Apple
Out of context: Reply #2785
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- mg331
I've got one of the BenQ monitors hooked up to my work MBP as of last night, running it at 2560x1440, which is a smaller resolution than I typically use, but feels nice to sit back further from the screen.
It's nice to look at a matte screen again to be honest. I have no windows in my basement so no glare on any monitor, but this immediately felt softer on my eyes than the glossy iMac or Thunderbolt Display. The BenQ monitors come pre-calibrated, so I haven't touched anything to do with the screen appearance.
Didn't realize I was going to need a USB-C to USB-B cable to use the monitor's USB connections as a hub. So, had to order a couple of those and get them tomorrow.
I had to get a web cam since neither monitor has a camera, and I'm already missing the speakers on the Thunderbolt monitor; the BenQ's speakers (which I only use for video chats, I don't listen to music on this computer.) are pretty low-volume, and I don't like that I can't adjust the volume with my keyboard anymore. I'm sure I'll get used to it.
I think in the moment I'm annoyed by what feels like far more cables to make all this work than with an iMac or Mac monitor, but once all that's hooked up I probably won't think about it again. My biggest question right now is if there's a way to daisy chain USB cables between monitors to use external things plugged into either monitor with either computer.
I'd love to have gotten those 5K LG Ultrafine monitors, but I don't want to spend that much even if I financed it on my Apple Card. Those are the difference between this upgrade costing me about $1,400 (Mac mini and trade-in value of iMac + two $500 BenQ screens) and it costing me $3,000 if I did the LG's. I'm anxious to see what new displays Apple introduces this year based on the rumors of a more affordable screen, but I doubt those will be less than $1K, so the BenQ's still feel like the most cost-effective option out there.
- If you had just got the Dell, you would only have one cable connected for power, video and power passthrough. The Dells have chargers for USB-C and A built in.monospaced
- For audio, get a nice pair of small speakers. That seems more your style anyway.monospaced
- I've got speakers - AudioEngine A2+ that are currently connected to the iMac. They have dual inputs, so hoping I can connect those to the MBP's monitor.mg33
- mono - you're talking about this one, right?
Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Monitor - U2720Qmg33 - Yeah. I have that and it powers my MBP through the video cable. I also charge things connected to it. Also use a pair of A2s here :)monospaced
- But I actually haven't tried using the monitor as a "hub" beyond charging. I don't think it passes data like a true "hub" would from a drive or something.monospaced
- i'm tempted by that dell mono. on a fairly washed out 4k AOC at home, I'm waiting to see what the specs of the M1 pros are regarding thunderbolt/ usb 3/4 -kingsteven
- I will have to use at least one as a hub - not unlike my iMac setup where I have one attached USB hub, and use the rest of the ports for other things:mg33
- such is the one cable dream, i think i'll go full kondo and re-do the whole officekingsteven
- 2 midi controllers, iPhone cable, speaker output, Apogee preamp interface, external HD, UPS/battery monitor, backup drive, and maybe 2 more.mg33
- yeah, you need an actual powered hub for that more serious kitmonospaced
- gotta admit... the sight of an external web cam attached to my monitor really makes me long for the simplicity of an integrated one in the monitor.mg33
- @mg33 SOOO missing USB-C, camera BUT trying to save money?!
Damned technology, eh?
Drinking helps...ideaist - My latest laptop has no camera. It’s great. I don’t need to look at everyone and can still screenshare. Can plug one in if really necessary but yet to need it.sausages
- Questions on this as I'm planning a new home setup myself — can the Dell monitor be lowered like the BenQ -> https://bit.ly/3kOSS… ?Daithi