MacBook Pro M1 4k Monitor Recommendation - 27" or Larger

emresound on 28/11/2022 - 23:23
Last edited 28/11/2022 - 23:55

I'm on the hunt for a 4K monitor that would do decent work with a MacBook Pro m1 14".
I am looking to move to a more mobile setup with a screen on a vesa mount in my studio.

Currently looking at all options but of course, cheaper is always welcome (in true bargain fashion). I am not gaming on this, let it be clear. It is a studio unit to work on DAWs, videos and other general things. I would love later down the track to start doing a bit of video editing but it is not my key decider.

HDMi is probably a better option but open to suggestions. I don't think I want anything bigger than a 32" monitor.

  • edit: I should note that I’m after specific models as recommendation. In case my ramblings aren’t clear.

Thanks

Computing 14.2inch 14inch Apple Computer Laptop

Comments

  • nuker on 28/11/2022 - 23:42

    27

  • Korban Dallas on 29/11/2022 - 00:02
    +1

    Got a 28 inch 4k Phillips the other day for $275. Usb 3.2, hdmi and DP 1.2

  • brilliantmik on 29/11/2022 - 00:08
    +1

    Dell U2721Q Ultrasharp (good colour), or LG Ultrafines (Studio Display w. plastic in lieu of brushed aluminium) which you can find on Marketplace fairly regularly.

  • kizzaaa on 29/11/2022 - 00:39
    +2

    I have a Dell S2722QC which can be found on sale regularly. I use it with my M1 Mac and it has 4K HDR@60Hz over USB-C. Works well.

    I got mine delivered for about $370 new.

    • emresound on 29/11/2022 - 09:19

      There was one late at night and figured I’d do the transaction this morning. Gone :(

    • jetblack on 29/11/2022 - 10:22
      +1

      This is what I got too, love it. Power and display over USB-C makes it super easy to connect, 4k is crisp and is (imo) very close to retina quality so it's not weirdly distracting when looking at your mac screen and then panning across to your monitor.

      I don't game either, I use it for work and browsing. Amazing display for my use case.

    • emgee on 11/12/2022 - 19:07

      Can recommend this too, if you’re still looking OP. Have one for the missus and she loves it. Very nice picture quality overall and feels well built.

      I got it for $370 too, should hopefully get down to that price closer to Boxing Day. All the best with your search. 😊

  • 1Kenobi on 29/11/2022 - 06:22

    Can it work with 2 monitors?
    I’m considering same purchase but wondering if 2 monitors is more productive

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 29/11/2022 - 08:57
      +1

      Generally if you use a DisplayLink Compatible box like the one I have from ALogic. DUCH2. $299 AU

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 29/11/2022 - 08:53
    +1

    Aldi have a 34" Ultrawide, for $349. 34WQ500. You can check who has stock here. Just change it to your Postcode.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 29/11/2022 - 08:58

      Great for using with Gig Performer, Mainstage, and Logic Pro. I wish I bought 2, but I'll keep using my Acer 31.5" Curved as well. ;)

    • emresound on 29/11/2022 - 09:19

      How is the image on these as the resolution HD but not true 4K?

      • BewareOfThe Dog on 29/11/2022 - 10:17

        Good enough for my eyes. Here are the specs.
        Pls note there is no USB-C on this model.

  • indexgrant on 29/11/2022 - 09:18
    +1

    I've been using the Samsung 32 inch 4K Smart Monitor M7 with my Macbook Pro M1 for about a year, works well. Connected over USB-C which also powers the laptop.

  • catsrlyfe36 on 29/11/2022 - 09:57
    +1

    I recommend the LG 27UP550 ($447 at Officeworks) as you can plug into usb c port on your macbook and it takes care of both power delivery and monitor output. Been using it for a few months and so far very good. Prior to this I bought the Dell S2721QS but encountered many screen flickering issues so I returned it.

  • muzzamo on 29/11/2022 - 10:04
    +2

    You definitely want USB-C capable monitors. So much more flexible and will work well with your macbook, powering it at the same time.

    • neo on 29/11/2022 - 10:21

      Do you run into problems with these types if they're constantly charging your laptop off the USB-C?

      I've always wondered if it degrades the battery unnecessarily.

      • OzHan on 09/12/2022 - 16:27
        +1

        It won't, install al dente, will stop charging whenever a threshold you set is reached.

  • Yve on 29/11/2022 - 16:03
    +1

    LG 27UP850, covers sRGB, 95% DCI-P3 and ~90% ARGB, USB-C capable and you can charge from the monitor (Just use an appropriate cable, I’d opt for a TB4 one). I also like the button used to operate the display menu.

    • emresound on 30/11/2022 - 09:38

      This looks like a great option, pricier but at least it does a full 96w of charge for laptops, saving me from having to use a TB docking like a caldigit.

  • emresound on 19/12/2022 - 22:48

    After all of this, I think a wide 32" screen with usb C capability seems to be the best for what I do. I don't need 4k as I'm not using it to watch movies.

    Suggestions for those requirements? LG seems to be the way to go for price and capabilities.

  • emresound on 23/01/2023 - 00:05

    Been trying to do my homework regarding a 21:9 UItrawide monitor.

    Now I am not a gamer (those days are sadly long gone) but I need a screen for my music studio. The Ultrawide monitor seems to be a good solution to get the most out of your screen real estate. Most ones I find are 34" ultrawide.

    Are there any reason why I should choose a 34" + ultrawide or a 32" Standard 4k monitor?

    That leads me to the question: What is out there that is out there for around 600 mark or should I look slightly higher?

    I guess if there was a USB C powering option for my laptop, that would be even better but I feel like I'm asking for a lot at that price.

    • jk82 on 23/01/2023 - 09:22
      +1

      keep in mind measurements are diagonal, so a 34" ultrawide has the same height as a 27" monitor - it's just wider. a 32" 16:9 will stand taller than a 34" ultrawide.

      Also macOS is terrible with lower resolutions due to the hiDPI thing apple has going, so 1440p screens (including most ultrawides - which are 3440x1440) will look pretty crap on macOS, hence why 4k is a better bet as macOS can run hiDPI resolutions on that and look as it should.

      • emresound on 23/01/2023 - 09:28

        Thanks for the input. I hadn’t thought of that and that might be the way to go as that is a major factor in the choice, will start looking at options out there.

        • jk82 on 23/01/2023 - 09:38

          Yeah. I just ordered a Dell S2722QC. It has usb-c input and power delivery of 65w so it'll charge my macbook pro 13". it also has 2x usb ports in it so it means I can run the one cable from the monitor and not have to use a bloody dongle. Also leaves the other usb-c port free for whatever other inputs/outputs I might need.

          So yeah if you're running a DAW from a laptop I'd be looking for a 4k USB-C monitor so that you can make full use of your usb connections, and not have to USB-C to HDMI just to use a monitor.

          • emresound on 23/01/2023 - 09:47

            @jk82: I’ll look into that. Whether it’s a single 27” or single 32” or dual 27” for the price as my MacBook Pro has hdmi and usb c.

            • ReaperX22 on 23/01/2023 - 16:20

              @emresound: Another +1 on S2722QC. Is a great monitor, crisp, decent IPS panel. Not for gaming but it's solid.

              I've got this + a Gigabyte M27Q so 2 type C cables so I can use display on both + a USB hub. (Dell is vertical).

              The resolution handling/scaling on Mac is far superior vs Windows as well. It just works/looks right.

  • emresound on 26/01/2023 - 00:52

    Any thoughts on the SE3223Q? The 32" 4K flat screen?

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