The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
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The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
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Re: The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
#2One monitor missing from his list is the Benq PD3220U that hits all of his main criteria although it is fixed at 60Hz so doesn't match all his secondary ones (and isn't cheap).
I have similar requirements to the OP and got this monitor back in March just before everyone started working remotely. I've had no problems with it, and have been pleased with the choice. The separate control unit which can be configured to use the hardware buttons for KVM switching is a small thing but particularly nice to have.
The KVM takes a second or two to switch, and it'd be nice if it would do it (near) instantly. I'm not sure if its firmware is updatable - it's plugged into a Linux machine where I can't run their software or a locked down Windows machine where I'm not allowed to run their software. There's nothing on their website to suggest there are updates I'm missing out on though.
Re: The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
#3I ended up getting a KVM in the middle - it’s more cables but I have a 144Hz gsync screen and I can easily swap kB+m+screen with a dedicated, hardware button
Re: The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
#4I don't like dual monitors setup, it creates more annoyance with the underpredicalty of which window is going to go where than anything to me.
If you have the money, the Apple XDR 6k is super nice to code on.
Re: The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
#5I ended up getting a KVM in the middle - it’s more cables but I have a 144Hz gsync screen and I can easily swap kB+m+screen with a dedicated, hardware button
What KVM are you using that has gsync and 144Hz support? I couldn't find one last time I looked. I'm running an Alienware 3418DW and have video switching through the monitor and a separate USB 3.0 switch.
Re: The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
#6One thing to notice is that 1440p at 27" (one main criteria set by the author) is ideal for non-Retina macOS UI. For Retina UI, stick to 5k at 27" or 4k at 21.5" (or, look for a DPI of around 218 PPI).
Re: The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
#7I ended up getting a KVM in the middle - it’s more cables but I have a 144Hz gsync screen and I can easily swap kB+m+screen with a dedicated, hardware button
Note for anyone considering this setup, the vast majority of KVM switches won't pass through GSync/Freesync
Level1Techs sells a few KVMs that can do it but they're not cheap
Re: The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
#8One thing to notice is that 1440p at 27" (one main criteria set by the author) is ideal for non-Retina macOS UI. For Retina UI, stick to 5k at 27" or 4k at 21.5" (or, look for a DPI of around 218 PPI).
Are there even 5K 27" aside from the LG ones? I think Dell stopped producing theirs, really sad that current landscape of 5K options many years after Apple introduced their iMacs 5K.
Re: The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
#9Does it make sense for the KVM to be integrated with the monitor, or separate?
I’ve been thinking a bit about a setup like this, but there are enough gotchas to prevent me from making a decision.
Re: The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
#10One thing to notice is that 1440p at 27" (one main criteria set by the author) is ideal for non-Retina macOS UI. For Retina UI, stick to 5k at 27" or 4k at 21.5" (or, look for a DPI of around 218 PPI).
Right. 1440p at 27" isn't retina but it scales perfectly, which is all you need for programming imo. Not to mention it's great for gaming. I'm using it now and loving it.