Please Suggest Me a Monitor for Coding-Work from Home around $1000

Lfrank100 on 30/07/2020 - 18:43
Last edited 31/07/2020 - 19:14

I have been using a 13-inch MacBook Pro and want to buy a monitor for a bigger display.
I have been researching from 2 days now, reading reviews and watching videos. I don't know why the world needs to have so many versions of monitors (most probably because there are so many features refresh rate, ports, display tech,…. and every manufacturer claiming their monitor has something better lol and big money-making opportunities compared to other computer parts especially in gaming).

I am not a gamer, so when I am searching to buy a monitor, and think of buying one, a better version of it shows up, and I get really confused either I should buy that or upper one and I will be wasting money buying something I will never use or don't need.

So, can anyone please suggest me a monitor (as spending 1k and then realising I should have invested 100$ more and bought another or knowing I could have got a better one-different brand monitor for 700$ may not be a pleasant experience):

Budget: Around $1000

Objective: Coding, some bit video editing, no gaming and reading online (e-books), more than a normal office less than gaming.

Brand: From my searching, it looks like LG is a safe way to go (even apple selling lg monitor but that is 2000$), along with BenQ. So, open to anything other than dell (seems like mac users are having a problem with dell monitors)

Size= 32 to 38 inches but maybe 34-35 would be ideal.

Display: IPS (with all the hype they have created and maybe better for coming years as well)

Refresh rate: around 100 should be ok (I won't be gaming).
type: Most probably ultra-wide curved (21:9, around 3800 by 1440 or more) as rectangular one will be hard to work on.

Others:
Need USB-c port for MacBook charging
some USB 3.0 ports if possible
Curved (34 flat will be too big to work on, will look like tv)
if 4k, even better

Special:

As I usually use it for a long time (6-8 hours per day), something good for the eyes (or not much strain)

Can anyone please suggest me a monitor? With so many monitors and features, it is so confusing. Something on some discounts and available would be even better.

Thanks in advance.

Computing

Comments

  • Mechz on 30/07/2020 - 19:55
    +1

    You want something that does 75Hz or above to reduce eye strain. What's the max output of your macbook?

    • frank100 on 30/07/2020 - 20:12

      13.3-inch (2560 x 1600), Intel Iris Graphics 6100 1536 MB graphics,
      I think the max refresh rate is 60Hz in the device.

      • Mechz on 30/07/2020 - 20:39

        If you can use mini DisplayPort you should be able to push 75Hz and above on any 1440p monitor. So if you went for a 34" you would be fine.

        Have you checked your HP monitor to see what refresh rate it's running at?

  • randomusername99 on 30/07/2020 - 21:00

    I'm using a HP z27 4K display with a 15 inch Macbook Pro (2016). Not quite the size you have specified, but it is a very nice display to look at and very easy on the eyes (matte finish), I would say eye strain is not an issue. Max refresh rate 60 Hz. With the matte finish, it is even nicer than the built-in Retina display. The other bonus with the z27 is it can be driven with the single USB-C cable included, and works as a mini Dock by providing extra USB-A/USB3 ports. YMMV.

  • epicttiimm on 31/07/2020 - 00:39

    Nothing beats the LG Ultrafines for macOS. Yes they are expensive and are limited to thunderbolt 3 as an input method but there are close to no other monitors which can match on pixel density and also support DCI-P3.

    Ultimately it comes down to how much you're willing to spend….I'd love a Pro Display XDR but I can buy a used Camry for the price of one lol.

  • frank100 on 31/07/2020 - 14:16
    Merged from Please Suggest Me a Monitor for Coding-Work from Home around $1000

    I have been using a 13-inch MacBook Pro and want to buy a monitor for a bigger display.
    I have been researching from 2 days now, reading reviews and watching videos. I don't know why the world needs to have so many versions of monitors (most probably because there are so many features refresh rate, ports, display tech,…. and every manufacturer claiming their monitor has something better lol and big money-making opportunities compared to other computer parts especially in gaming).

