Replacing 2 x 27" for 1 larger monitor? - Please recommend

Bryan Kortez · 14 Jan 2018 at 21:19

I'm currently in the process of swapping out my desktop PC for a top spec MacBook Pro 15". I'm trying to go for a simplistic and clean setup with as little wires as possible.

I do a fair bit of trading during the day, so usually have 1 window always open to do with market prices etc. The only games I really play now (rarely) are Battlefield 1 and EVE Online.

Should I stick with a dual monitor setup or swap over to a single larger monitor, maybe an ultrawide? If so, which monitors do you guys recommend? Ideally, I would be looking for something that allows a single wire from the mac to the monitor for charging and USB hub etc.

Pocah · 15 Jan 2018 at 07:44

Opps/ Sorry I posted a reply then realised I have no experience of the 15" MacBook so withdrew my answer! Basically take a look at the LG 34UM88C-P as sold by Overclockers.

nashathedog · 15 Jan 2018 at 09:16

A 34" Ultrawide has the same screen height as a 27" widescreen (16:9) but with less screen width than two 27" monitors have so if you want more real estate than that you could consider one of the 38" 1600 ultrawide's or look at a larger 16:9 as you can find 32" and 40" monitor models on the market.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/monitors/by-size/30-76.20cm-and-above

based on the one window always open you may be better off with two seperate monitors, That said you could get one with picture in picture.

ToTheMax · 15 Jan 2018 at 10:16

Personally I went from triple 27" to a single 4K 40" and regret nothing. You can easily divide the screen into 4 quadrants effectively 1080p screens for productivity/desktop and get massive immersion playing games running full screen. Your brain will quickly adjust to the increased screen size which is overwhelming initially. The best aspect of this screen size is you don't need desktop scaling as you can run 1:1 pixels.

Squid Vicious · 15 Jan 2018 at 12:00

As mentioned above, you could consider already available 38" UW from Dell or LG

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x Dell UltraSharp U3818W 38" 3840x1600 IPS Curved Widescreen LED Monitor - Midnight Black= £1,049.99
1 x LG 38UC99 38" 3840x1600 FREESYNC IPS 75Hz WideScreen Super-Wide Curved LED Monitor= £1,199.99

Total: £2,265.28 (includes shipping: £15.30)

Or maybe consider the new 34WK95U from LG detailed here - a 34" 5120 x 2160 offering with Thunderbolt 3 which will work well with the Mac

Noughtboy · 16 Jan 2018 at 18:44

Dual monitor setup all the way. Either get larger or smaller if you wish but dual nonetheless.

If for nothing else, built in redundancy. Had one of mine pack up today. Actually, the monitor is fine...the DP to DVI cable seems to be broken.

Trading on two screens instead of three is a mission. You will find the same.

Bryan Kortez · 17 Jan 2018 at 01:30

Thanks for all your input. I'll hold off for now and make what I have work, then maybe buy 2 ultrawides in the future.

Pocah · 17 Jan 2018 at 09:02

Bryan Kortez said:
Thanks for all your input. I'll hold off for now and make what I have work, then maybe buy 2 ultrawides in the future.

I wouldn't get two ultra's. Physically too wide. If you have a 34" in the center then you need to angle any additional monitors at 45" so they wrap around your seating position ( like a simulator ).

But seriously with ultrawides the entire thing would be just huge.

I think the maximum you could get away with is a single 34" and one or two 27" monitors either side. That would look good because 27" are the same height as 34" ultrawides.