[Vid6639]

One more point to note for those going for 4K monitors. If you are using a USB-C hub, most hubs support 4K but only @ 30fps. You have to get a hub that supports 4K @ 60fps.

I got a Ugreen one and it works flawlessly, my earlier Anker hub was 30fps and I thought buying a monitor was a mistake as my inbuilt graphics card wasnt able to handle it, only to realise it's the hub that is limiting not the graphics card.

[ps_abhijith]

The built-in support for 4k monitors was a surprise to me. When I upgraded to the 32-inch 4k, I was using a dock with HDMI display outs. The dock supported 4k resolution, but only at 30hz refresh rate. Refresh rates above this were not available.

I then tried to connect the monitor directly via hdmi cable to a windows laptop, but the result was the same. Had to go through the specification and documentation of the monitor and my laptop to figure out the following:

1. Not all HDMI cables support 4k at 60hz, you need cables clearly marked with something like premium / high speed.
2. Most laptops do not support 4k at 60hz on the HDMI out, but only via the Type C ports.
3. Older laptops with a type c port mostly does not even support display out via the type c port.
3. Most 4k monitors doesn't support 4k 60hz via the HDMI port, but only via type c or display port.

So, the ideal combination will be to either get a type-C to display port cable to connect the laptop directly to the 4k monitor or get a display port-display port cable to connect it via a supporting dock. Both these cables are not cheap, and the cheaper ones often will not support 4k @60hz or above.

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by GTO

Is it time to update my monitor?

If your concern is eye-care there are a few factors to consider:

1) Buy a bigger monitor and put it slightly further away. (Personally my close-range vision is getting worse in my 40s, so if it's the same for you, then this might help a bit).

2) Get a 4K monitor (or even WQHD (2560x1440)). This definitely improves crispness of text etc. It's also the standard for any modern premium monitor.

3) Get a higher refresh rate screen (current/default is 60Hz). You could ideally try for 120Hz... though unfortunately not a lot of non-"gaming" monitors will offer this.

4) Get a monitor with matte coating / anti-reflective (especially if you have a bright window behind you).

5) Then, for me I always want something taller than a stupid 16:9 ratio, but that's really hard to find.


Now, the problem is that there's virtually no monitor that matches all these specs (even if we leave out point #5).

One monitor that really meets most of the requirements (as well as seemingly a big focus on eye-care) is this BenQ RD280U I've mentioned before in the thread.

Downsides: 46k is a bit pricey, especially since it's only 60Hz.


Apart from the one above that stands out because of its 3:2 ratio, I don't have any other specific reccos. You can go by Amazon ratings / T-BHP reccos etc for a 4K 27-32" monitor.


Lastly, regarding old Dell vs Mac, your Dell is technically capable of doing 4K output, but in case you notice it slow-down (esp on youtube etc), then the Mac would be better in that regard.

Also, good point raised about the USB-C docks doing 4k @ 30Hz, despite your laptop having a thunderbolt 3 port. You'll have to check the specs of the dock.

[DDIS_RE650]

I am using LG Ultragear since last 2.5 years. This is one of the best investment for my office setup. I connect personal CPU using HDMI while DP for office laptop.

[Aroy]

I would also suggest getting a 4K monitor. At present I have two monitors connected to my laptop giving me three screens in total.

. 27" 4K from LG
. 24" HD from LG

Though I am using a windows laptop, the 4K monitors was bought by my son for his Apple Laptop (really high end one with 32GB of ram and the works ~ 3L two years ago).

4K with 30" or larger screen is the way to go for future proofing. Regarding eye strain a higher refresh rate will solve it. Do search the NET for reviews of various 4K+ monitors.

[curiosity]

Hello everyone. I have a sort of a noob question here: I am planning to get a BenQ MA320U monitor to use with Macbook Air M2. I have read that one can charge and use the monitor via the USB-C, how does one stop charging and still use the monitor via the USB-C, this is because I do not wish to charge my laptop or keep it on charge beyond 80-90%

[mayukh42]

Originally Posted by curiosity

how does one stop charging and still use the monitor via the USB-C, this is because I do not wish to charge my laptop or keep it on charge beyond 80-90%

This has to be configured in the Mac. It has a built-in optimized charging feature, that limits charging to 80% level. You can enable it in System Settings -> Battery -> Health "i" icon -> Optimized Charging

https://support.apple.com/en-in/guid...dbc13fd966/mac