I seek opinion on this LG Monitor for my MacBook Air M1 2020

[pendlewitch]

Hello folks, It's been a long time since I posted and I hope you can help. My lovely iMac 27" 2010 basically gave up the ghost several years ago and I bought this MacBook Air M1 2020 to get me though until such a time as I could bear the cost of an iMac again. I do however quite like the portability of this machine and I'm considering buying a monitor. The biggest thing I miss about my old iMac was the incredible picture and expansive screen for intensive document work.
After quite a lengthy research process I'm looking at this and would appreciate your opinion.

LG 27UP85NP-W 27" UHD 4K IPS Monitor with VESA Display HDR 400

LG IPS 4K UHD 27" Monitor - 27UP85NP-W | LG UK

Get more information on the LG 27UP85NP-W. Click for pictures, reviews, & tech specs for the LG IPS 4K UHD 27" Monitor. Get 5% off your first order.

www.lg.com

Many thanks,
Liam

 

[Slydude]

I'm going to suggest that you either go somewhere and look at the monitor or buy it from a vendor with a good return policy. This is not a knock against that monitor or LG in general. I say that about all monitors because people's monitor preferences seem to vary considerably.

That monitor looks pretty impressive. I have an older LG monitor that I've used for several years. I decided on LG because we have one of their TVs and liked the color. I like the fact that it has multiple input ports allowing me to easily connect more than one computer and switch among them by switching the input selector.

There are two issues with my LG that may not be an issue for you.
1 I originally bought my LG as a secondary monitor for my iMac. The monitor is an ultrwide that has a different aspect ratio than the iMac screen has. Annoyed me a lot more than you would think although it's less of an issue now that it's the primary monitor for a Mac mini.

2. Accessing the settings menu for my monitor is accomplished by a rocker switch on the underside of the monitor. This switch also controls power on/off. This drives me nuts as I find the switch awkward to reach on a crowded desk. I couldn't tell for sure if they kept the same setup on your monitor.

 

[pm-r]

The biggest thing I miss about my old iMac was the incredible picture and expansive screen for intensive document work.
After quite a lengthy research process I'm looking at this and would appreciate your opinion.

LG 27UP85NP-W 27" UHD 4K IPS Monitor with VESA Display HDR 400

Sly provides some very good advice, and see if you can look at a display bottle.

But if you were impressed with your old iMac display, there's a very good chance that it was made by LG, and certainly not much wrong with most of their displays.

As for your 2010 iMac, Apple said it had:

Built-in 27-inch (viewable) LED-backlit glossy widescreen TFT active-matrix liquid crystal display with IPS technology

iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support (CA)

support.apple.com

Maybe that LG display model is similar or maybe even better.





- Patrick
=======.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

After quite a lengthy research process I'm looking at this and would appreciate your opinion.

LG 27UP85NP-W 27" UHD 4K IPS Monitor with VESA Display HDR 400

That monitor is $400 on Amazon, and has quite a few very positive reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/LG-27UP850-W-DisplayHDR-Virtually-Borderless/dp/B08YJMMYBX?th=1#

LG and Samsung both currently make state of the art monitors that are better than anyone else's. They also make much cheaper monitors, so you can't just purchase anything from either manufacturer and expect it to be exceptionally good.

The LG monitor you are looking at is a really good monitor. However, it is over-priced for what it is. I think you can do just as well, for quite a bit less.

Check out:

YEYIAN ODRAZ 27” IPS Panel HDR 4K UHD Slim Bezel PC Gaming Monitor 3840x2160, 1 Billion Colors, Low Blue, 300cd/m2, 1000:1, 60Hz, 5ms, 16:9, 178°, G-Sync, FreeSync, DP/HDMI/USB, Speakers, VESA, Tilt
$220
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HN6XSYS/

PHILIPS 288E2E 28" Frameless Monitor, 4K UHD 3840x2160 IPS, 120% sRGB, FreeSync, Height Adjustable, VESA, 4Yr Advance Replacement
$267
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TF58RR4?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

SAMSUNG U28R550UQNX 28" 4K UHD Monitor with AMD Free Sync
$289
https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-U28R550UQNX-LU28R550UQNXZA-Monitor-Free/dp/B084V9CJB1/

An important point. Your MBA does not have an HDMI output. It only has Thunderbolt ports with USB-C connectors. This means that to connect your monitor to your MBA you will need an adapter. DO NOT get any adapter that does not support Thunderbolt 3 or better. A simple USB-C to HDMI adapter may not work, or if it does work it may not give you the resolution you were expecting.

