iMac quality monitor for Macbook Pro
Discussion
I've currently got a 2019 27" iMac and a 2019 Macbook Pro 16". The problem is, I hardly ever use the Macbook Pro because by the time I've updated the software and setup it up for the latest project I'm working on, it's just too much of a chore.
I'm considering getting rid of my iMac and docking the Macbook Pro instead. The Macbook Pro is better spec that the iMac anyway, so performance won't be an issue. Then at least when I want to do some work away from my desk, I can just undock and continue where I left off without the chore of updating software/projects etc.
(Actually, I'm considering selling both the iMac and the Macbook Pro and buying the new Macbook Pro, but that's another discussion).
The problem is, I love the display quality on the iMac which is 5k. I've also got a 4k 27" monitor attached to my iMac, and there's a big quality difference in the way text is rendered and how bright the colours are. I've been looking for a monitor that has the same quality as the iMac screen, but it looks like the only real option is the LG Ultrafine 5k, which apparently uses the same panel as the iMac display. The problem is, these don't seem to be on sale anymore.
Has anyone come across a 5k 27" monitor that competes well with the 5k display on the iMac?
For context, I'm a software developer, so I'm mostly looking at code, and occasionally need to dip into Sketch, Photoshop, Adobe XD.
I'm considering getting rid of my iMac and docking the Macbook Pro instead. The Macbook Pro is better spec that the iMac anyway, so performance won't be an issue. Then at least when I want to do some work away from my desk, I can just undock and continue where I left off without the chore of updating software/projects etc.
(Actually, I'm considering selling both the iMac and the Macbook Pro and buying the new Macbook Pro, but that's another discussion).
The problem is, I love the display quality on the iMac which is 5k. I've also got a 4k 27" monitor attached to my iMac, and there's a big quality difference in the way text is rendered and how bright the colours are. I've been looking for a monitor that has the same quality as the iMac screen, but it looks like the only real option is the LG Ultrafine 5k, which apparently uses the same panel as the iMac display. The problem is, these don't seem to be on sale anymore.
Has anyone come across a 5k 27" monitor that competes well with the 5k display on the iMac?
For context, I'm a software developer, so I'm mostly looking at code, and occasionally need to dip into Sketch, Photoshop, Adobe XD.
Yes, Apple sold the LG Ultrafine 27" 5k for years, it's more or less the same panel in the 27" 5k iMac. https://www.lg.com/uk/monitors/lg-27MD5KL
I have one, and it is pretty glorious to use, great speakers, good built in webcam, but they have issues - burn-in, original models had wifi interference and they have no buttons whatsoever. Mine also blew a PSU and I had to import one from aliexpress which took months. I have a dev friend who uses two connected to his 15" MBP and he's also had similar issues to mine. IT's also a bit awkward to use because it is thunderbolt 3 only, so you have the convenience of a single lead to charge and output to the monitor, but its a bit hit and miss using it on a windows machine should you need to (but entirely possible).
They've since been replaced by the Pro Display XDR, which is a healthy 5k GBP.
I should also point out that no 4k displays are the same. I also have a Acer X27P 4k screen which is still up there with one of the top panels money can buy and it is easily as bright and crisp as the LG Ultrafine, if not better.
I have one, and it is pretty glorious to use, great speakers, good built in webcam, but they have issues - burn-in, original models had wifi interference and they have no buttons whatsoever. Mine also blew a PSU and I had to import one from aliexpress which took months. I have a dev friend who uses two connected to his 15" MBP and he's also had similar issues to mine. IT's also a bit awkward to use because it is thunderbolt 3 only, so you have the convenience of a single lead to charge and output to the monitor, but its a bit hit and miss using it on a windows machine should you need to (but entirely possible).
They've since been replaced by the Pro Display XDR, which is a healthy 5k GBP.
I should also point out that no 4k displays are the same. I also have a Acer X27P 4k screen which is still up there with one of the top panels money can buy and it is easily as bright and crisp as the LG Ultrafine, if not better.
Edited by devnull on Thursday 28th October 10:52
These guys still seem to have some stock of the ultrafine
https://slrhut.co.uk/item-536c39-lg-ultrafine-27md...
