I just bought this...

2012 Apple Mac Mini I7 MD388LL/A Quad Core 16GB Memory 525GB SSD & 1TB HD

I'm thinking of stepping up my monitor and I saw this.

I'd really like to keep this purchase around $300, if possible. Size is important, 32 at the most though.

For Photoshop, Illustrator and occasional web surfing. I'm not a gaming guy.

[www.newegg.com]


Anyone know of something better or why I should avoid this deal?



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/29/2018 05:08PM by Surfrider.

PS 30" and above for size.

For $200, I don't think you can do better in that size. In fact, that price is lower than usual for that monitor.

As far as the monitor itself, it is supposed to be pretty good.

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Newegg's Return Policy
Televisions or Monitors with 8 dead pixels or more can be returned for a replacement within 30 days from the purchase date.

I bumped my budget to $300

Is it too late to pickup one of those $1300 27" iMacs?

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

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Surfrider
I bumped my budget to $300

I think your original at $200 is still a good choice.

For $300, that opens up some possibly better options, like the Omen version of the HP 32"ers for about $280. And if you want to look at the more traditional 30" monitors, used Dell U3011 and 3008WFP models can be found in $300 range.

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For $300, you could consider a 40"-55" 4K TV....

I can get this at Staples for $299 [www.dell.com]


Or this for $199 [www.dell.com]

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Surfrider
I can get this at Staples for $299 [www.dell.com]


Or this for $199 [www.dell.com]

Forget the second one ($199); it's only 1920x1080 resolution.

On the first, you have to decide between the big gap in pixel size. A 4K monitor in a 28" size means really small pixels. On the other hand, the 32" at 2560x1440 resolution gives you large pixels.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/30/2018 03:39PM by AllGold.

You realize your mini cannot display 4K, right?

$100 ebay coupion back. 27" imac calling your name...

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

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PeterW
You realize your mini cannot display 4K, right?

Good catch. For some reason I thought it could.

I thought the latest minis had 4K support, but according to EveryMac, Apple doesn't make any mini with support for more than 2560x1600 resolution.

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So that means 1920x1080 resolution would be the call?

It's a 2012 mini

Nope. It can do 2560x1440 or 2560x1600.

2560x1440 is a common resolution in 27" and 28" monitors, as well as the 32" you were looking at. 2560x1600 is only found in 30" monitors (16:10 rather than 16:9) like those from Apple, Dell or Monoprice. The Monoprice 30"ers are really hard to find but there are tons of used Dells and Apples out there in your price range.

There's also this: [www.monoprice.com]
which looks like a terrific monitor. It is over your budget but Monoprice has a lot of coupons that would get it close to your price; currently there is a 20% off coupon and I have seen 25% off.

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The Dell UltraSharp U2518D 25" IPS LED QHD monitor is a great choice. I have the prior version - U2515 with the same specs. 2560 x 1440 resolution, 76 Hz refresh rate, antiglare, HDMI, DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort inputs, 2 USB 3.0 ports, 3 year warranty. Best Buy has on-sale for $299.99. It's a great monitor.

But the 2012 mini can only do 2560x1600or 2560x1440 via the DisplayPort; HDMI is limited to 1920x1080. Make sure whatever monitor you buy has the right port of the desired resolution.

Thanks guys, keep it coming!

If I got a 4k monitor like this one

[www.monoprice.com]

Could I dial the resolution back to 2560x1440?

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Surfrider
If I got a 4k monitor like this one

[www.monoprice.com]

Could I dial the resolution back to 2560x1440?

1) I don't know the answer to that. Hopefully, someone with experience can chime in.

2) Even if the answer to 1) is yes, would it look fuzzy?

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