Quality external display for mbp? Considering 27" Studio Display

[dinobear]

But I read the studio display is old tech for a hefty price tag. Is there another display that's recommended? I have a 2020 16" MBP (2020 because it's the 5600m version). I love the pixel density of this display. Just want to make a desktop out of it. I don't mind paying the price of the studio display to know the scaling is perfect and the built quality is great. But if there's a better option for the same price I don't mind going with another brand... or waiting till October for the next Cinema Display?

 

[SnackyD]

I'd wait until the next Display if I were you. You'll want something with 220ppi if quality is what you're looking for. Refer to this article for more: https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/

 

[dinobear]

I'd wait until the next Display if I were you. You'll want something with 220ppi if quality is what you're looking for. Refer to this article for more: https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/

Thanks for the reply that was a great resource. The Apple Studio Display is 216 DPI so it does have the screen quality I'm looking for as far as pixel density. I checked out the other monitors on that list- I think I'm realizing I'm a sucker for apple's build and design quality. All the 3rd party monitors just looks cheap to me.

The studio displays arent even in stock till mid-August. So I think I'll wait till then and see what the rumor mill has on new displays if any. But maybe the new displays will be 2-3k starting price. $1600 for the studio display is about the max I can justify on a monitor. Going to think about it thanks.

 

[Fear12]

I would take a look here too: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/best/monitors-macbook-pro

They have a section specific to best monitors for your MBP.

 

[jav6454]

I'm also on that fence on buying the Studio Display. The problem? It's only 60Hz.

 

[flapflapflap]

LG 40" 5K2K --- I've got the 34" 5K2K and it is a fantastic productivity booster. 40" sounds incredible.

 

[dinobear]

After the research I did, I landed on the 27" Apple Studio Display. It's pricey but I've found I can justify it and the screen is great for my needs. At the end of the day 120Hz and local dimming aren't that important for me. And if the next version of the display gets those things it will also be more expensive. Apple just released the 27" a few months ago so it's not going anywhere soon.

Other factors I considered, no other 3rd party screen gets the scaling and retina pixel density perfect for Mac it seems. I want my screen to be true apple retina and the pixels to be sharp.
I also appreciate the apple build and design quality. The display adds a lot to the style and feeling of my workspace and I think will help foster creativity because of this as well.

It would be great if the display was cheaper sure, but it's not. And before this was released in march the only option to get an apple quality display was $7k.
So that's it, I'm spending $2k on a display (standard glass with height adjust). Should get it by the end of Aug.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Long story short.

If you really value the look and sharpness of 5K like I do, then you only have two choices (unless you can budget the 6K apple display) right now.

Apple's

And

LG's.

4K on 40" or 5K2K wide displays that are not very tall is something that just looks horrible to me. (to me.)

So it really depends on how much you value a retina display.

It's really sad that Apple did not release a 5K for 1K$ no bells or whistles display.

 

[dinobear]

"The Apple monitor is solid, stylish and not too heavy or hulking. The LG monitor, on the other hand, is pretty wobbly and feels plasticky. The large bezel on the top edge of the screen containing the webcam also doubles as an eyesore."

Photo compares apple vs the lg design. After realizing there are no great 3rd party monitors I'm just relieved apple has this 27" option honestly.

 

[PeterLD]

I have had the LG 27" Mac-specific display and hub for about a month. It does what we want: one cable and we have everything connected. The keyboard controls the display (the old iMac one - Apple's new ones are stupidly expensive). It works just like the very old iMac we replaced but we can pick up the MacBook and go. The display is nice enough. We don't do high-end graphics. The cable management and wobbly sockets are not great, but they work. And hey, there is a cable lock slot! Apple can't be bothered to add security to their laptops. No, they are not too thin - any competent engineer can find a solution. Lenovo could lend one.

The picture above is not fair. Who looks at the side of a monitor? OK, from the front the LG has visible black bezels but so what? The top is slightly wider to accommodate the camera, microphone and light sensor. As I don't spend any time at all feeling my monitor (makes fingermarks) it doesn't bother me that it is made of plastic. Anyway, don't most fashionable people work in the dark mole-like with a screen in dark mode these days? You can't even see the bezel.

While you are waiting I am enjoying my LG monitor now.

 

[chikorita157]

I have the Studio Display as part of my dual monitor setup with a older 2K LG 27" color accurate display and I do like the image quality. I choose the VESA mount option and put my own standalone stand as Apple charges too much for the height adjustable and tilt is not enough. I am not too bothered by the looks and regular glass seems to be fine. I don't really see that many reflection since there is no direct sunlight hitting the display.

The 27" 4K alternatives, while cheaper don't work that great under macOS due to scaling issues. 1080p 2x scaling is too huge with a loss in screen real estate and 2K resolution causes other issues along with performance issues in 3D apps. Just note that only M1 Pro/Max/Ultra can only hook more than one Studio Display from one Thunderbolt dock. For Intel, if you plan to connect two, you would need to connect one monitor per Thnderbolt port each side since Intel only as each side has one Thunderbolt Bus instead of dedicated ones.