Assume the Pro Display XDR is out of budget? Otherwise maybe check out some of the high-end Dells
https://slrhut.co.uk/item-536c39-lg-ultrafine-27md...
Assume the Pro Display XDR is out of budget? Otherwise maybe check out some of the high-end Dells
Junior Bianno said:
These guys still seem to have some stock of the ultrafine
https://slrhut.co.uk/item-536c39-lg-ultrafine-27md...
Assume the Pro Display XDR is out of budget? Otherwise maybe check out some of the high-end Dells
Yeh, the Pro Display XDR is just simply overkill for my use case.https://slrhut.co.uk/item-536c39-lg-ultrafine-27md...
Assume the Pro Display XDR is out of budget? Otherwise maybe check out some of the high-end Dells
devnull said:
Yes, Apple sold the LG Ultrafine 27" 5k for years, it's more or less the same panel in the 27" 5k iMac. https://www.lg.com/uk/monitors/lg-27MD5KL
I have one, and it is pretty glorious to use, great speakers, good built in webcam, but they have issues - burn-in, original models had wifi interference and they have no buttons whatsoever. Mine also blew a PSU and I had to import one from aliexpress which took months. I have a dev friend who uses two connected to his 15" MBP and he's also had similar issues to mine. IT's also a bit awkward to use because it is thunderbolt 3 only, so you have the convenience of a single lead to charge and output to the monitor, but its a bit hit and miss using it on a windows machine should you need to (but entirely possible).
They've since been replaced by the Pro Display XDR, which is a healthy 5k GBP.
I should also point out that no 4k displays are the same. I also have a Acer X27P 4k screen which is still up there with one of the top panels money can buy and it is easily as bright and crisp as the LG Ultrafine, if not better.
Thanks, some useful information there.I have one, and it is pretty glorious to use, great speakers, good built in webcam, but they have issues - burn-in, original models had wifi interference and they have no buttons whatsoever. Mine also blew a PSU and I had to import one from aliexpress which took months. I have a dev friend who uses two connected to his 15" MBP and he's also had similar issues to mine. IT's also a bit awkward to use because it is thunderbolt 3 only, so you have the convenience of a single lead to charge and output to the monitor, but its a bit hit and miss using it on a windows machine should you need to (but entirely possible).
They've since been replaced by the Pro Display XDR, which is a healthy 5k GBP.
I should also point out that no 4k displays are the same. I also have a Acer X27P 4k screen which is still up there with one of the top panels money can buy and it is easily as bright and crisp as the LG Ultrafine, if not better.
Edited by devnull on Thursday 28th October 10:52
The Benq 4k monitor I'm using was only £250-350, so I guess it's hardly a good comparison. I guess I should probably grab a better 4k monitor first to compare against the iMac before deciding. It's hard, because you can't really go anywhere to physically compare screen quality. You have to rely on videos and reviews, but even then, sometimes you just want to see things for yourself.
Looking around, Dell seem to be doing some decent monitors these days as well.
Watching this with interest .. I have a new 16" Macbook Pro arriving next week and plan to use it with 2 x 27" in place of my iMac for software development... Currently considering getting 2 x 60Hz monitor running @ 3840x2160 monitor. I use VIM and like to view 5+ source files side by side on each monitor...
Edited by jesusbuiltmycar on Thursday 28th October 12:17
TheBinarySheep said:
Yeh, the Pro Display XDR is just simply overkill for my use case.
Just chiming in here. A little bit of context. I have an old iMac 27 inch and an older macbook. Let's says both around 2012 but I suspect the macbook is 2010 actually. I'm now starting to use these for work. Normally my employers give me one of their windows machines to use. This time they have not so I am trying to make do but finding it a chore. The iMac is OK but the macbook is slow as F so if I try to use Teams and have a few websites open it all starts grinding to a halt. Also I have some restrictions on which native apps I can install onto these older versions of MacOs because they have both stopped updating. OP mentioned he has a 2019 macbook which I would assume is overkill for a bit of software development but also talks about getting a brand new macbook too. Again surely this is overkill right?
Don't get me wrong, I understand how overkill can quickly become desire and that's fine. But if I was to buy something new then any macbook pro from apple is surely overkill for just a few websites and teams right?
I'm assuming these fancy laptops are for video editing or CAD or I don't know but I can't imagine what I need to do being intensive at all.