    I am not a gamer, so when I am searching to buy a monitor, and think of buying one, a better version of it shows up, and I get really confused either I should buy that or upper one and I will be wasting money buying something I will never use or don't need.

    So, can anyone please suggest me a monitor (as spending 1k and then realising I should have invested 100$ more and bought another or knowing I could have got a better one-different brand monitor for 700$ may not be a pleasant experience):

    Budget: Around $1000
    Objective: Coding, some bit video editing, no gaming and reading online (e-books), more than a normal office less than gaming.
    Brand: From my searching, it looks like LG is a safe way to go (even apple selling lg monitor but that is 2000$), along with BenQ. So, open to anything other than dell (seems like mac users are having a problem with dell monitors)
    Size= 32 to 38 inches but maybe 34-35 would be ideal.
    Display: IPS (with all the hype they have created and maybe better for coming years as well)
    Refresh rate: around 100 should be ok (I won't be gaming).
    type: Most probably ultra-wide curved (21:9, around 3800 by 1440 or more) as rectangular one will be hard to work on.

    Others:
    Need USB-c port for MacBook charging
    some USB 3.0 ports if possible
    Curved (34 flat will be too big to work on, will look like tv)
    if 4k, even better

    Special:
    As I usually use it for a long time (6-8 hours per day), something good for the eyes (or not much strain)

    Can anyone please suggest me a monitor? With so many monitors and features, it is so confusing. Something on some discounts and available would be even better.

    Thanks in advance.

    • frank100 on 31/07/2020 - 14:23

      Based my searching so far may be this:
      https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Monitors/25plus-inch/836…
      but it is not IPS but VA and just looks ok, not very good.

      OR maybe:
      https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Monitors/25plus-inch/832…
      but is is 1600$, (should i invest that much as I won't be gaming, i don't need 160 refresh rate-may be investing on something I don't need)
      so any others are welcomed.

    • pinchies on 31/07/2020 - 14:29

      Can recommend LG 32UK550-B — it's pretty bright, so I turn the brightness all the way down myself to reduce eye strain. I thought it would be too big, coming from 27" 5K, but actually its a very nice size. I prefer the flat to curved as I do a lot of spreadsheets too.

      • frank100 on 31/07/2020 - 14:36

        Thanks.
        What about that 2"? (If possible I want to go for 34" one),

        Do you think that would make a difference?

        I feel like going to ultra-wide one as I had a habit of working on a dual display and I feel like 34"+ would be a standard soon in offices/homes with monitor prices coming down.

        Edit:
        I found that it has a VA panel, so maybe for VA, this one might be better for me as it is 34" (but yes 300$+)
        https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Monitors/25plus-inch/836…

        • pinchies on 31/07/2020 - 15:10

          That 35" looks good to me. I found VA is 'fine' — not good enough for my critical eye when editing photos, but good enough for my home use. Far, far, better than TN though. IPS are mostly >1000+

          Personally, I prefer the higher resolution (crispy text) of 4k, vs 3440x1440, and I also find the real estate on 16:9 32" is plenty satisfying. Again, it's probably also a great experience on 34" ultra-wide.

      • frank100 on 31/07/2020 - 14:53

        Thank you for the suggestion. I have seen this one physically and as it is not curved and ultra-wide, I found it hard to work on. Almost feels like sitting in front of a TV (feels too big as it is 43). It is good for display or a share market like display. I have sat in front of 45 and 49 inches, I feel like they are not for working but for gaming. So, decided maybe below 38 is good for work.

      • pinchies on 31/07/2020 - 15:13

        I have a 43" monitor at work — LG 43UD79-B. It's a chonker all right — just huge. It even comes with a IR remote similar to a TV! I prefer 32" over it as a more comfortable size (43"… you need to move your head LOL), but for managing many many windows it certainly is amazing. It is wide enough that I WISH it was curved a bit.

