakers - in common with a lot of monitors - are frankly rubbish, but a set of pebble v3 desktop usb-c speakers for £30 sorted that problem. I’d love a Studio Display, but just couldn’t justify the cost.
Really happy, and so glad I made the move to MacOS. Everything just….’works’. From power on to using the computer takes around 5-10 seconds.
Anyway, that’s my two penn’arth.

​

Welcome to the Forum

Do you think the MSI MD272UPSW is good because its 4k and 27" vs the 32" you had was only 4k and probably needed 5k or 6k due to the larger screen size ?

I'm quessing if I stick to a budget 4k with a 27" screen I should be good ?

 

[KENESS]

50" 4k TV. Mini is outputting 4k, but a virtual 1080p. So everything is really crisp.

 

[PaulManchester]

Welcome to the Forum

Do you think the MSI MD272UPSW is good because its 4k and 27" vs the 32" you had was only 4k and probably needed 5k or 6k due to the larger screen size ?

I'm quessing if I stick to a budget 4k with a 27" screen I should be good ?

Thank you.

I’m far from an expert on these things, but from what I witness, the 27 inch @ 4k resolution (with UI set to 1440p) is far far crisper than the 32 inch @4k also on 1440p as 4k UI was far too small to be practical, even on a 32inch screen.
I wouldn’t say that text was especially poor on the 32 inch (it wasn’t), but it wasn’t crisp or sharp either. Colours also look brighter too although that may be more to do with the sRGB coverage being superb.
If you wear glasses, the difference in text clarity/sharpness is akin to going from an old pair of glasses to a new pair with a slightly more accurate prescription. Either are perfectly usable, but the newer prescription (27 inch) are just that little bit clearer.

I also hear that BenQ make a brilliant monitor, the MA27OU (matte screen) and the MA27OP (glossy screen) which are both superb for Mac. They cost around £500 in the UK, not sure about the US, but probably the same in dollars?

 

[Timpetus]

That's been hotly debated. Haven't owned one; it's said to be similar to the old 27" iMac retina displays, which I have had. From reviews, here's what stuck in my mind regarding the last generation Apple Studio Displays:

Pro.s:

1.) High res. (retina).
2.) Glossy (unless you pay for nano texture).
3.) Built-in Center Stage webcam.
4.) Excellent 'spatial audio' speakers built-in.
5.) Made to work with Mac, so your Mac keyboard controls can make adjustments.
6.) Said to have good color right out of the box (good to know; most people don't custom calibrate their displays).
7.) Some people like the sturdy aluminum enclosure much better than plastic, and the 'minimalist industrial aesthetic' look.
8.) IIRC, the brightness can go higher than some competitors.

Con.s:

1.) Webcam quality was painted as mediocre. Opinions varied.
2.) The basic stand or a VESA mount was included in the price, but not both (why, Apple?!?!?), and the height-adjustable version stand was a ridiculous up-charge.
3.) Some people would prefer a higher performance webcam.
4.) In display speakers as a class have such a bad reputation that excellence here sounds like maybe being the 'best of a bad lot.' Probably fine for a lot of people, and in tight quarters like dorm rooms could be very nice. But many people already have nice external speakers.
5.) Very expensive.
6.) Big up-charge for AppleCare+ when at least some competitor 'included in the price' warranties offer longer coverage than Apple's basic (free) warranty coverage.
7.) Yes, the study metal frame that I suppose doesn't flex or creak when you handle and adjust it sounds nice, but the thing sits on your desk stationary most of the time. How many hundreds extra will you pay for 'a little extra pretty?'
8.) More hassle getting it to work with Windows PCs. You don't have a handy HDMI port for gaming consoles, etc. People may not buy these for gaming consoles, but at this price, wouldn't you want it to work with as much as you could?

There's nothing quite like it, so vs. competitors it's an 'apples to oranges' comparison. Do you compare it to competitor 5K 27" because they're cheaper, or competitor 6K 32" because they're bigger?


Then I doubt you'll go for an Apple Studio Display. That said:

1.) They go on sale periodically.
2.) The Apple Refurb. Store often knocks around 15% off the price of things, IIRC.
3.) If you look at it as a longterm investment, and Apple makes quality gear, and you appreciate the webcam/speaker 'package deal' and a reliably high-quality beautiful display (and you're okay with 60-Hz refresh rate and just using with your Mac or whatever workarounds are needed for a Windows PC), then if you don't choke on the price, from reports many people love them.