Which brings me round to thinking about a chromebook which seem cheap and cheerful and firmly in the anti Microsoft camp. All I really want is a bit quicker and what I am more interested in is the display as discussed. I'd be happy using something ok speed wise rather than super fast if it can cope with maybe 2 x 27inch (or more / or bigger / or more and bigger etc) displays.
So my ideal is a tiny lightweight laptop for emergency use when I'm on the move. A wall of super high quality panels running off this little device at home. If I do travel to my employers office I will use their monitors and just plug in this little portable. I am not exactly married to Apple so could consider any device. Does such a thing exist?
And why is a Pro Display XDR panel overkill if it is lovely?
Jenny Tailor said:
I have the LG 5K Ultrafine.
Amazing monitor.
macking.co.uk had a couple 2nd hand in stock.
edit - just checked - out of stock
These appear to be more than a 2nd hand 5k 27 inch iMac. Can you just use an older 5k iMac as an extra display?Amazing monitor.
macking.co.uk had a couple 2nd hand in stock.
edit - just checked - out of stock
Edited by Jenny Tailor on Sunday 31st October 09:40
ATM said:
Jenny Tailor said:
I have the LG 5K Ultrafine.
Amazing monitor.
macking.co.uk had a couple 2nd hand in stock.
edit - just checked - out of stock
These appear to be more than a 2nd hand 5k 27 inch iMac. Can you just use an older 5k iMac as an extra display?Amazing monitor.
macking.co.uk had a couple 2nd hand in stock.
edit - just checked - out of stock
Edited by Jenny Tailor on Sunday 31st October 09:40
https://www.macking.co.uk/apple-accessories-displa...
A few on a well known auction site.
Also check out this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFi_7OVy2BQ
Software developer with a MacBookPro 2019, think it’s a good spec, wouldn’t want less. Unity or Xcode, MSteams, numerous tabs open for reference and it doesn’t leave me waiting too long, maybe only creating new projects but expects it’s disk access time.
Anyway I find a 4k monitor is great for dev work. Benefit being I can have a couple of apps open at once along with some terminal windows and still nice to read and don’t have any issues moving been the macbook display and the 4K monitor
Anyway I find a 4k monitor is great for dev work. Benefit being I can have a couple of apps open at once along with some terminal windows and still nice to read and don’t have any issues moving been the macbook display and the 4K monitor
LG 27MD5KL Ultrafine 27" 5K monitor with built in speakers and web-cam - supposedly available directly from LG for £1180.
Although I'd also consider an ultrawide (5120 x 1440) such as the LG 49WL95C @ £1200 or Samsung G9 (C49RG90) @ £1100.
Although I'd also consider an ultrawide (5120 x 1440) such as the LG 49WL95C @ £1200 or Samsung G9 (C49RG90) @ £1100.
mmm-five said:
LG 27MD5KL Ultrafine 27" 5K monitor with built in speakers and web-cam - supposedly available directly from LG for £1180.
Although I'd also consider an ultrawide (5120 x 1440) such as the LG 49WL95C @ £1200 or Samsung G9 (C49RG90) @ £1100.
I've got an older 38" 4K version (38WK95C-W) of the 49" LG Ultrawide linked above, and can confirm that it's really good with a MBP.Although I'd also consider an ultrawide (5120 x 1440) such as the LG 49WL95C @ £1200 or Samsung G9 (C49RG90) @ £1100.
V6Nelo said:
Anyway I find a 4k monitor is great for dev work. Benefit being I can have a couple of apps open at once along with some terminal windows and still nice to read and don’t have any issues moving been the macbook display and the 4K monitor
Yep, I have the cheap option of a 40" 4K TV. Nice colours, loads of screen space to have plenty of windows open. Only downside is using the remote to turn off and on, it won't just sleep like a monitor.Hard to get smaller 4k TVs these days but Sony do a 32" (FW-32BZ30J - I think intended for video meeting rooms) and Panasonic seem to be doing 40" TVs again. Or go bigger and get the LG 48" OLED. I'd take any of those over the LG 27" 5k.
I also had this problem, for years I used an iMac (at home) and a MacBook (on the road) for photography and software development work, as it was cheaper than a MacBook Pro AND an iMac quality monitor.
