MacBook Air M1 with 4K monitor

[luka12345551]

Hey,

I was thinking about getting a new external monitor for my MacBook Air M1. From what I can tell, the Dell P2721Q 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor seems like a good choice.

I would like to get 4K at 60Hz through USB-C, so that I can use the Monitor-MacBook as a "one-cable-setup" .

From what I have read on this forum/page and also others, some people say that it's a great choice and it works, while other say they get nothing but issues with the P2721Q-M1 duo (screen flickering, 4k only at 30Hz, can't get RGB output,...) . Does anyone (by any chance) use the P2721Q monitor with the M1 successfully and could describe their setup (what cable, setting, etc.), they use to get 4K at 60Hz.

Additionally:

Is the M1 Air appropriate for running a 4K external monitor, or will I run into performance issues? I mean, 4K means a lot of pixels to push...

 

[xraydoc]

Is the M1 Air appropriate for running a 4K external monitor, or will I run into performance issues? I mean, 4K means a lot of pixels to push...

Can't answer part 1, but part 2 is easy. Yes, the M1 MBA can run a 4K display with no issues whatsoever. Plenty of power to push those pixels.

 

[luka12345551]

Can't answer part 1, but part 2 is easy. Yes, the M1 MBA can run a 4K display with no issues whatsoever. Plenty of power to push those pixels.

Ok, many thanks!!

 

[cochinet]

Hey,

I was thinking about getting a new external monitor for my MacBook Air M1. From what I can tell, the Dell P2721Q 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor seems like a good choice.

I would like to get 4K at 60Hz through USB-C, so that I can use the Monitor-MacBook as a "one-cable-setup" .

From what I have read on this forum/page and also others, some people say that it's a great choice and it works, while other say they get nothing but issues with the P2721Q-M1 duo (screen flickering, 4k only at 30Hz, can't get RGB output,...) . Does anyone (by any chance) use the P2721Q monitor with the M1 successfully and could describe their setup (what cable, setting, etc.), they use to get 4K at 60Hz.

Additionally:

Is the M1 Air appropriate for running a 4K external monitor, or will I run into performance issues? I mean, 4K means a lot of pixels to push...

Hi there, don't know if I'm a little late to the party but just bought a 4k monitor LG 27UL500 and used a USB-C to Display Port cable to connect it and it seems just wonderful. Using scaled resolution at 1440p looks pretty sharp and I haven't noticed any performance issues.

EasyRes is showing this possible combinations

Hope that helps.

Upgrow USB C to DisplayPort Cable 4K@60Hz 4FT for Home Office USB C to DP Cable Compatible with MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro with USB-C Port laptops/Phones, Model Number: UPGROWCMDPM4

.

www.amazon.com

 

[luka12345551]

Hi there, don't know if I'm a little late to the party but just bought a 4k monitor LG 27UL500 and used a USB-C to Display Port cable to connect it and it seems just wonderful. Using scaled resolution at 1440p looks pretty sharp and I haven't noticed any performance issues. View attachment 1790240
EasyRes is showing this possible combinations
View attachment 1790243

Hope that helps.

Upgrow USB C to DisplayPort Cable 4K@60Hz 4FT for Home Office USB C to DP Cable Compatible with MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro with USB-C Port laptops/Phones, Model Number: UPGROWCMDPM4

.

www.amazon.com

Many thanks! Have later bought the same monitor as you have. And it works great!

 

[Aggedor]

Many thanks! Have later bought the same monitor as you have. And it works great!

@luka12345551 and @cochinet, how are you finding the 27UL500 monitor? I was looking at one - on sale here - and it seems good, although most people seem to complain about the stand being wobbly?

 

[cochinet]

@luka12345551 and @cochinet, how are you finding the 27UL500 monitor? I was looking at one - on sale here - and it seems good, although most people seem to complain about the stand being wobbly?

Hi there 👋 I got the one with the plastic stand and the white back. It's kinda cheap material, but the display is awesome. But that stuff doesn't bother me because it looks pretty sharp and nice. I think it is pretty decent, and got it at a sale so I think it was kinda worth it. I was just looking for a great display.

Hope that helps.

 

[Aggedor]

Hi there 👋 I got the one with the plastic stand and the white back. It's kinda cheap material, but the display is awesome. But that stuff doesn't bother me because it looks pretty sharp and nice. I think it is pretty decent, and got it at a sale so I think it was kinda worth it. I was just looking for a great display.

Hope that helps.

Yeah it's on sale here too, and I like LG products. Seems like a good way to get into 4K without spending too much! Thanks!

 

[luka12345551]

@luka12345551 and @cochinet, how are you finding the 27UL500 monitor? I was looking at one - on sale here - and it seems good, although most people seem to complain about the stand being wobbly?

@Aggedor Very satisfied, connectivity with MacBook Air M1 works great, can use "one cable setup". The stand is not a problem for me, since I don't adjust it all the time, but it is a bit wobbly... The color/lighting uniformity could be a bit better, but for this price its OK and after a while actually not noticeable. Bottom line: For this price, you cant beat it, especially since the similarly priced Dell monitors have problems connecting to the M1 Macbooks.

 

[Aggedor]

@Aggedor Very satisfied, connectivity with MacBook Air M1 works great, can use "one cable setup". The stand is not a problem for me, since I don't adjust it all the time, but it is a bit wobbly... The color/lighting uniformity could be a bit better, but for this price its OK and after a while actually not noticeable. Bottom line: For this price, you cant beat it, especially since the similarly priced Dell monitors have problems connecting to the M1 Macbooks.

Well, I went and bought one! I'm super impressed. Pin-sharp, great colours (I switched the MBA to the second colour profile and that seemed to improve the standard profile). Uniformity seems fine with mine, but yeah, for £199 I'm not looking too closely!

I did notice the stand wobble, but I have Harmon Kardon soundsticks, so I moved them so they are up against each side of the monitor and act as perfect stabilisers.

 

[luka12345551]

Well, I went and bought one! I'm super impressed. Pin-sharp, great colours (I switched the MBA to the second colour profile and that seemed to improve the standard profile). Uniformity seems fine with mine, but yeah, for £199 I'm not looking too closely!

I did notice the stand wobble, but I have Harmon Kardon soundsticks, so I moved them so they are up against each side of the monitor and act as perfect stabilisers.

Great to hear! You mean 299GBP ? If it was 199, then you really got it cheap!

 

[Aggedor]

Great to hear! You mean 299GBP ? If it was 199, then you really got it cheap!

Nope, £199! My local Curry's (electronics retailer) had two units left, and put them on sale. I'm guessing it's an end-of-line model now?

 

[eddvond]

After coming across the same problem I have bought the LG 27UL500 after reading this thread. I own a macbook air m1 2020. The image is crisp, no fonts are blurry. Yes, it is not a 5k display, but for this budget it is one of the best options.
I am very satisfied


edit: after three days I am returning the monitor. Fonts seem to be okay, but the monitor overall gets me a headache, it seems to be too bright.