To repeat, I have not owned a ASD. Does anyone who has think I misrepresented or got anything wrong in my reviews-based summary?

You're pretty spot-on, in my experience. The ASD is squarely in "buy once, cry once" territory. I feel the webcam is fine for what it is, and can always use continuity camera or hook up my Sony mirrorless if I'm really worried about quality. The speakers do a great job, much better than any other built-in speakers in other monitors. The display itself is beautiful. I'm not concerned with >60Hz, though it would be nice. The color accuracy and gamut are superb. The sharpness is great just as it always was with Apple's 5K 27" displays since the original 5K iMac. The brightness is more than I'd ever need. The build quality is untouchable, no other monitor I've seen in person comes close. Every other option in the space has one or more compromises that I consider dealbreakers as a pro photographer.

 

[ivnj]

Also how come (besides portable monitors) I don't see too many cheap ones with USB C PD? And only 27"? Is there nothing below 24" with USB C PD? Only 20w or 30w. I don't need 60w. I don't have a MacBook pro. Just looking if in case I decide to get a NEO.

Actually I go have a MacBook PRO from 2006 but it's obsolete and not worth anything. And one of the USB ports is broken. But even if not it's useless.

 

[unkl bob]

Bought an in-the-box return Samsung S32A70 (4K 32") from Amazon $199 full warranty etc. in FEB of 2023. Has worked flawlessly. One port in the back of the screen is running my M2 Pro MM HDMI to HDMI; the other port is running a 2010 MM project HDMI to Full Size DP. They are easily switchable once you learn to do it. A circular five way switch underneath the center is kinda tricky, but, again, learnable. I've returned some stuff to Amazon, but this is a keeper.

 

[Ben J.]

50" 4k TV. Mini is outputting 4k, but a virtual 1080p. So everything is really crisp.

55" LG OLED here, my main screen. Set to 1920 x 1080.
Underneath it, a 32" Benq. Same resolution.

I can use the 55" from a distance of up to 4-5 meters for most things, browsing, entertainment etc, sitting in my comfy chair. I sit closer and use the 32" when I want more precise control, editing photos and such. Same resolution on both makes moving windows and spaces between them a breeze. I use cmnd-F1 to turn screen mirroring on and off.

Browsing the net and working with apps and the Finder is fine from 4 meters and bluetooth keyboard/mouse. I do use ctrl-scroll to zoom in now and then, some apps have very small GUI items, but it's fine.

I use the OLED TV as a mac monitor only, I get all the TV content I want using my browser. And with the mac menu on auto-hide, you can't tell.

 

[9640418]

LG 32" I bought at Costco for $250. An incredible value and I love it.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

If budget is a strong consideration, I'd suggest:
Buy a Dell 27" 4k, but pick "the next model down" from the UltraSharp.
It will probably have a "regular" IPS panel (instead of IPS black, which the UltraSharp has). But that's OK -- the panels otherwise are very close in quality.

Something like this:

Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor - S2725QS | Dell USA

Shop the Dell Plus 27 inch 4K Monitor with AMD FreeSync Premium, 120Hz refresh rate, dual 5W speakers, and 4-star eye comfort.

www.dell.com

Or this:

Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor - S2725QC | Dell USA

Shop the Dell 27 inch 4K USB-C Monitor with AMD FreeSync Premium, 120Hz refresh rate, dual 5W speakers, and 4-star eye comfort.

www.dell.com

A 4k panel will be "what you need", if you're working with DAW apps.
Plenty of "room" to see more of the timeline, have additional widows, etc.

I'd also recommend using the app "Better Display" with ANY monitor.
It offers some features in "free" mode, more features if you register it.
I registered it "on sale" for about $15. Glad I did.

 

[Totally Bored]

OP:

If budget is a strong consideration, I'd suggest:
Buy a Dell 27" 4k, but pick "the next model down" from the UltraSharp.
It will probably have a "regular" IPS panel (instead of IPS black, which the UltraSharp has). But that's OK -- the panels otherwise are very close in quality.

