Second monitor for 27" iMac

[Brian Y]

Hi all,

Any recommendations for a decent 4k monitor to go with my iMac?

I've had a 24" dell @ 1920x1200 for a few years now, but next to the iMacs 5k display it looks awful now. Market seems to be a bit all over the place, from dirt cheap panels to super high end ones.

Not sure I can justify the LG ultrafines, but I'd like a half decent one.

 

[Fishrrman]

What's your budget?

 

[apolkowski]

Did you consider using 4K TV instead of real monitor? I use a couple of 40 - 43 inch ones, but not for any serious designing or photo/video editing.

 

[Brian Y]

What's your budget?

budget is probably £4-500
[doublepost=1505486747][/doublepost]

Did you consider using 4K TV instead of real monitor? I use a couple of 40 - 43 inch ones, but not for any serious designing or photo/video editing.

I wouldn't want to use a TV. At 43" it's barely any better than my current dell in terms of PPI. I'm probably looking for 24 @ 4k.

 

[jerwin]

a 22 inch 4k sounds a bit right. But get a stand so that the screens can be aligned.

 

[CaptRB]

I've got a Dell 4K P2715Q next to it and you REALLY have to go nuts to see any difference.

Dell seems to have a bit better blacks, yet the Mac seems to hold highlights a bit better. The Dell's matte screen is better for photo work in a BIG way. Difference in resolution is even harder to see on a 27" screen.

The dell sells in the 450.00 range


R.

 

[coreyk]

I have a Dell P2415Q 24” 4K paired with my late 2015 5k iMac and I think it looks great. It’s as close to retina quality as you can get I think in terms of dpi without one of the new usb-c monitors.

 

[Brian Y]

I have a Dell P2415Q 24” 4K paired with my late 2015 5k iMac and I think it looks great. It’s as close to retina quality as you can get I think in terms of dpi without one of the new usb-c monitors.

I'm undecided between this and the 21.5 LG now.

There's £100 difference (with student discount) between the dell and the LG. Is the LG worth £100 more?

 

[294307]

Probably a bit too big for what you're looking for, but I had a 28-inch Iiyama G-Master GB2888UHSU-B1 and it was amazing. I say had - it didn't work above 30 Hz on my Mac mini which is why I have an iMac today. It's not technically 4K (has a resolution of 3840x2160) but the quality of the display is great, has a 1ms response time, height adjustable stand and built-in USB ports! I think I spent around £350 for mine at the time.

 

[coreyk]

You’ll need a usb-c to DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort adapter or cable if you go with the Dell. There are a bunch on amazon and mono price that will work, but it’s an added expense, as opposed to the LG which has native usb-c.

Other than that, the LG is smaller but gives you a slightly crisper display. The Dell is larger but won’t be as impressive as the pixel density on the LG. But the pixel density on the Dell is still very nice regardless.

I have a late 2016 13” MBP as well, and ended up buying another Dell P2415Q to use with it at home instead of going with the LG. I figured the added screen real estate would outweigh the slightly higher pixel density, and it worked well with my iMac already. I’m happy with the decision.