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justanothergeordie

macrumors newbie
Nov 29, 2021
27
10
Does anyone have experience with the BenQ SW240? Need a cheap monitor for photo and video editing. Should work with multiple devices including the Mac mini M1.

The BenQ SW240 only has 94 PPI so I understand it's going to be non-Retina but I'm fine with that (1920x1200 on 24.1 inches). However, the question is whether 94 PPI works even though 110 PPI is desirable for non-Retina?

I guess the only difference is that the text and interface elements are bigger, which is fine by me. It will be too small for me with 1440p on 27-inch, which is the recommended PPI for non-Retina. 4K on 27 inches is unfortunately too expensive for the same type of monitor.
I think I only paid £390 for my 4K LG UP850 and it's excellent...
 

Omnivore

Cancelled
Oct 26, 2022
21
5
I think I only paid £390 for my 4K LG UP850 and it's excellent...
You cannot compare it with the BenQ SW240 which is a professional monitor intended for serious photo editing. 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3. Also supports hardware calibration.

Edit: Saw that the LG UP850 does support hardware calibration but it only says 95% DCI-P3. Nothing about sRGB or more importantly Adobe RGB which is rare but valuable when printing.
 

justanothergeordie

macrumors newbie
Nov 29, 2021
27
10
You cannot compare it with the BenQ SW240 which is a professional monitor intended for serious photo editing. 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3. Also supports hardware calibration.
😂 okay no problem, good luck finding a cheap professional monitor which satisfies all of those requirements.
 

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,284
13,381
omnivore wrote:
"The BenQ SW240 only has 94 PPI so I understand it's going to be non-Retina but I'm fine with that (1920x1200 on 24.1 inches). However, the question is whether 94 PPI works even though 110 PPI is desirable for non-Retina?"

It should be fine.

It has both HDMI and displayport inputs.
You might try HDMI first, that keeps a USBc port "free".

If you aren't satisfied with the image you get from HDMI, you could try a USBc (Mini end) to displayport (display end) cable. One may even come "in the box".
 
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Omnivore

Cancelled
Oct 26, 2022
21
5
😂 okay no problem, good luck finding a cheap professional monitor which satisfies all of those requirements.
I have already found such a monitor - BenQ SW240. Just wondering if anyone here has experience with how it works with the Mac mini M1 (as it's not Retina).
 

Omnivore

Cancelled
Oct 26, 2022
21
5
omnivore wrote:
"The BenQ SW240 only has 94 PPI so I understand it's going to be non-Retina but I'm fine with that (1920x1200 on 24.1 inches). However, the question is whether 94 PPI works even though 110 PPI is desirable for non-Retina?"

It should be fine.

It has both HDMI and displayport inputs.
You might try HDMI first, that keeps a USBc port "free".

If you aren't satisfied with the image you get from HDMI, you could try a USBc (Mini end) to displayport (display end) cable. One may even come "in the box".
Thanks for the suggestions. :) Also heard that USB-C monitors can mess with the Mac mini M1 and that some use shorter 8K HDMI cables instead. It may be because USB-C monitors support USB-C charging, which is more intended for laptops rather than desktop computers.
 

phrehdd

Contributor
Oct 25, 2008
4,515
1,468
Does anyone have experience with the BenQ SW240? Need a cheap monitor for photo and video editing. Should work with multiple devices including the Mac mini M1.

The BenQ SW240 only has 94 PPI so I understand it's going to be non-Retina but I'm fine with that (1920x1200 on 24.1 inches). However, the question is whether 94 PPI works even though 110 PPI is desirable for non-Retina?

I guess the only difference is that the text and interface elements are bigger, which is fine by me. It will be too small for me with 1440p on 27-inch, which is the recommended PPI for non-Retina. 4K on 27-inch is unfortunately too expensive for the same type of monitor (which I would scale to 1080p anyway).
You may want to check out ArtisRight on Youtube. He seems to be hands on knowledgable about BenQ monitors and the challenges. On one of his vidoes, I asked a q and he got back within the same day. (Maybe lucky but was cool to get fast response).
 

Sukach

macrumors regular
Oct 9, 2011
210
36
Any recommendations for a relatively inexpensive (<$400) 4k monitor? Due to space in our built-in desk in the kitchen, I am also limited to a height of 16.75" (426mm). I saw good reviews for the LG 27UP850, but it's a little beyond my budget and it is 18.1" at its lowest setting. I'm also considering the Dell S2722QC but I do not see it on the list. Any others?
 