This $14 adapter seems to always work perfectly:
https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-uni-...5V68NVR/ref=psdc_306629011_t1_B07THJGZ9Z?th=1

 

[krs]

My recommendation was going to be - Wait for Randy to comment about this monitor and possibly make some alternate suggestions.
But I see Randy beat me to it.

 

[krs]

An important point. Your MBA does not have an HDMI output. It only has Thunderbolt ports with USB-C connectors. This means that to connect your monitor to your MBA you will need an adapter. DO NOT get any adapter that does not support Thunderbolt 3 or better. A simple USB-C to HDMI adapter may not work, or if it does work it may not give you the resolution you were expecting.

This $14 adapter seems to always work perfectly:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075V68NVR/?tag=macforums0e4-20

Doesn't the USB-C input of the LG monitor eliminate the need for HDMI to drive the monitor?
This is in the LG description:

USB Type-C™ ports allow 4K display, data transfer and connected device charging (up to 90W), enabling support for your laptop all at the same time over a single cable. Reduce cord clutter and increase efficiency through one USB Type-C™ cable without the need of dedicated cables or chargers for your laptop or other devices.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

Doesn't the USB-C input of the LG monitor eliminate the need for HDMI to drive the monitor?
This is in the LG description:

It's hard to say. Usually when I see a monitor with a USB-C input, I assume that it is just to allow the monitor to act as a USB hub. But the LG monitor appears to allow you to use USB-C as your video connection too. The question is whether the OP's MBA has the proper spec USB port to support the LG's USB input, and if so, can it give best performance. All that I can find for the LG monitor is that it has a "USB-C" input, no other specifications.

Most every other monitor relies on an HDMI input. (The LG is question also offers an HDMI input in addition to USB-C.) When matched to a good Thunderbolt 3 or 4 adapter, using HDMI and Thunderbolt 3 or 4 assures that the monitor is going to give you the best performance it is capable of.

Here is a table that I made to try and keep track of all of the different flavors of USB-C and TB:

Thunderbolt 4 is approx. = Thunderbolt 3 = 40Gbps; supports two 4K monitors
USB 4 = Thunderbolt 3 = 40Gbps; supports one 4K monitor
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 = USB 3.2 = SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps = 20Gbps
USB 3.2 Gen 2 = USB 3.1 Gen 2 = USB 3.1 = SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps = 10Gbps
USB 3.2 Gen 1 = USB 3.1 Gen 1 = USB 3.0 = SuperSpeed USB = 5Gbps

 

[pendlewitch]

I'm going to suggest that you either go somewhere and look at the monitor or buy it from a vendor with a good return policy. This is not a knock against that monitor or LG in general. I say that about all monitors because people's monitor preferences seem to vary considerably.

That monitor looks pretty impressive. I have an older LG monitor that I've used for several years. I decided on LG because we have one of their TVs and liked the color. I like the fact that it has multiple input ports allowing me to easily connect more than one computer and switch among them by switching the input selector.

There are two issues with my LG that may not be an issue for you.
1 I originally bought my LG as a secondary monitor for my iMac. The monitor is an ultrwide that has a different aspect ratio than the iMac screen has. Annoyed me a lot more than you would think although it's less of an issue now that it's the primary monitor for a Mac mini.

2. Accessing the settings menu for my monitor is accomplished by a rocker switch on the underside of the monitor. This switch also controls power on/off. This drives me nuts as I find the switch awkward to reach on a crowded desk. I couldn't tell for sure if they kept the same setup on your monitor.

Slydude hello again and thank you for coming back! You touch on aspect ratio here which is crucial. I need to nail that down. I'll be using the notebook in clamshell mode and a separate keyboard/mouse/trackpad etc. so the monitor will the primary one.

 

[pendlewitch]

Sly provides some very good advice, and see if you can look at a display bottle.

But if you were impressed with your old iMac display, there's a very good chance that it was made by LG, and certainly not much wrong with most of their displays.

As for your 2010 iMac, Apple said it had:

iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support (CA)

support.apple.com

Maybe that LG display model is similar or maybe even better.





- Patrick
=======.

