Monitor Recommendation for Mac Mini and M2 Air

[J.A.K.]

I currently have an M2 Air 13" (24GB/500GB) and am in dire need of a larger screen. I eventually want to wholesale switch to a Mini but since that's probably a couple of years off, I'm looking at getting a larger screen now that works well with the Air but will also work well with a Mini when I switch. I currently use a Magic Trackpad and Keyboard so that will continue under either regime.

My primary use is for writing and research so long periods sitting in front of a screen and reading/typing and switching between a lot of tabs and windows. I have no significant interest in gaming or video editing or graphic design or the like, so from what I can gather, 2k resolution is probably enough for my needs. I do prefer dark mode in, well, everything, though, if that matters at all. Sound quality isn't something I care about either.

I do put a high priority on ease of use, though, so if there are monitors which have better compatibility with Apple products and/or minimal muss and fuss in connectivity and use, then I'd definitely place them higher on the list. I'm also willing to pay for high build quality and reliability.

I haven't settled on a price range but given that my needs aren't high-end, I'll leave the recommendation field open to see what comes (plus, conversion to AUD is super weird right now so it's hard to even know what USD range to ask about).

 

[glorp]

Budget in USD could create confusion anyhow, as it seems a lot of electronic goods are considerably cheaper in the US than elsewhere. Some manufacturers allow retailers in one country to sell to customers in another, but many do not.

Anyhow, got a monitor recently, as I'd ordered an M2 Mini. Fairly diifferent needs to yours, but spent quite a lot. What I got is fine, but if I'd tried it out in a shop in person, I'd have opted instead for something cheap & second hand, and saved up for an Apple Studio Monitor. Should probably do that now, and sell this one before it ages.

Coming from an elderly Apple monitor that had seen heavy use and rough treatment before being mine, the drop in quality is quite something. That is now broken, and will need adapters to work with an M2 Mac, but going to try to resurrect it.

I gather that LG designs some of their monitors with Mac users in mind, and they seem to be very well regarded. Maybe see if you can get to a shop to try some monitors in person?

 

[J.A.K.]

Maybe see if you can get to a shop to try some monitors in person?

Unfortunately not an option.

 

[Bang Ding Ow]

I currently have an M2 Air 13" (24GB/500GB) and am in dire need of a larger screen. I eventually want to wholesale switch to a Mini but since that's probably a couple of years off, I'm looking at getting a larger screen now that works well with the Air but will also work well with a Mini when I switch. I currently use a Magic Trackpad and Keyboard so that will continue under either regime.

My primary use is for writing and research so long periods sitting in front of a screen and reading/typing and switching between a lot of tabs and windows. I have no significant interest in gaming or video editing or graphic design or the like, so from what I can gather, 2k resolution is probably enough for my needs. I do prefer dark mode in, well, everything, though, if that matters at all. Sound quality isn't something I care about either.

I do put a high priority on ease of use, though, so if there are monitors which have better compatibility with Apple products and/or minimal muss and fuss in connectivity and use, then I'd definitely place them higher on the list. I'm also willing to pay for high build quality and reliability.

I haven't settled on a price range but given that my needs aren't high-end, I'll leave the recommendation field open to see what comes (plus, conversion to AUD is super weird right now so it's hard to even know what USD range to ask about).

I prefer the larger screens myself! Good luck!

 

[Fishrrman]

My suggestion:
Get a 27" 4k display.
MANY are available.

I like Dell.
Two to consider:

Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Computer Monitor - S2721QS | Dell USA

View the Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Monitor (S2721QS) featuring HDR content playback for an amazing entertainment experience., or shop all Computer Monitors at Dell.com.

www.dell.com

Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Computer Monitor with USB-C Hub - S2722QC | Dell USA

View the Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Monitor with USB-C Hub (S2722QC) featuring simplified USB-C connectivity, or shop all Computer Monitors at Dell.com.

www.dell.com

I helped a friend get set up with the second one, and it's a beautiful display for not a whole lot of money.

