External Monitor for MacBook Pro (M1 Pro)

Arcane

Arcane

Arcane

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Joined
19 Aug 2005
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Location
Ealing, London
I've been given a new MacBook Pro as a replacement for my ageing 27" iMac. It's been paired with a Dell U2723QE in the office (which is great) but the company won't stretch to another whilst working from home. After much sulking I've decided to get myself something as I can't really work effectively on a 14" screen, especially the photoshop heavy stuff.

Ideally I'd like something that uses the USB-C/display port connector without an adaptor and is IPS, 2560x1440 or above. I'd like to keep it sub £250 if possible but would go slightly above that if needs be.

Suggestions gratefully received, thanks.
 
@Arcane would you mean if hijack your thread slightly?

My MacBook Pro M1 is connected via a Caldigit thunderbolt element which is running to 2 monitors both QHD 27 inch one is a Dell running at 144hz. I use this set up for work on a daily basis.

I would like keep the Dell monitor as a second monitor and bring in a 32 inch 4k monitor to use with my Mac and PS5. My Ps5 basically gets used for Fifa and very occasionally Call of duty.

What should I be buying? I have spent about 4 weeks going round in circles so some help is needed :p
  • Apple Studio monitor 27 inch could I connect this a second monitor via the Caldigit? Would it work ok on the PS5? Only 60hz
  • Dell G3223Q 32 inch 4k 144 Hz but no USB C connection
  • Dell U3223QE only 60 HZ but is part of Ultra sharp range so picture should be good and has USB C hub
  • Dell 32 4k SE3223Q only 60 Hz far cheaper as its without the built in hub. Will the picture quality be worse than the 2 other Dell monitors?
  • Something else?
Understand budget is all over the place but primary concern is getting the correct monitor for what I have described rather than going over budget.
 
I use S3423DWC with my macbook pro m1 (can be had for just over £300 with discounts from dell). Works great with the built in USB hub/KVM to connect macbook with 1 cable for charging and display/usb and my PC and have the monitor swap my keyboard and mouse between them as needed.
 
ChrisD. said:
I wouldn't be getting the Studio monitor, it's terrible VFM and you're going to struggle to get it working with a PS5.
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Disregarded and thanks for confirming what I already suspected :)
meandu229 said:
I use S3423DWC with my macbook pro m1 (can be had for just over £300 with discounts from dell). Works great with the built in USB hub/KVM to connect macbook with 1 cable for charging and display/usb and my PC and have the monitor swap my keyboard and mouse between them as needed.
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That monitor is QHD ultra wide isn't it? That would not play nicely with PS5
thewanted said:
I bought this a few months ago and I absolutely love it, even if the display tech isn't very modern by today's standards.
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That was my concern £900 for a relatively old tech even if the display is great also would I spending money on the USB C hub when I don't need it because of the Caldigit hub?

Thank you for the quick replies.
 
Jimbeam3678 said:
That was my concern £900 for a relatively old tech even if the display is great also would I spending money on the USB C hub when I don't need it because of the Caldigit hub?
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I see that it's £946 on Dell's site but there are always codes floating around. I paid £741 for mine, and my company contributed £350 towards it so perhaps I'm biased because it was "cheap" :)
 
thewanted said:
I see that it's £946 on Dell's site but there are always codes floating around. I paid £741 for mine, and my company contributed £350 towards it so perhaps I'm biased because it was "cheap" :)
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I could stomach £741 just about, I've some googling for codes but the best I could find is 5% off.

How does the image quality compare with the Dell G3223Q?

Any other suggestions or ideas from anyone? @HACO am I remembering correctly you were quite knowledgeable on this stuff.

Thanks again for the replies so far
 
Jimbeam3678 said:
I could stomach £741 just about, I've some googling for codes but the best I could find is 5% off.

How does the image quality compare with the Dell G3223Q?

Any other suggestions or ideas from anyone? @HACO am I remembering correctly you were quite knowledgeable on this stuff.

Thanks again for the replies so far
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If your budget is ~£750 I recommend the Gigabyte M32U (~£650). It's 4K 144Hz, has USB-C and HDMI 2.1, and is a very decent monitor for both gaming and productivity. But don't get the 28" version (M28U) as that uses a BGR pixel layout, you'll have to turn the screen upside down and rotate everything 180 degrees to turn it into RBG, otherwise text will look horrible.
 
@HACO you seem to be the knowledge on this one. I’m looking at selling off my pc tower to fund a full move to my mbp 14”. If the budget is £1800 what’s your pick of the crop? Do you hold out for the lg ultra fine or are there other gems?
 
For what it’s worth I opted to stay with a dual QHD setup. The decent 4k stuff isn’t quite there yet, well certainly not when look at the money people are asking for them.
 
GCC said:
If the budget is £1800 what’s your pick of the crop?
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I'm not @HACO but for that budget I'd go with the Apple Studio Display. You're getting a 5K monitor that's going to work well with no scaling issues and £300 change from your £1800.
 
GCC said:
@HACO you seem to be the knowledge on this one. I’m looking at selling off my pc tower to fund a full move to my mbp 14”. If the budget is £1800 what’s your pick of the crop? Do you hold out for the lg ultra fine or are there other gems?
Click to expand...

As @Feek says if you can afford the Studio Display there are no better options for macOS.
 
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