Which external monitor & resolution to buy for Macbook Pro M1 16"

[norwaypianoman]

Which external monitor and - with which resolution to buy for Macbook Pro M1 16"

I want to buy a 32, 34 or 35 - and maybe ultrawide.

I am afraid to go over 1440 in resolution.

Should I avoid 4k ?

 

[1096bimu]

the highest, so 6k
why would you avoid 4k? the higher the better obviously

 

[RyanFlynn]

I really enjoy my Pro Display XDR. Pricey, but really a wonderful Mac experience.

 

[theorist9]

Depends what you're using it for.

If it's for gaming, you might want to focus on refresh rate and response time. [Though I don't game myself, and hence will leave it to others to provide advice on that.] [I'm kinda guessing it's for gaming--that's the only reason I can think of to limit it to 1440; and even then, I'm not sure if you need to limit it in that way.]

But if it's for text work (reading and composing), I'd say 1440 would be far too low at those sizes. Instead, you want the highest pixel density possible in order to get sharp text. I find that MacOS, specifically, needs Retina pixel density (≈220 ppi) to look its best on text. That means either 5k@27", or 6k@32". Since you want at least 32", your only options would be the Dell 6k or the 6k Apple Pro Display XDR. The downside of the Dell, for me, is that I prefer glossy displays (more sharpness and vibrancy), and the Dell is matte only. [Yes, there is the 8k 32" Dell, which is glossy, but it's very finicky on Macs.]

 

[RyanFlynn]

the downside with the dell is its also only 600 nits for hdr. 1600 nits for MacBook pros and Pro Display XDR

 

[norwaypianoman]

the highest, so 6k
why would you avoid 4k? the higher the better obviously

Hi!
I have just read some guidence of people having trouble fitting their Macbook M1 to certain high resolutions. That is why I am asking. I think those posts have been very misleading, thank you.

I have been wanting to go with a LG Ultrawide 32,34 or 35. I do not need HD, as I sometimes prefer lower resolutions, because of text. But now, this is the first time, I also thought about using the machine for video, photo and desktop design too. But yes, the main thing will be productivity and Logic Pro and multiple videos with Logic Pro.

or Logic Pro side by side with a different window like Final Cut Pro.

 

[theorist9]

I do not need HD, as I sometimes prefer lower resolutions, because of text.

HD is probably the lowest you could find, since it's 1080. You're saying you want to be even lower than that for text, but the opposite is the case. For text you want the highest possible resolution for a given screen size, which in turn gives you the highest ppi.

Take a look at how beautifully sharp text looks on your 16" M1 MBP (which is 254 ppi). Wouldn't you like something approaching that on a large display? If so, for 32", you'd need a 6k, which will give you about 220 ppi. You'll be sitting farther away from a large display than from you MBP's screen, so 220 ppi on a large display should provide equivalent sharpness to 254 ppi on a laptop.

 

[theorist9]

...probably the best thing would be if you could see some of these displays in person. If you live near an Apple Store, they should have the Pro Display XDR. Unfortunately, it will probably be very hard to find any place that has the Dell 6k on display. You might be able to see the LG Ultrawides at a large electronics store

 

[SjoukeW]

Higher resolution -> sharper text -> easier to read.
With 1440 i can see each pixel, which is really annoying for me when I am reading text.

 

[norwaypianoman]

Sorry, I did not mean HD - I do not need 4k, I meant.

Also, I also want to buy a monitor for a friend who is also creating a music studio, with same machine. Thanks for all the wonderful answers, It might be enough and cleared up now

 

[RyanFlynn]

Sorry, I did not mean HD - I do not need 4k, I meant.

Also, I also want to buy a monitor for a friend who is also creating a music studio, with same machine. Thanks for all the wonderful answers, It might be enough and cleared up now

I'm using my Pro Display XDR in a music studio, but a pair of studio displays would serve well. best of luck!