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nsbane

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 22, 2012
25
1
My mom is in her mid-60s. I'm getting her a M2 Macbook Air and I'd like to get her a setup so she can use it as a "desktop", i.e., external keyboard, trackpad and monitor.

What would be a good external monitor for her? She's not a gamer - it's just internet and word processing. I don't want to spend $1500+ on a 5k display because she would be the first to admit that she wouldn't appreciate it.

Any other considerations for the setup? I'd like the MBA to work in clamshell mode. If a docking station would improve the setup I'd get one, but she won't be using any other peripherals.

Thanks!

Alex
 

TightLines

macrumors 6502
Jun 10, 2022
338
464
ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV

 

tstafford

macrumors 6502a
Sep 13, 2022
989
908
One thing to consider - for the way you want to use the MBA make sure the monitor delivers charging power. Eliminates the need for a separate charger (and if you are using the M1 MBA) frees up a port.
 

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,243
13,318
How's your mom's eyesight doing?

As I got older, I found that the SIZE of text became more important than the "clarity".

For me, a 27" 1080p display is working well enough.
The young folks will look at it and say, "that's too grainy!", but for my older eyes, it's fine.

Or, consider a 27" 4k display, running at "looks like 1080p".
The text will be both larger AND sharper.

I feel confident in predicting that your mom will be VERY pleased with such a display...
 

theorist9

macrumors 68040
May 28, 2015
3,881
3,060
I'd get her a 27" 4k with an IPS panel, and run it with "Default for Display" resolution (which is actually "looks like 1920 x 1080" = "looks like 1080p"):

1664763333822.png


They can be had for about $500 (if it's a lot less than that at retail, it's probably not IPS). Of the three models that have been recommended thus far, the LG 27UP850W and Dell S2722QC both qualify; the ProArt PA278CV does not (IPS, but not 4k). Between the Dell and LG I have no idea which is the better one, though I've read reports about QC issues with LG monitors.
 
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QuietGamer

macrumors regular
Nov 23, 2014
220
220
US
This is the same monitor Apl sales in their stores. I have been using one since 2019 with a Mac Mini. When used with a laptop it will provide power to the Laptop and also has a usb C “hub” built in. It could be used to attach a back up drive for example. Apl contols for the monitor (sound, brightness controls) work natively with Apl software and drivers.

 
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