Laptops with 4k resolution screens... lets talk about it.

Richdog · 27 Jun 2014 at 08:31

As we know, 4k is now becoming, if not standard, at least increasingly commonplace on mid/high-end machines. There is of course a lot of debate on the various merits, pros and cons that such a resolution provides.

Some common arguments I hear for and against are:

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PROs

People who do photo and video editing can view most original content as intended
Movies in 4k can be watched as intended
Incredibly sharp text and images

CONs

Text scaling in Windows inconsistent, some apps near-unreadable
Games run in 4k require massively more GPU power
Uses more power

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So, with all that in mind... what I would like to discuss is:

1) Current owners of 4k laptop screens: what are your thoughts?

2) What do you think are the Pro's and Con's which I may not have covered above?

3) What are the thoughts on downscaling to 1080p for some apps and games, does the half resolution scaling result in a clear image?

Looking forward to reading some good posts.

spoffle · 27 Jun 2014 at 08:38

Windows 8.1 has a lot more options when it comes to scaling, so using pixel doubling (200% scaling) will result in the same sort of screen area as a 1080P panel, but at a much higher level of sharpness. The problem is that some applications are not set up to take advantage of this, this will however come in time when these sort of displays become more common. I heard recently that Adobe are working on a new GUI for their CC applications to get around this problem, which I am looking forward to, I don't have a 4K display, though I do have an 11.6" laptop with a 1080P screen

(also there are no apostrophes required in pros and cons)

Rroff · 27 Jun 2014 at 18:07

With decent scaling hardware running at 1920x should result in no or minimal quality loss and is quite viable to do.

Currently 4K UI scaling seems to be a bit too much in early days to make it an ideal experience IMO.

got_ice_tea · 28 Jun 2014 at 00:15

Not bothered about 4k at the moment probably be dead before I actually care but im enjoying 720p with no complaints.

Richdog · 28 Jun 2014 at 12:16

Rroff said:
With decent scaling hardware running at 1920x should result in no or minimal quality loss and is quite viable to do.

Currently 4K UI scaling seems to be a bit too much in early days to make it an ideal experience IMO.

Agreed that its in its infancy but thats only due to proper scaling imo, but if 1080p scales down well then I think its worth having for when the scaling catches up, which should only be a year or so. The new ASUS with the 107% NTSC for example is a staggeringly amazing screen, and worth having if you will keep your machine 2-3 years or so.

got_ice_tea said:
Not bothered about 4k at the moment probably be dead before I actually care but im enjoying 720p with no complaints.

lol...