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Rob587

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 4, 2004
801
1
Orlando, FL
Wanting an external monitor for my mid 2013 13" Macbook Air? Which one is better and most like Retina?

Graphics and Video Support
  • Intel HD Graphics 5000
  • Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
  • Thunderbolt digital video output
 
The Dell is a bit more expensive but really - is it? What you might find in favour of the Dell is the colour accuracy that is supposedly pre-calibrated at the factory, a much larger amount of ports and if I remember correctly, it can swivel. The type and number of ports in itself might be the equivalent to buying a usb micro bus (run multiple USB devices).

The Acer is no slouch and given the screen are pretty much from the same origins, then its really if you want the superior colour control and additional bells and whistles. For simple gaming, either works and for centralized ports and accuracy the Dell is a better deal (though more expensive).

While the above is based on specs, it really comes down to what you need, your budget, your aesthetics etc. Personally, I would go for the Dell and of course, immediately make sure I read the "allowance" if any, of dead pixels. I am a bit OCD about having zero dead pixels and you need to make sure your purchase meets your expectations.
 
The Dell is a bit more expensive but really - is it? What you might find in favour of the Dell is the colour accuracy that is supposedly pre-calibrated at the factory, a much larger amount of ports and if I remember correctly, it can swivel. The type and number of ports in itself might be the equivalent to buying a usb micro bus (run multiple USB devices).

The Acer is no slouch and given the screen are pretty much from the same origins, then its really if you want the superior colour control and additional bells and whistles. For simple gaming, either works and for centralized ports and accuracy the Dell is a better deal (though more expensive).

While the above is based on specs, it really comes down to what you need, your budget, your aesthetics etc. Personally, I would go for the Dell and of course, immediately make sure I read the "allowance" if any, of dead pixels. I am a bit OCD about having zero dead pixels and you need to make sure your purchase meets your expectations.
Thank you so much. This is very helpful. Do you think the sharpness will be noticeably less on the dell compared to the acer (because it's 1080p vs 1440p)?
 
Thank you so much. This is very helpful. Do you think the sharpness will be noticeably less on the dell compared to the acer (because it's 1080p vs 1440p)?

I think that is a bit of a trick question given it really matters on what you want to do with the screen. Also it depends on how far back you sit from your screen and duration of time spent at the screen. While I do appreciate (guilty as charged) that I am a bit of a pixel peeper, I think most people would be thoroughly impressed with the Dell. HP too had (not sure they still do) a counter part that was quite stunning to view as did several other makers. However, given the two you mentioned, I think the Dell is a better buy if the reasons of my original post has value to you.

I
 
The Acer is definitely has higher pixel-per-inch value. Hence, by your definition, it's closer to retina.
  • Dell U2414H: 92 ppi
  • Acer G257HU: 117 ppi
Reference: DPI calculator.

But if you're using it at arms' length, you won't be satisfied until you find something that's closer to 200 ppi.
 
I have a mid-2014 15-in MBP, and use it with a Dell 27 4K. My MBP does not have discrete GPU. It connects through the mDP (TB) port to the same on the Dell. I have the 4K set to 2500x1400 - native res is too small for me for most apps. What I see is a somewhat slower response on the Dell than when connected to just an external HD monitor. This is because of the way Mac OS deal with this set up -- essentially multiplying and dividing to get to the desired resolution.I still like the set up. Just something to consider in your monitor choice.
 
You can set the 4K display to "retina" mode – 1920x1080@2x and still have native res.

Ref: Enable HiDPI Mode for external monitors.

I have a mid-2014 15-in MBP, and use it with a Dell 27 4K. My MBP does not have discrete GPU. It connects through the mDP (TB) port to the same on the Dell. I have the 4K set to 2500x1400 - native res is too small for me for most apps. What I see is a somewhat slower response on the Dell than when connected to just an external HD monitor. This is because of the way Mac OS deal with this set up -- essentially multiplying and dividing to get to the desired resolution.I still like the set up. Just something to consider in your monitor choice.
 
Well to give you some idea it's the difference between an old iMac and a 1080p television. At 27 inches the 1440p is quite a lot better for sharpness.
 
Well to give you some idea it's the difference between an old iMac and a 1080p television. At 27 inches the 1440p is quite a lot better for sharpness.

Yeah, that's why I'm pondering whether an iPad Pro would be a good second monitor I heard there's software that can get it to work over USB without lag.
 
Someone on Reddit recommended the Dell P2415Q http://amzn.com/B00PC9HFNY

It's a IPS but the downside is that the display is matte. I would prefer glossy, the more glossy the better, but it's pretty much the same and most people actually like matte screens.
 
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