Hey p-mr hello. Yes it is good advice and I suspect the display on my old iMac could well have ben LG. I recall installing a new display driver card towards the end of it's days.

 

[pendlewitch]

That monitor is $400 on Amazon, and has quite a few very positive reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YJMMYBX/?tag=macforums0e4-20

LG and Samsung both currently make state of the art monitors that are better than anyone else's. They also make much cheaper monitors, so you can't just purchase anything from either manufacturer and expect it to be exceptionally good.

The LG monitor you are looking at is a really good monitor. However, it is over-priced for what it is. I think you can do just as well, for quite a bit less.

Check out:

YEYIAN ODRAZ 27” IPS Panel HDR 4K UHD Slim Bezel PC Gaming Monitor 3840x2160, 1 Billion Colors, Low Blue, 300cd/m2, 1000:1, 60Hz, 5ms, 16:9, 178°, G-Sync, FreeSync, DP/HDMI/USB, Speakers, VESA, Tilt
$220
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HN6XSYS/?tag=macforums0e4-20

PHILIPS 288E2E 28" Frameless Monitor, 4K UHD 3840x2160 IPS, 120% sRGB, FreeSync, Height Adjustable, VESA, 4Yr Advance Replacement
$267
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TF58RR4/?tag=macforums0e4-20

SAMSUNG U28R550UQNX 28" 4K UHD Monitor with AMD Free Sync
$289
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084V9CJB1/?tag=macforums0e4-20

An important point. Your MBA does not have an HDMI output. It only has Thunderbolt ports with USB-C connectors. This means that to connect your monitor to your MBA you will need an adapter. DO NOT get any adapter that does not support Thunderbolt 3 or better. A simple USB-C to HDMI adapter may not work, or if it does work it may not give you the resolution you were expecting.

This $14 adapter seems to always work perfectly:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075V68NVR/?tag=macforums0e4-20

Hmm interesting stuff Randy. Samsung was forefront in my mind but I have horrendous dark shape background issues on a 7 Series 55" UHD Smart TV. A well known and documented issue I believe which only becomes apparent over time. That said I will have another look at Samsung monitors. I was looking at a Full HD version originally but I didn't really see the point if my notebook is 4K and Apple TV stream in HDR. Yes I was aware of 'handshake' issues with adaptors and was going to get the Apple proprietary one if needed but wow they know how to price in the UK!

 

[pendlewitch]

Doesn't the USB-C input of the LG monitor eliminate the need for HDMI to drive the monitor?
This is in the LG description:

Very good question

 

[pendlewitch]

It's hard to say. Usually when I see a monitor with a USB-C input, I assume that it is just to allow the monitor to act as a USB hub. But the LG monitor appears to allow you to use USB-C as your video connection too. The question is whether the OP's MBA has the proper spec USB port to support the LG's USB input, and if so, can it give best performance. All that I can find for the LG monitor is that it has a "USB-C" input, no other specifications.

Most every other monitor relies on an HDMI input. (The LG is question also offers an HDMI input in addition to USB-C.) When matched to a good Thunderbolt 3 or 4 adapter, using HDMI and Thunderbolt 3 or 4 assures that the monitor is going to give you the best performance it is capable of.

Here is a table that I made to try and keep track of all of the different flavors of USB-C and TB:

Thunderbolt 4 is approx. = Thunderbolt 3 = 40Gbps; supports two 4K monitors
USB 4 = Thunderbolt 3 = 40Gbps; supports one 4K monitor
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 = USB 3.2 = SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps = 20Gbps
USB 3.2 Gen 2 = USB 3.1 Gen 2 = USB 3.1 = SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps = 10Gbps
USB 3.2 Gen 1 = USB 3.1 Gen 1 = USB 3.0 = SuperSpeed USB = 5Gbps

...and a very good answer

 

[Slydude]

Slydude hello again and thank you for coming back! You touch on aspect ratio here which is crucial. I need to nail that down. I'll be using the notebook in clamshell mode and a separate keyboard/mouse/trackpad etc. so the monitor will the primary one.

In that case, the aspect ratio may not be that important to you. In my case, it drove me nuts because the LG and my iMac were side-by-side on the same desk.

I don't know what your primary tasks will be on that Mac/monitor combo will be but I can think of one task where aspect ratio might be important to me. I don't do a lot of video editing but when I do I find it a little frustrating when the monitor I'm using is a different aspect ratio from the target screen the content will be played on. Hust a minor frustration for me rather than a major issue.