But if price matters, the first one should be very close in image quality (it's the "connectivity", like usb connections, that seem to differ)

 

[danpass]

I used a Samsung 43in 4k TV for several years, mainly for work and it was great. Got it at Costco during a Black Friday sale, about USD$300

The TV developed a small white vertical line, distracting in work usage mode, so I replaced it with a Dell 43in 4k monitor lol and gave the tv to a neighbor to use as a patio tv.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I agree that 4K is a benefit. Even if 2k is "Enough for your needs" now, 4k isn't THAT much more expensive now and does provide a better reading experience, etc.

As for size, personally I like 4k at around 22-24". For 27" I'm more a fan of 5k. But 5k might be out of your budget... at 27" I might instead look at 2560x1440 (i.e. "WQHD") resolution. 4k (or 1920x1080) at 27", doesn't give you enough screen real estate.

 

[icanhazmac]

My suggestion:
Get a 27" 4k display.
MANY are available.

I like Dell.
Two to consider:

Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Computer Monitor - S2721QS | Dell USA

View the Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Monitor (S2721QS) featuring HDR content playback for an amazing entertainment experience., or shop all Computer Monitors at Dell.com.

www.dell.com

Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Computer Monitor with USB-C Hub - S2722QC | Dell USA

View the Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Monitor with USB-C Hub (S2722QC) featuring simplified USB-C connectivity, or shop all Computer Monitors at Dell.com.

www.dell.com

I helped a friend get set up with the second one, and it's a beautiful display for not a whole lot of money.

But if price matters, the first one should be very close in image quality (it's the "connectivity", like usb connections, that seem to differ)

Question... are you using these at normal desk distance (from yourself) and are you using them at 4k resolution or another? I have been considering replacing my 1440s with these. Black Friday is approaching!

 

[Fishrrman]

"Question... are you using these at normal desk distance (from yourself) and are you using them at 4k resolution or another?"

A 27" 4k display on the Mac will generally run in "HiDPI" mode. That means the pixels will be "doubled" in each direction and the resulting image will "look like" 1080p, but be much sharper.
Hence, the term "retina".

If you try to run a 27" display at pixel-for-pixel "4k", you may need a magnifying glass to read it.

 

[icanhazmac]

"Question... are you using these at normal desk distance (from yourself) and are you using them at 4k resolution or another?"

A 27" 4k display on the Mac will generally run in "HiDPI" mode. That means the pixels will be "doubled" in each direction and the resulting image will "look like" 1080p, but be much sharper.
Hence, the term "retina".

If you try to run a 27" display at pixel-for-pixel "4k", you may need a magnifying glass to read it.

Thanks, that is what I was assuming. Reducing myself back to 1080 in terms of available screen space is what has kept me from doing this already.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[ovbacon]

I have two, one attached to an M2 mini and the other to a MBA M1.

- BenQ PD2705U (27" 4K) +/- $500
- AOC U32P2CA (32" 4K) +/- $400

Both are really great monitors.

 

[tis100]

I think the two Dell 4k monitors suggested by Fishrrman are the best options.

---

2k monitors are outdated and are only useful nowadays if you are a gamer or you want to save A$50-A$100.

MacOS's preferred display mode is 2x scaling. This means your external 2k monitor (2560x1440) will be rendered as 1280x720. Text will be sharp but large. You can make MacOS render at native 2560x1440 resolution, but text will be fuzzy.

As a comparison, your 13" M2 MacBook Air has a resolution of 2560x1664 which would be rendered as 1280x832.

So if you want an idea of how much screen real estate you'll have on an external 2k monitor, you'll be able to fit the same amount horizontally but 13.5% less vertically than your MacBook Air.

However, an external 4k monitor (3840 x 2160) will be rendered as 1920x1080, which means you'll be able to fit 50% more horizontally and 30% more vertically than your MacBook Air.

