Mini and Monitor selection advice

[mauka]

Considering a BTO Mini and new monitor combo to replace my 2010 iMac (now sold).
Applications are general use, light photo editing with Aperture, and ISO Xcode.

Retina iMacs are nice, but I disliked having to haul my old iMac in for repairs 3 times and having to do a full restore from backup after each trip. The appeal of a large 32" monitor is strong - good reviews for the Samsung. Plan to use external drives and my NAS for data.

The combo I am considering is:

Mac Mini BTO middle or top model with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD options.

Samsung 32" WQHD LED Monitor (S32D850T) (2560 x 1440 resolution, PiP, Landscape and Portrait stand)

Really like to hear from anyone with either of these, or both!

Thanks! Alan

No response after 10 hours, oh well.

 

[mauka]

FYI - ordered my Mini - refurbished 2014 2.8 i5 w/16GB, 1TB FD, and AppleCare.

Still looking at monitors, considering the Samsung 28" UHD Monitor (U28D590D).

I've had good luck with Samsung but not so clear on the 4K tech. Wondering if my new Mini will drive a 4K monitor full resolution @ 60Hz.

Alan out.

 

[DanGoh]

Mini and Monitor selection advice

Hey! I'm considering getting a Mini and new monitor too!

I think I remember reading (here on macrumors) that it will only do 4K at 30Hz.

Here's the monitor I'm thinking of getting:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SP...&dpID=41rMuvyX+CL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SY200_QL40


IPS 2160 x 1440 at 25" for a nice ppi.

 

[mauka]

Thanks DanGoh

Hey! I'm considering getting a Mini and new monitor too!

I think I remember reading (here on macrumors) that it will only do 4K at 30Hz.

Yeah that's what I get from reading the specs, but I don't understand all the 4K language yet. But 30Hz can't be good and in that case there is no reason for me to to get a 4K right now.

I use, and have ordered many Dell UltraSharp 24" monitors for work, and they have good text and have been reliable.

However I was spoiled by the iMac's 27" screen and don't want to go smaller. For personal use I'd like to have a 27" to 30", and would like to have good quality speakers built in as well.

Alan out.

 

[DGord]

Hey! I'm considering getting a Mini and new monitor too!

I think I remember reading (here on macrumors) that it will only do 4K at 30Hz.

Yeah that's what I get from reading the specs, but I don't understand all the 4K language yet. But 30Hz can't be good and in that case there is no reason for me to to get a 4K right now.

I use, and have ordered many Dell UltraSharp 24" monitors for work, and they have good text and have been reliable.

However I was spoiled by the iMac's 27" screen and don't want to go smaller. For personal use I'd like to have a 27" to 30", and would like to have good quality speakers built in as well.

Alan out.

I am using a new Mini with a Dell P2715Q on 1080p HiDPI as well as 4K (4K is really small and so I typically stick with 1080p HiDPI which the monitor registers as 3840x2160) at 30Hz and have no issue with using it at 30Hz at all. In fact, don't notice the difference but I don't use the Mini for games or anything that really requires a fast refresh rate. I am very happy with the Dell - compared it side by side for a few days with a quality 1080p monitor and much preferred the Dell and so kept the Dell even though it was basically double the cost.

 

[bits]

I am using a new Mini with a Dell P2715Q on 1080p HiDPI as well as 4K (4K is really small and so I typically stick with 1080p HiDPI which the monitor registers as 3840x2160) at 30Hz and have no issue with using it at 30Hz at all. In fact, don't notice the difference but I don't use the Mini for games or anything that really requires a fast refresh rate. I am very happy with the Dell - compared it side by side for a few days with a quality 1080p monitor and much preferred the Dell and so kept the Dell even though it was basically double the cost.

I've used this monitor for 3 days with my MBP. After 10 minutes 1080p hidpi at 30 Hz got a headache and everything is so laggy. Some people have a problem with this refresh rate, so it isn't a good recommendation. After change to 2560x1440 at 60 Hz it's ok, but... I think it's not a good idea to buy 4K monitor and use it with scaled ~half resolution. Better think about something 27" native 2560x1440, so you got the same resolution as 27" iMac.
I have second monitor - Eizo EV2736W, with light sensor it's best monitor for me. Compared to Dell P2715Q, I don't see difference (2560x1440).

