I just moved from Windows to macOS and I'm still learning things about this new OS. Considering all of this I have to ask: 2K monitors never worked with MacOS? I am the "funny one" being so surprised at the crappy result when using an external monitor with a MacBook? Or is it an issue that arrived with the new Big Sur OS? Would be great to understand if I can wait with my 2K monitor or if it's mandatory to upgrade to a 5K monitor. Also, I have to ask: 4K monitor will have also a slight disruptive scaling?
You've been a great help and calming factor for me xD I decided to give up on the 144 hz obsession because, as you also said, i wont game anymore on this machine. Looking for a 32 4K replacement. I will do my research and buy it. I found 5K monitors but they are a bit out of the budget for me atm. If you got any suggestions, im more than opened.It used to be OK. They’ve changed font rendering around the time Mojave was introduced (or was it Catalina). HiDPI is also gaining popularity in Windows word, but it was Apple who popularised it, after giving it fancy name (Retina display). Windows is more compatible with old displays (it has to be, because huge user base in comparison to Mac), whereas Apple thinks the future is with Retina. They sort of neglected how MacOS looks like on non-retina displays, I mean it does work, but it looks like crap.
Now, as I said before, Apple doesn’t have a single product without Retina display. iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBooks, and external displays Apple sells are all Retina and they will not go back.
Don’t worry about scaling, with M1 this is non issue. Just buy any 4K, 5K or 5K2K display (preferably from a place with good return policy), choose one of HiDPI modes and see for yourself how beautiful and amazingly sharp everything looks like. 144 Hz is for gaming anyway and who games on a Mac?
My eyes are onNo problem, always happy to help. I’ve been using Macs for 20 years now and I’ve learned that with Apple, one just have to go with the (Apple’s) flow. Going against the flow is usually “a bag of hurt” (that’s from Steve Jobs), which you’ve experienced yourself
As for 32 inch 4K, 2x HiDPI “looks like” 1920x1080 so it will probably look too big (depending on how close you sit to the screen) so I would go with “looks like” 2560x1440, which give you good screen estate and crispness of font rendering. The impact of 1.5 scaling for M1 GPU should be negligible.
As for brands: LG and Dell are always good bets, Acer is also fine, in my experience.
I'm using a 32" 4K at 'looks like' 3008x1692 and it looks fantastic, gives me a ton of space, and the UI is about pretty close in size as is 2560x1440 on a 27" display.
That Dell S3221QS is a VA panel. If you're super fussy about text, I'd look for something with an IPS panel instead.
It used to be OK. They’ve changed font rendering around the time Mojave was introduced (or was it Catalina). HiDPI is also gaining popularity in Windows word, but it was Apple who popularised it, after giving it fancy name (Retina display). Windows is more compatible with old displays (it has to be, because of huge user base in comparison to Mac), whereas Apple thinks the future is with Retina. They sort of neglected how MacOS looks like on non-retina displays, I mean it does work, but it looks like crap.
Now, as I said before, Apple doesn’t have a single product without Retina display. iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBooks, and external displays Apple sells are all Retina and they will not go back on this.
Don’t worry about scaling, with M1 this is non issue. Just buy any 4K, 5K or 5K2K display (preferably from a place with good return policy), choose one of HiDPI modes and see for yourself how beautiful and amazingly sharp everything looks like. 144 Hz is for gaming anyway and who games on a Mac?
For M1, 5K2K is not a good option due to its 3008 (6016) horizontal resolution limitation, which will make font size too big on those ultrawide screen.Do they still sell those as entry model? Probably not for long with M1 transition going on. They will phase those out soon, I’m sure. Anyway, this model is a noble exception from general rule
You are absolutely right in regards of subpixel aliasing and I said I think Apple is in the wrong with this.
However, choosing external monitor (in order to have sharp, crisp text) for Mac is simple:
1. One needs to use HiDPI mode
2. Any 4K, 5K or 5K2K monitor will do
3. Choose screen size and brand
Done
I actually did a little bit mroe researche and changed my mind again. i will stick with the IPS 32UN650. It doesnt have a USB C port but i already have a very quality USB C - DisplayPort cable that is capable of 60Hz 4kDo they still sell those as entry model? Probably not for long with M1 transition going on. They will phase those out soon, I’m sure. Anyway, this model is a noble exception from general rule
You are absolutely right in regards of subpixel aliasing and I said I think Apple is in the wrong with this.
However, choosing external monitor (in order to have sharp, crisp text) for Mac is simple:
1. One needs to use HiDPI mode
2. Any 4K, 5K or 5K2K monitor will do
3. Choose screen size and brand
Done
Interesting since my U2518D has been changing daily with 11.3.1. It is just purely luck which mode it boots and then just restarting or power off / on usually results going in RGB mode but sometimes I even need to power down my monitor too and then it usually takes several tries to get RGB mode.
That's a BIG display. Mostly designed so you can use 4K at native resolution at 1:1 pixel mapping and have readable (size-wise) text, or to display 4x 1080p screens at the time time.
They're functionally the same insofar as carrying an image (both will carry DP1.4) but the USB-C connection can also provide power to the laptop, presuming the monitor supports that function, and can also carry USB data for USB ports on the display.
