External Monitor Recommendations for an Macbook Air M1

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Krypton

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Long story short, daughter has some interest in Graphics Design, has a MacBook Air M1 8GB / 500GB for her to play with as a start. I am not a mac user, but hoping some of you more experienced Mac users can provide some input. Yes, I know 16GB would be better... but for now she is getting started. She is a student, and has all the Adobe creative tools installed.

Looking at external monitors, and KB / Mouse as well.

Not wanting to spend too much as this is a "starter" arrangement (to see if she will commit).. then will look at upgrading down the road.

Thought about picking up a used 27" A1407 Apple Thunderbolt Cinema display (if the price is right) along with an Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter .. but that will be limited to native 2K and USB 2.. so yeah, really not worth it.. these monitors are really old and it would be dongle dependent. I would not pay more than $150 for this setup with the adapter.

On the flip side, I have one of these I use for time machine backups with external USB 3 SSDs:

https://www.amazon.com/Hiearcool-MacBook-Multiport-Compatible-Nintendo/dp/B07WPTG7NX

but it only has HDMI output that based on reviews does not support HDMI 2.0.. sigh... and HDMI with the MacBook M1s is not to great I hear. So you really need to go video over USB-C direct..


I have looked at this one, and it seems to have great reviews, ticks all the boxes with external connectivity too.

LG UltraFine UHD 27-Inch 4K UHD 2160p Computer Monitor 27UN850-W, IPS with VESA DisplayHDR 400, AMD FreeSync, and USB-C, White,Silver​


https://www.amazon.com/LG-27UN850-W-DisplayHDR-Borderless-Adjustable/dp/B08CVTTNN4

Any recommendations ?

​


For KB and mouse, I was looking at this:

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Multi-Device-Rechargeable-Stainless-Compatible/dp/B0BWDMD69D
 
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I have been researching more and strongly considering the ASUS - ProArt 27" / PA279CRV for the price point / intended application, and going to stay away from the cheap / low end LG offerings... too many build quality / reliability problems / abysmal warranty support.

1724756223689.png


https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/best/by-usage/photo-editing-graphic-design



The only concern that I have is with scaling on mac os... you are better off going 2k or 5k as 4k scaling is not too great from what I understand, but some people claim that Apple made some updates in the OS in Mojave that makes 2K not as clear, but a third party program "Better Display" fixes that, and also can resolve 4k scaling issues as well. Another one is Easy Res from the app store, someone on reddit mentioned " you can access more resolutions than the ones of the settings. I'm using a 27' 4k and move between 1200px and 1440px (retina mode) and it is really good".

I am still considering an old 27" A1407 Apple Thunderbolt 2k Display.. some folks still use these(1,2, or even 3) for professional work with Mac M...

EDIT:

Just watched this video and it clarifies most of the questions I had regarding scaling.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etqtdvrBuNY

I will most likely go with the PA279CRV BUT.... It would be great if there were 5k monitors in the $500 price point.

Hmmm... this guy figured out a way... I can do it, just don't have the time anymore.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6DmFY4Nsis


EDIT 2: There is a guy on Marketplace selling a higher end LG 5K UltraFine 27MD5KLB-B in great condition for $400... pretty motivated to sell to as he is moving.. Downside, no warranty.
 
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