You can find cheaper Dell models with 2560x1440 resolution.

Internal monitor speakers - don't go that way. Probably your mini have better speaker(s)

 

[mauka]

I am using a new Mini with a Dell P2715Q on 1080p HiDPI as well as 4K (4K is really small and so I typically stick with 1080p HiDPI which the monitor registers as 3840x2160) at 30Hz and have no issue with using it at 30Hz at all. In fact, don't notice the difference but I don't use the Mini for games or anything that really requires a fast refresh rate. I am very happy with the Dell - compared it side by side for a few days with a quality 1080p monitor and much preferred the Dell and so kept the Dell even though it was basically double the cost.

Appreciate the info - my application isn't gaming either, XCode and photo editing. I want clear sharp text and good color. If I can get something equal to my old iMac 27" non-Retina (2560 x 1440), I'd be happy.

Right now I'm using a Samsung SyncMaster 27" (P2770HD) with max of 1920 x 1080 and the text is fine, but I'd like more vertical lines than 1080. Is 1080p HiDPI the same as 1920 x 1080 but with double the pixels - like Apple Retina?

 

[bits]

Appreciate the info - my application isn't gaming either, XCode and photo editing. I want clear sharp text and good color. If I can get something equal to my old iMac 27" non-Retina (2560 x 1440), I'd be happy.

Right now I'm using a Samsung SyncMaster 27" (P2770HD) with max of 1920 x 1080 and the text is fine, but I'd like more vertical lines than 1080. Is 1080p HiDPI the same as 1920 x 1080 but with double the pixels - like Apple Retina?

It use @2x images and all interface bigger, but as result it is the same. You can check it, attached screen 1080p HiDPI and second normal 1080p
Chrome scaled to 125%, large font

 

[mauka]

Thanks for the information.

Leaning more to the Samsung 32" WQHD LED Monitor (S32D850T). I think you're right about 4k and small text. This Samsung is 2560 x 1440 @ 92 PPI.

 

[mauka]

So many monitor options available!

My new Mini arrived at the FedEx local distribution center for Monday delivery, and I still have not ordered a monitor. I do have my Samsung SyncMaster 27" 1920 x 1080p with DVI/HDMI/VGA inputs so there is no rush.

Still not sure I "get" the many monitor options available.
Been reading specs and reviews of 27", 32", and 34" curved.
Then there is 2560 x 1440 vs 3840 x 2160 vs 5K.

I'd like to use the mini display port at 2560 x 1440 on at least a 27".

Is it true that displaying 2560 x 1440 on a 5K display will have double the pixel density, and look close to the new iMac Retina display?

And for a 2014 Mini using mini display port, 2560 x 1440 would be at 60Hz?

 

[bits]

My new Mini arrived at the FedEx local distribution center for Monday delivery, and I still have not ordered a monitor. I do have my Samsung SyncMaster 27" 1920 x 1080p with DVI/HDMI/VGA inputs so there is no rush.

Still not sure I "get" the many monitor options available.
Been reading specs and reviews of 27", 32", and 34" curved.
Then there is 2560 x 1440 vs 3840 x 2160 vs 5K.

I'd like to use the mini display port at 2560 x 1440 on at least a 27".

Is it true that displaying 2560 x 1440 on a 5K display will have double the pixel density, and look close to the new iMac Retina display?

And for a 2014 Mini using mini display port, 2560 x 1440 would be at 60Hz?

Mac Pro officially can't handle 5K, so I think Mac mini too

Yes, 2560 x 1440 would be at 60 Hz, you can connect 2 monitors. I don't know if it can handle 2x 2560 x 1440 at 60 Hz.

3840 x 2160 will be only in 30 Hz (or maybe after playing with SwitchResX little more Hz?)

If you buy e.g. P2715Q, you can run 2560 x 1440 at 60 Hz, but this is not native. Best for this display is 1920 x 1080 hidpi, so it plays with @2x graphics, looks beautiful, but mac mini can handle it only at 30 Hz.
If you plan to replace the Mac mini for a better in the future, which will handle 4K, it might be a good way to go. Then of course 4K monitors will be cheaper and there will be more monitors on the market.

