Who docks their rMB to be used with an external screen and how often?

[Eggtastic]

So, I've had my 2016 rMB m5 since December and its been a dream for me. My uses are light so it serves me well.

However, and I've asked before about what monitors to buy, I am thinking about a dock set up to be used at the desk for more screen real estate. I would do my best to be minimalistic as possible (use the MacBook opened, monitor next to it, use the rMB keyboard, and maybe go with an external mouse or track pad.

My question is, for the docking people, how often do you find yourself using it? I would be getting a Dell u2417 (infinity edge, but 1080p and not sure if it looks that much worse than retina), or a Dell u2515h (1440p) cheaper too but older and bezels not as thin (but still very thin). I also could just go with a Dell u2717 (infinity edge, 1440p) but it does cost $200 more.

I am considering getting into some light photo work and just overall would appreciate more screen real estate. I would also be getting the apple usb-c hdmi adapter (unless you guys recommend a good 3rd party).

I won't be gaming, so I don't need the best monitor money can by, but I would like something not so pixelated.

tl;dr: Do you find yourself using your dock set up often vs. the rMB alone? Also, any usb-c hdmi / dell monitor recommendations?

 

[EugW]

You can drive a 4K monitor at 60 Hz, if you have the appropriate dongle. (Most only support 30 Hz at 4K.)

I have a 2010 27" iMac used as a 1440p monitor and it's not ideal. I use it because it's a perfect aesthetic match to my 2017 27" iMac, and because I already had it, but the image quality is noticeably worse because it's not Retina. It also works fine with my MacBook 12", but again, the quality is noticeably worse. I've been totally spoiled by Retina.

Thus I might recommend trying to get a 4K monitor for a Retina solution. Actually, the LG 27UD88-W apparently will work at 4Kp60 with no dongle at all, just a single USB-C cable, and it will charge the MacBook too.

http://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27UD88-W-4k-uhd-led-monitor

 

[vbctv]

I bought my rMB the other day, I have it sitting on my 12 South Bookarc and hooked to my Samsung 27 inch Curved Monitor with HDMI. I personally think it look better than my Mac mini did on the monitor. If I go lay in bed then I just unhook the USB-C dongle. But it's been hooked to the monitor about 85% of the time and will likely be used most from that.

 

[Eggtastic]

You can drive a 4K monitor at 60 Hz, if you have the appropriate dongle. (Most only support 30 Hz at 4K.)

I have a 2010 27" iMac used as a 1440p monitor and it's not ideal. I use it because it's a perfect aesthetic match to my 2017 27" iMac, and because I already had it, but the image quality is noticeably worse because it's not Retina. It also works fine with my MacBook 12", but again, the quality is noticeably worse. I've been totally spoiled by Retina.

Thus I might recommend trying to get a 4K monitor for a Retina solution. Actually, the LG 27UD88-W apparently will work at 4Kp60 with no dongle at all, just a single USB-C cable, and it will charge the MacBook too.

http://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27UD88-W-4k-uhd-led-monitor

Thanks for the reply. Good recommendation, but didn't want to drop that much on a monitor despite it looking real good. May just need to save my pennies and go big or go home.

 

[ZapNZs]

Have you considered the S2415H? I use that and a 27 inch version of the same product in a dual monitor setup with my MBP and I am extremely happy with the quality, aesthetics, and cost efficiency. If you aren't the pickiest on screens and 1080 is acceptable, it's a hard display to beat at the price IMO.

 

[robvas]

I use the USB-C to HDMI adapter from Apple and connect to an Acer 27" 2560x1440 whenever I'm at my desk. Works great and I can charge too.