Omnivore

Cancelled
Oct 26, 2022
21
5
Any recommendations for a relatively inexpensive (<$400) 4k monitor? Due to space in our built-in desk in the kitchen, I am also limited to a height of 16.75" (426mm). I saw good reviews for the LG 27UP850, but it's a little beyond my budget and it is 18.1" at its lowest setting. I'm also considering the Dell S2722QC but I do not see it on the list. Any others?
Maybe too late now but I got the LG 27UP650 very cheap. It's the same as 27UP850 but lacks USB-C, USB hub and built-in speakers. Since I have a Mac mini I didn't care about USB-C and it even wakes up the monitor without any problems with the included HDMI cable.
 

kirbyrun

macrumors 6502
Jul 26, 2009
352
445
Has anyone had any luck connecting the 27" Apple LED Cinema Display to an M1 Mac mini via HDMI with something like this: Answin HDMI to Mini DisplayPort Adapter, 4K HDMI to Mini DisplayPort Active HDMI 1.4 Source for Xbox One/360, Mac Mini, PC/Laptops to Mini DP 1.2 Out Monitor with DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort

I'm getting a mini soon, but I want to repurpose my old ALCD while also using a newer 4K display via Thunderbolt. So just wondering if anyone's had success with this setup before I start buying. Thanks!
 

bearcatrp

macrumors 68000
Sep 24, 2008
1,756
86
Boon Docks USA
Anyone know if the Dell 32 curved 4K UHS monitor, S3221QS works with the M1 mini?


or

 
Last edited:

StoneJack

macrumors 68030
Dec 19, 2009
2,735
1,985
Any recommendations for a relatively inexpensive (<$400) 4k monitor? Due to space in our built-in desk in the kitchen, I am also limited to a height of 16.75" (426mm). I saw good reviews for the LG 27UP850, but it's a little beyond my budget and it is 18.1" at its lowest setting. I'm also considering the Dell S2722QC but I do not see it on the list. Any others?
I use Dell U2722DX, excellent through USB-C to display port.
 

StoneJack

macrumors 68030
Dec 19, 2009
2,735
1,985
thanks carverskate & mlody! (didn't know that Asus and LG were so bad with support)
Forgot to mention:
-would like speakers in the monitor (I know they sound terrible -- but....) - U2722DE has none - otherwise looks great.
-do mostly audio productions and text-business, a little IMovie editing
-I'm getting the 8gb/256 mac mini m1
U2722DX here, with speakers. But I use Edifier G2000 speakers
 

quietP

macrumors newbie
Jan 22, 2023
1
0
I use the SW 240 with a Mac Mini M1 and it works well using the hdmi port. It's too complex for my needs, though if you're a professional you'd likely love it. I'm heading to an iMac to simplify.
 

BlackCountryWolf

macrumors newbie
Feb 6, 2023
6
9
Anyone know if the Dell 32 curved 4K UHS monitor, S3221QS works with the M1 mini?


or

Hi, I'm currently selling my S3221QS as it doesn't get on with my new M2 mini. I've tried HDMI, USB C to display port & USB C to HDMI. Across every connection there is flickering/pinstriping with any dark grey / black screen content. Full screen video is the worst. For the moment I've gone back to my 2560x1440 Dell U2515H (via HDMI) and that works perfectly.
 

EugW

macrumors G5
Jun 18, 2017
14,984
12,949
Hi, I'm currently selling my S3221QS as it doesn't get on with my new M2 mini. I've tried HDMI, USB C to display port & USB C to HDMI. Across every connection there is flickering/pinstriping with any dark grey / black screen content. Full screen video is the worst. For the moment I've gone back to my 2560x1440 Dell U2515H (via HDMI) and that works perfectly.
Is this the only Apple Silicon machine you’ve tried this monitor with? Just curious.
 

BlackCountryWolf

macrumors newbie
Feb 6, 2023
6
9
Is this the only Apple Silicon machine you’ve tried this monitor with? Just curious.
Hi, yes it is. Looking online though, I'm not the only one to have this issue with this monitor (and other models). It's really only the Dell U (Ultrasharp) Series monitors that actually claim Mac compatibility, everything else is a gamble.
 
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bearcatrp

macrumors 68000
Sep 24, 2008
1,756
86
Boon Docks USA
Hi, I'm currently selling my S3221QS as it doesn't get on with my new M2 mini. I've tried HDMI, USB C to display port & USB C to HDMI. Across every connection there is flickering/pinstriping with any dark grey / black screen content. Full screen video is the worst. For the moment I've gone back to my 2560x1440 Dell U2515H (via HDMI) and that works perfectly.
Thanks for posting this so that one is out. Am still on my Dell U 24 inch that works well but its getting close to biting the dust so on the hunt.
 
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bearcatrp

macrumors 68000
Sep 24, 2008
1,756
86
Boon Docks USA
No worries. I've just ordered a Dell U2723QE, which should be OK....🤞
I have 3 computers hooked up to my Dell U 24 inch monitor. Just looked up the dell you just ordered. Looks real good for the price. I game on WoT (world of tanks). If you play any intensive games, let me know how well this monitor works out on your game. Might be my next monitor. Thanks
 

Jayson A

macrumors 68030
Sep 16, 2014
2,671
1,935
Maybe I'm out of the loop but why do you need to make sure a monitor is compatible with a computer? It's just a display isn't it? What is so special about Apple Silicon Macs that make it incompatible?
 

T'hain Esh Kelch

macrumors 603
Aug 5, 2001
6,485
7,461
Denmark
Maybe I'm out of the loop but why do you need to make sure a monitor is compatible with a computer? It's just a display isn't it? What is so special about Apple Silicon Macs that make it incompatible?
Apple is likely not fully complient, due either hardware or software.
 
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