-----

If you are on a budget, get the S2721QS for A$378.40. It's a standard IPS display without any frills. You'll need a usb to hdmi or displayport cable to connect it to your MacBook Air.

However, if you want deeper blacks, wide color gamut, usb-c and a KVM, then get the U2723QE for A$826.10. It uses LG's new IPS Black technology and supports 98% of the DCI-P3 Color Gamut (similar to your MacBook Air). You'll be able to connect it to your MacBook Air with a standard USB-C data cable.

The difference in contrast between these two monitors can be seen here: IPS vs IPS Black Comparison.

-----

Finally, if you want the most screen real estate, there is of course the 5k Apple Studio display, but at A$2499, it may be a bit overkill.

A 5k monitor (5120x2880) will be rendered as 2560x1440, which means you'll be able to fit 100% more horizontally and 73% more vertically than your MacBook Air. It's like having almost 4 MacBook Air screens worth of content.

 

[J.A.K.]

However, if you want deeper blacks, wide color gamut, usb-c and a KVM, then get the U2723QE for A$826.10.

Thank you for everyone's recommendations. I ended up going with the above, partially because I found it for $619 AUD which felt like a good price for a good monitor that will last me a good while and if people are recommending it when there's a $450 price difference between the two options, then it feels like it's a really good option when the difference is only $270.

This might be incredibly poor logic and my ADHD might be playing a factor in this as an impulsive decision, but... SCREW IT! My neck and my eyes deserve better!

Now I'm back to being broke, it's time to work towards saving up for a Mac Mini.

 

[icanhazmac]

My suggestion:
Get a 27" 4k display.
MANY are available.

I like Dell.
Two to consider:

Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Computer Monitor - S2721QS | Dell USA

View the Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Monitor (S2721QS) featuring HDR content playback for an amazing entertainment experience., or shop all Computer Monitors at Dell.com.

www.dell.com

Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Computer Monitor with USB-C Hub - S2722QC | Dell USA

View the Dell 27 Inch 4K UHD Monitor with USB-C Hub (S2722QC) featuring simplified USB-C connectivity, or shop all Computer Monitors at Dell.com.

www.dell.com

I helped a friend get set up with the second one, and it's a beautiful display for not a whole lot of money.

But if price matters, the first one should be very close in image quality (it's the "connectivity", like usb connections, that seem to differ)

I have noticed you pitching these a couple of times and was wondering if you know how PCs will treat either of these. Do they have a "retina" setting like a Mac does (effectively displaying 1920x1080)?

I am interested in these for my wife and her WFH setup, she has a PC from work but an M1 Mini for home.

P.S. - The S2722QC is on sale for $299 from Dell or Amazon right now. Although I read something disturbing on an amazon review... evidently Dell starts the warranty timer when Amazon orders the monitor, not when the consumer does. Cannot verify, from a review only but pretty crappy customer service from Dell if true. Noticed the S2722QC only has a 1 year warranty, normally that would be a no go for me but at least I get the 2nd year from AmEx. I thought Dell was a standard 3 years across their lines.

 

[tis100]

Do they have a "retina" setting like a Mac does (effectively displaying 1920x1080)?

Yes, on Windows 11 you go to Settings -> System -> Display -> Scale -- Set to 200%

2x or 200% scaling is what Apple calls HiDPI Mode.

 

[icanhazmac]

Yes, on Windows 11 you go to Settings -> System -> Display -> Scale -- Set to 200%

2x or 200% scaling is what Apple calls HiDPI Mode.

Thanks, I didn't know if that worked the same as Apple's implementation.

 

[J.A.K.]

So, turns out, I should've cared about sound after all.

Wondering if anyone can recommend wired speakers for the U2723QE monitor? I'm honestly finding the options confusing. Like, which of the USB slots in the monitor are powered, non-powered (there seems to be five different types of USB slot...) and whether to use the 3.5 plug or not or whatever.