Yeah, difficult decision.

--
edit:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-i7-3.0-late-2014-specs.html

It can handle 2x 2560x1600

 

[mauka]

Thanks for the information bits!

Yeah, difficult decision.

Difficult for me, and compounding my decision is a small psychological bias against Dell - been using Dell monitors everyday for the past 12 years at work...

Going to keep researching, right now, factoring in my anti-Dell bias, the Samsung S27D850T 27-Inch QHD and Samsung S32D850T 32-Inch WQHD monitors are my top picks.

I am concerned about the Amazon Warehouse Store having an incredible 29 returned S32D850T for sale...

 

[MRrainer]

Thanks for the information bits!



Difficult for me, and compounding my decision is a small psychological bias against Dell - been using Dell monitors everyday for the past 12 years at work...

Going to keep researching, right now, factoring in my anti-Dell bias, the Samsung S27D850T 27-Inch QHD and Samsung S32D850T 32-Inch WQHD monitors are my top picks.

I am concerned about the Amazon Warehouse Store having an incredible 29 returned S32D850T for sale...

How much do you want to spend?

 

[mauka]

Budget was $500-700 for a monitor, but the Samsung S34E790C 34" curved monitor has my attention now, and it's over budget @ $1200. But I have an older Sansung 27" to use until I save the difference. Might as well get something really nice that will last until the next upgrade 3 years from now.

 

[MRrainer]

For that kind of money, I'd get this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1006641-REG/nec_pa272w_bk_multisync_pro_27_gb_r.html
(And the five year warranty extension from NEC)
For work where the output has to be color-correct, this is the display to get (apart from even more expensive Eizo displays, or NEC's SpectraView Reference models)

or (which is the same panel, AFAIK):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1118892-REG/lg_27mb85z_b_27_class_colorprime_monitor.html

And then run another 24" display from the HDMI-port.
(And try running a 2nd 24" display from an USB graphics-card).

I'm not sure if ultra-wide curved displays are really my "thing".
Have you tried one?
Maybe the curved ones are indeed better than the flat ones, though.

Still, I think an assembly were the largest panel is in the middle, accompanied by two smaller panels left and right is also good.

 

[mauka]

Thanks for the info MRrainer,

That NEC looks good and color accurate. My application is general use, and color accuracy is not high on my list. I had an NEC back when CRT displays were King. It was reliable and I used it for nearly ten years.

Amazon.com has been a revolution in technology purchasing for me, living in Hawaii, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. They ship for free and have a very reasonable return policy, that I try not to abuse.

Have not tried a curved display before but the concept makes sense to me. The idea of a wide but seamless display is appealing, more so than two or three monitors close together.

 

[MRrainer]

Yes, you have a point.

There's an LG curved Ultra-Wide display: 34UC97-S
Where I live, I can have it a bit cheaper than the Samsung at the moment.
But the LG doesn't come with a TB-cable, which would be extra.

And a reviewer complained, that it's not hight-adjustable, which the Samsung seems to be.

But just like you have a certain Dell-aversion, I've got a certain Samsung-aversion in my household ;-)

 

[mauka]

Ordered Samsung 32" WQHD LED Monitor (S32D850T)

The price for the Samsung 32" WQHD LED Monitor (S32D850T) dropped from $699 to $599 direct from Samsung, and Amazon matched the price, I ordered one. The curved 34" would have been nice, but almost twice the money, my budget said no way!

The Mini arrived and I'm taking my time setting it up. The App Store is great, all your software in one place, ready to download and install, no searching for old media and license keys.

 

[oneMadRssn]

My needs were simple: inexpensive, IPS, at least 23", and more than 1080.

I ended up getting the ASUS VS24AH-P. It's 24", IPS, 1920 x 1200. The 1200 height makes it much more usable than the standard 1080 monitors, in my opinion.

Best of all, it was $200 exactly - pretty good price. The only downside is that the stand is shaky.

I can't comment on how it is with movies or games, but for simpler needs, I can certainly recommend it. Plus, it is one of the business-class monitors that ASUS guarantees to support for many years.

 

[Bollockser]

144Hz??

Is there a 144Hz IPS monitor with displayport anyone can recommend?