However, since the pandemic I have been WFH so having my iMac AND work set up on my desk was taking up too much space. So I started looking for a new set up, based around an iMac quality monitor that I could dock either work PC or a MacBook to. My search was fruitless.
I've ended up with a Philips 279P monitor, which is not as good as an iMac screen, but seems good.
However, since the pandemic I have been WFH so having my iMac AND work set up on my desk was taking up too much space. So I started looking for a new set up, based around an iMac quality monitor that I could dock either work PC or a MacBook to. My search was fruitless.
I've ended up with a Philips 279P monitor, which is not as good as an iMac screen, but seems good.
long term Mac and MBA user.
I found if I regularly used / powered up, all the cloud syncing, the Office etc outlook meant that picking one or the other wouldnt matter.
Recently got a MBP (new M1 chip) given from a new role and some monitors. They did my head in as not sharp enough or anything like the Mac screen. I looked around, picked some brains in the 'Help Mac OSX thread' here on PH and ended up settling with the :
Samsung C34J791WTR - CJ79 Series - QLED monitor - curved - 34" (34" viewable) - 3440 x 1440 Ultra WQHD @ 100 Hz - VA - 300 cd/m² - 3000:1-4 ms - 2xThunderbolt 3, HDMI, DisplayPort - speakers - grey
I have to say, whilst not as nailed on as the Mac, its pretty good.
Spending anything more for a monitor was going to get tricky through my expenses, and especially versus the price of a Full Mac it was getting a bit nuts.
I found if I regularly used / powered up, all the cloud syncing, the Office etc outlook meant that picking one or the other wouldnt matter.
Recently got a MBP (new M1 chip) given from a new role and some monitors. They did my head in as not sharp enough or anything like the Mac screen. I looked around, picked some brains in the 'Help Mac OSX thread' here on PH and ended up settling with the :
Samsung C34J791WTR - CJ79 Series - QLED monitor - curved - 34" (34" viewable) - 3440 x 1440 Ultra WQHD @ 100 Hz - VA - 300 cd/m² - 3000:1-4 ms - 2xThunderbolt 3, HDMI, DisplayPort - speakers - grey
I have to say, whilst not as nailed on as the Mac, its pretty good.
Spending anything more for a monitor was going to get tricky through my expenses, and especially versus the price of a Full Mac it was getting a bit nuts.
I did like the look of the LG Ergo 4K 27” monitor, as the mount would well well in my setup and Spaces works far better with 2 monitors than with one bigger one.
Unfortunately the 27” 4K version now seems almost impossible to source, with the 1440 version and 32” 4K versions being easy to get. It doesn’t help that even LG mix up the very similar monitors in their own website, linking the 4K version to the QHD version product page.
Unfortunately the 27” 4K version now seems almost impossible to source, with the 1440 version and 32” 4K versions being easy to get. It doesn’t help that even LG mix up the very similar monitors in their own website, linking the 4K version to the QHD version product page.
Edited by page3 on Wednesday 3rd November 08:00
Some good info so far.
For the time being, I think I'll just stick with my iMac. I have two other monitors connected to it and while neither were particularly expensive, they're miles off the quality of the iMacs screen and it's one of the main things I love about it.
When working, I keep all of my projects in git repositories, so they're easy to update across devices, and I try to use software that supports cloud sync where I can. It's small things really, like when you need to make a quick change and you want to do it on the sofa with your laptop, but you open the project and realise that dependancies need updating on your laptop, or your IDE needs updating, or Docker needs updating or you're missing a configuration file that isn't stored in Git for obvious reasons, so I end up simply going in the other room and making the change on my iMac instead.
For the time being, I think I'll just stick with my iMac. I have two other monitors connected to it and while neither were particularly expensive, they're miles off the quality of the iMacs screen and it's one of the main things I love about it.
When working, I keep all of my projects in git repositories, so they're easy to update across devices, and I try to use software that supports cloud sync where I can. It's small things really, like when you need to make a quick change and you want to do it on the sofa with your laptop, but you open the project and realise that dependancies need updating on your laptop, or your IDE needs updating, or Docker needs updating or you're missing a configuration file that isn't stored in Git for obvious reasons, so I end up simply going in the other room and making the change on my iMac instead.
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