Something like this:

Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor - S2725QS | Dell USA

Shop the Dell Plus 27 inch 4K Monitor with AMD FreeSync Premium, 120Hz refresh rate, dual 5W speakers, and 4-star eye comfort.

www.dell.com

Or this:

Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor - S2725QC | Dell USA

Shop the Dell 27 inch 4K USB-C Monitor with AMD FreeSync Premium, 120Hz refresh rate, dual 5W speakers, and 4-star eye comfort.

www.dell.com

A 4k panel will be "what you need", if you're working with DAW apps.
Plenty of "room" to see more of the timeline, have additional widows, etc.

I'd also recommend using the app "Better Display" with ANY monitor.
It offers some features in "free" mode, more features if you register it.
I registered it "on sale" for about $15. Glad I did.

Thanks

I'm interested in the Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor - S2725QC
Amazon has it for $300 wich is a great price. I'm really tempted at that price.


My only thing is at this point my brain is fried from looking at all the different monitors and specs and ....

I can't find a review that says the S2725QC would work with a Mac mini 4 or MBP 2. It's not like I can go to a store with my 14" MBP M2 and plug it in and see if it works. I do know the HP mh 24 that was given to me is not what I want.


and...
I've seen the Ben Q MA 27OU and MA 32OU reviews that actually say their good for a Mac but I'm hesitant to spend the $500 0r $650

and if I'm spending $600 there's the ASUS ProArt Display 27” 5K HDR for $600 . Its 5k. It should be better right ?

Thats where I'm at. My Libra brain is so tortured. It takes forever for me to make a decision but $300 is very tempting.

 

[M4th]

A review of the S2725QC says this about connecting to a mini or mbp:

 

[Totally Bored]

A review of the S2725QC says this about connecting to a mini or mbp:

View attachment 2618500

Great review and very tempting

Eddited to add:

Done.

I just bought the Dell S2725QC 27". It will be delivered Saturday April 4th.
Amazon says I have a 30 day return. I almost never return anything.
It has to really suck for me to return anything.


I'll follow up with a quick review 🤘

 

[drrich2]

I just bought the Dell S2725QC 27".

I think you'll like it fine. There is a thread discussing that model:

Afraid of purchasing the new Dell S2725QC

Don't get too worried about the occasional bad review or theoretical concern. Major brands and popular new models draw a lot of interest, so naturally when somebody gets a defective piece of gear, or an unusually picky user turns a critical eye upon it, there are many opportunities for that to happen, and a lot of people considering that model pay attention. I'm not saying don't pay attention, just that sometimes when there's strong interest in a new product the 'bad press' gets magnified a bit.

 

[Totally Bored]

I think you'll like it fine. There is a thread discussing that model:

Afraid of purchasing the new Dell S2725QC

Don't get too worried about the occasional bad review or theoretical concern. Major brands and popular new models draw a lot of interest, so naturally when somebody gets a defective piece of gear, or an unusually picky user turns a critical eye upon it, there are many opportunities for that to happen, and a lot of people considering that model pay attention. I'm not saying don't pay attention, just that sometimes when there's strong interest in a new product the 'bad press' gets magnified a bit.

87.5 positive reviews so it can't be horrible. I'll be using it mostly for Logic Pro as I'm a gigging/recording musician.

 

[AbeLincoln1984]

Using a Philips 27 inch 4k Monitor. It is over a year old now. I previously used a really nice high end Dell monitor but that one died so I bought my current one.

To heck with Philips monitors; i had a couple bad ones and warranty hell was real

 

[AbeLincoln1984]

I just bought [anything other than the Studio Display XDR™].

I'll follow up with a quick review 🤘

Shame! (Just kidding. Hope it works well.)

A 27" screen with 1440p "resolution" is about 2x retina (110 versus 220 pixels per inch).

It's nowhere near as good as the studio display but it might be enough to eliminate a headache from fuzzy text and/or bad scaling.

Also, you're a musician... Different priorities. Cheers.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

To heck with Philips monitors; i had a couple bad ones and warranty hell was real

I feel that way about Dell. Like 6 months in to owning my Dell monitor...suddenly one day it never turned back on again.

 

[Wickintime]

When the M4 mini came out I tried it through my 32" Panasonic tv but very quickly I bought a pair of used Thunderbolt displays for $200. (One was virtually new.) They are just what I need and were a perfect match but unfortunately with the latest Tahoe the webcam is not recognised by Teams/Zoom. I use my phone cam instead so it's just a minor inconvenience.