 

[pm-r]

In that case, the aspect ratio may not be that important to you. In my case, it drove me nuts because the LG and my iMac were side-by-side on the same desk.

I don't want to get OT, but isn't that where SwitchRes X could be of some help to change one of the display resolutions and aspect ratio if needed???



- Patrick
=======

 

[krs]

Slydude hello again and thank you for coming back! You touch on aspect ratio here which is crucial. I need to nail that down. I'll be using the notebook in clamshell mode and a separate keyboard/mouse/trackpad etc. so the monitor will the primary one.

I don't understand the comments/concerns about the aspect ratio.
All four monitors mentioned in this thread have the same 16:9 aspect ratio.
The 2020 MacBook Air has an aspect ratio of 16:10
I personally prefer an aspect ratio of 16:10 which has been the standard for computers for years, but when I wanted to buy a 16:10 monitor for my Mac Mini there were very few to chose from and they tended to be more expensive than their 16:9 equivalents.
That is still the case now.
The 16:9 aspect ratio was originally used for flat screen TV's and over the years unfortunately migrated to monitors simply because of the lower cost due to the much higher panel production numbers.

 

[Slydude]

For me, the aspect ratio difference was a minor annoyance. If the monitor had been 16:9 or 16:10 I probably wouldn't have noticed the difference, but the monitor I'm using has ah an aspect ratio of 21:9.

 

[pendlewitch]

Hi all sorry I've been away from the desk for a while. I've misunderstood the aspect ratio scenario and have overstated its importance to me. I remember using a Mac notebook circa 2008 (yes the white one ) with a monitor and the resolution and aspect ratio were just plain wrong at the time and I don't think that's going to be the case this time. I just don't want to make a costly mistake. Thanks for all your help it is much appreciated!

 

[Randy B. Singer]

Thanks for all your help it is much appreciated!

Please let us know which monitor you go for, using which type of connection, and how well it works for you. I'm sure that we are all curious to know.

In any case, I strongly recommend that you only purchase from someplace that has an excellent return policy, and that you only pay using a credit card with excellent support in case the vendor's return policy isn't foolproof. If your monitor has any defects you want to be able to send it back with a minimum of fuss.

Good luck!

 

[pendlewitch]

Hi Everyone, just an update. I've been down the rabbit hole that exists of online chat tech support with manufacturers and discovered that the LG monitor I was looking at does not offer power charging of the MacBook via the USB-C port when in clamshell. LG's 'Ultrafine' range does but they have no stock and the prices are similar to Apple's own which is not an option at the moment.
So I've ordered the Samsung monitor and USB-C to HDMI adaptor as per Randy B.'s recommendation. I've picked that up on Amazon UK for delivery next 2 days for £230 GBP.

I'll keep you all posted as to how I get on!

SAMSUNG U28R550UQNX 28" 4K UHD Monitor with AMD Free Sync
$289
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084V9CJB1/?tag=macforums0e4-20

 

[pendlewitch]

Please let us know which monitor you go for, using which type of connection, and how well it works for you. I'm sure that we are all curious to know.

In any case, I strongly recommend that you only purchase from someplace that has an excellent return policy, and that you only pay using a credit card with excellent support in case the vendor's return policy isn't foolproof. If your monitor has any defects you want to be able to send it back with a minimum of fuss.

Good luck!

Ok Randy B. thank you for the recommendation. I hooked up to the MacBook with the Uni USB-C to HDMI cable and the image on the Samsung LU28R55 is excellent and all apps and Apple TV+ are looking good. No loss in functionality and I've now paired up 2 HomePod minis because there are no integral speakers. The Book is closed but still initiates the screensaver and sleep mode as normal so I'm happy with that. A couple of questions please:

1.When I toggle on the Auto detect of HDR in Displays settings the screen and colours dull out. Should I be overly concerned or should I just leave it off? After all if I view HDR 4K from my library or Apple TV+ then that should be the output on the screen I'm assuming. Inception from my library looks stunning and also Invasion as you can see.

2. I read somewhere that MacBook Air M1 2020s vent through the keyboard and don't like being charged when closed from a heat point of view. I have it sat closed and connected to AC on a Twelve South Curve Stand and it appears cool enough. Are you aware of any known heat issues with this type of set up?

Thanks once again,
Liam