Display for use with a late Macbook Pro Retina (Early 2013) model?

Hi everyone,

When I replaced my ’08 Mac Pro with a Macbook Pro 15” Retina (2013) model, I moved the old tower to my office along with my nice Dell Ultrasharp 24” display. Initially, I thought sticking with just Macbook Pro with my Matias Keyboard and Logitech mouse would be workable. Unfortunately, I’m finding it’s cumbersome to use the keyboard in a keyboard drawer and the MBP close to the front of my desk.

I tried putting the MBP onto a laptop stand and pushed it back and put my keyboard on the desktop but it didn't work out well. Turns out, typing is great but i don’t like having the “monitor” so far back on my desk, especially when it’s so high res. So, I’m thinking maybe it’s time to get another display and go with a dual monitor setup. Keep the MBP on a stand on one side of my desk and the big honking display in front of me with the keyboard and mouse in their normal locations.

While I would adore an Apple Thunderbolt display, it’s _way_ too expensive for my wallet, lacks some of its competitors features - even the refurb version - and I can’t justify the cost.

I’m a fan of Dell Ultrasharp models and have considered the following:

[accessories.us.dell.com]

[accessories.us.dell.com]

Although I like the idea of a 27” display, I’m inclined to save the bucks and go for the 25” model. It’s still bigger than the display I moved to my office, has a better stand, has a built-in USB 3.0 hub and a USB port that can be used for charging devices.

The built-in USB 3.0 ports will let me move the MPow USB 3.0 hub I’ve got to a different location. Love the MPow hub and highly recommend it but having the ports built into the display will be mighty convenient.

I looked at the Monoprice displays but am leery of them. That and I’m not sure if my MBP can drive a 27” display, though I am 99.9% positive it would be a non-issue.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Robert


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edited to reflect the machine is an early 2013 model



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/15/2015 04:25PM by Robert M.

Your MBP can drive two extra monitors -- both at 2560 X 1600 (30") -- so you could technically have 3 screens...

Many people have postve comments on the monoprice ones, search here.

I think either of those Dells are fine, but the 27" is a better class of monitor. Also has USB 3 hub built in. Although on the 2 on the left bezel are really useful, the other 2 are hard to reach. Great for things that don't get unplugged often. I have my mouse and my iPhone cable in those.

Have you thought about 4K?

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Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/15/2015 03:03PM by jdc.

You don't want a 4K monitor? (i.e., 3840 x 2160, etc.)? That would be similar to the resolution on your MBP monitor.....

I believe someone on here mentioned this monitor as an alternative to the Apple display:
[www.amazon.com]

27"
2560x1440
Display port, but no hub, but the price is 399.

I think they said it was the same panel but I can't find the post...hopefully, if it was here they'll chime in.

Funny you should mention this, but I've been randomly thinking about the same thing. I saw the 27 inch dell for 499 - 20 on our sponsors deal page. Might pick it up.

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Picasso in his studio after the liberation of Paris, taken by my friend and mentor.

Quote
August West
Funny you should mention this, but I've been randomly thinking about the same thing. I saw the 27 inch dell for 499 - 20 on our sponsors deal page. Might pick it up.

Yeha, thats $100 less than Roberts link. Nice.

Id take one to go with my 27" iMac and ditch my Dell 2409 and its measly 1920 X 1200 resolution.

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Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.

Hi everyone,

My mistake. It's a MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Early 2013).

[www.everymac.com]

I had considered a 4K display - saw a deal on one recently - but wasn't sure if my MBP could drive one based on what I saw on everymac.com. I thought I was limited to an external that was 2560 x 1600, which is why I chose the above models. Each has a res of 2560 x 1440. But, if my MBP can drive a 4K display, then it would seem like a no-brainer to look at one of these:

[accessories.us.dell.com]

[accessories.us.dell.com]

Robert



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/15/2015 04:50PM by Robert M.

Is there a 4K monitor that anyone around here recommends? Can the 15"MBPr support that resolution? Anyone actually used one with a Mac?

I'd be interested too. I'd like to get a 24-27" external, but if I'm afraid of getting something that will pale next to the retina screen.

I saw the lower end 4k from Dell, and the low refresh rate and TN panel gave me a bit of concern. I have no expertise in the matter, though.

ETA: Looks like those have been corrected in the 24 in model.

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Picasso in his studio after the liberation of Paris, taken by my friend and mentor.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/15/2015 04:48PM by August West.

How about 2560x1080 at 25 inches?

LG 25UM64-S Black 25" 5ms (GTG) Dual HDMI UltraWide screen 21:9 LED Backlight LCD Monitor IPS Panel 250 cd/m2 1000:1 Built-in Speakers
[www.newegg.com]

Jeff

Apple Support of 4K

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Picasso in his studio after the liberation of Paris, taken by my friend and mentor.

August,

Thank you for the link. I knew I hadn't misread the info on everymac. Apparently, you can't use a 4K display with an early '13 Macbook Pro. So, it's back to my original models. And, it seems, that deal for the U2713HM from newegg.com is solid. Now I just have to convince the wife to let me have the display instead of a new receiver which I _still_ haven't gotten around to purchasing - lol!

Thanks everyone,

Robert

The deal is still good here: [www.newegg.com]

Out of your budget, but this is gonna be my next monitor... 3440 x 1440 14ms, 5ms GTG

[www.newegg.com]

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Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.

Love my monoprice 2560x1440 27" display. Text looks great, colours are rich.

Hi everyone,

Just ordered the Dell U2713HM from Dell. Got the $20.00 off via the coupon. Also getting 1% cash back from American Express. And, after a bit of searching, turns out American Express is also offering a one-time special $25.00 cash back bonus for orders from newegg.com. The minimum to get the bonus was either $100.00 or $200.00. I had to go to the American Express web site to activate the special prior to jumping to newegg.com to place the actual order.

So, it was $479.99 with free shipping and no tax. I get $4.80 cash back from American Express based on the normal 1% cash back bonus. I'm getting an additional $25.00 back because of the special offer from American Express. End result, I'm getting a nice big honking display for $450.00. I'm going to use the money I saved towards the cables I need to connect it to the MPB.

Robert

Cable is $4.88 -- so you have to kick in an extra .08¢ + shipping -- Im thinking you can swing it...

[www.monoprice.com]

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Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.

Quote
jdc
Cable is $4.88 -- so you have to kick in an extra .08¢ + shipping -- Im thinking you can swing it...

[www.monoprice.com]

If that monitor supports a modern HDMI, the cable could be cheaper than that...