    • lmw on 31/07/2020 - 15:36

      Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Monitor U2720Q and a solid monitor desk mount like VIVO Single LCD Monitor Desk Mount

      Low DPI monitors are a downgrade if you use MacBook Pro with Retina display. Consider this article: Time to upgrade your monitor

      BTW no issues with Dell on Apple products here. Can control brightness using keyboard brightness keys (F1/F2) using MonitorControl

      • frank100 on 31/07/2020 - 15:49

        Thanks but reading horrible experience about mac users trying to use dell monitors:
        1)no support and either party don't care (most saying stay away from dell if you intend to use it with mac). No drivers, support etc.
        2)Especially after the mac sleep and resuming monitor is a big problem.
        So, dismissing dell for now.
        Thanks for the suggestion.

    • lmw on 31/07/2020 - 15:56

      Never ever had any issues with any third party monitor with Apple to be honest. Just plug it in and away you go 🤷‍♂️ You don't need to install monitor drivers on Apple unless you have a specific need. My experience at different workplaces with different monitors and hot-desking — again you just plug in you MacBook and it just works.

      Care to share links for those issues? Interested to see what they were doing.

      • frank100 on 31/07/2020 - 16:02

        Well if you go to any dell 38 or 34-inch review section, most 1-star review/comment are from mac users having a connection problem.
        I found many yesterday.
        Also, one of the reputed reviewers are starting like this:
        Due to numerous complaints of compatibility issues and Dell's unwillingness to offer support to those affected, all Dell monitors have been removed from our list of recommendations for the time being and until the situation is resolved. At this time, we don't test for compatibility; if you run into any issues using a monitor when connected to a MacBook, please let us know in the discussions below.

        Source:
        https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/best/monitors-macbook…

        I second that as I saw that in most reviews. There are many in amazon reviews as well.

        thank you.

        • lmw on 31/07/2020 - 16:19

          Thanks for providing that detail. Good luck with the search.

  • Omfgz on 31/07/2020 - 22:41

    I bought an LG 31MU97-B off eBay a couple of years ago for about $800 used. I liked it so much I bought another one.

    4K, AdobeRGB 99.5% with an exceptional picture..

    They were originally sold as a high end screen for graphics/video work.

    Find one for a good price and I don’t think you’ll find better value for money.

    • frank100 on 31/07/2020 - 23:20

      thanks, 34 inches would have been great.

  • 6828 on 01/08/2020 - 10:01

    Interesting thread.

    I've been using LG 4k 27" monitors connected to my 5k iMac for about 3 years now. I had lot's of issues with their cheaper line with dead pixels so I returned them. I'm using two LG 27UD68-W. I tried a Philips 32" monitor and because it wasn't IPS the colours were absolutely horrible. I returned that a week after getting it. The size was great but the problem is getting something with good colour quality edge to edge.

    I've used Dell monitors in the past and really liked them and the service I received from Dell. If I were to buy again I'll be looking into Dell's series.

    34" is about where I'd top out at as even with my 27" monitors I can't see enough with my peripheral vision on the other side of the screen edge. With three 27" monitors installed I tend to only run the 5k iMac on the left then the LG in the middle and right hand side.

  • frank100 on 02/08/2020 - 00:11

    I have decided to buy this one.
    Thanks

    https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Monitors/25plus-inch/836…

    • cerealJay on 03/08/2020 - 01:15

      Looks like a good monitor, similar specs to the Philips of same size and type. It's annoying that LG specs don't mention whether it's 1800r or 1500r screen curve. The more extreme 1500r curve may take some getting used to. This image shows the difference - it's not a huge difference, but personally I prefer the 1800r curve.

    • Kramyk on 17/08/2020 - 23:03

      Hey,

      Like yourself, scoured the Internet and many reviews for this monitor. I wanted USB c connection for hot swapping between 2016 13inch mbp and a lenovo x1 carbon g6. How does the USB c work with your mbp? Delivering power and display OK?

      Cheers!

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