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Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

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Re: Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

#31

Post by AdamN »

nixass wrote: post #28

It doesn't help the way that Apple is using "internal" resolution and scaling versus how Windows does it. If you aren't within the density of "retina" display [1.] then there's solid chance the image you're looking at will be blurry. Even though you might have high quality display (whatever the size and resolution are) if you don't play by the rules Apple had imagined you're in tough spot. [1.] https://www.caseyliss.…

You're correct but also Apple had to choose some sort of sweet spot. They chose one that's high ppi (~240) which means that regular monitors will not do but Apple wanted to make sure they were satisfying pro users who in fact do need that high of a ppi.

Re: Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

#32

Post by sumo89 »

Actual display recommendations aside I would have loved this article years ago when trying to explain to designers why a font on one device may not look the same on another device, even if it's the same font-family and pixel height, especially when they're all using Macs.

Re: Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

#33

Post by AdamN »

lifty wrote: post #23

It’s clear that even in 2026 most people still don’t get the pixel density (PPI) argument. Or perhaps they get it but they don’t appreciate it. For me, any monitor that is not HIDPI (218 ppi) is a non starter. Maybe my eyesight is better than the average but looking at a non-retina display seems atrocious after having spent time working on a retina display.

Ironically I find this even more true for text. It's not just photographers that need the HiDPI - it's people reading and writing text who benefit as well.

Re: Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

#34

Post by AdamN »

freefaler wrote: post #17

LG DualUp monitor is a great monitor for developers. Vertical and wide enough to show all the toolbars and the code. Sadly they were not produced since 2024, but they are very good. BTW, if someone is selling, I'm buying to have more spares.

Oh man I hated that monitor. It's the only one I've ever bothered to go through the return process for. I was excited about the aspect ratio but the pixel density was just terrible for me.

I love my LG UltraFines though. I'm tempted by the upgrade though because my displays are dual 24" and I wouldn't mind just going to a single 27" display so I can focus better.

Re: Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

#35

Post by lifty »

AdamN wrote: post #33
lifty wrote: post #23

It’s clear that even in 2026 most people still don’t get the pixel density (PPI) argument. Or perhaps they get it but they don’t appreciate it. For me, any monitor that is not HIDPI (218 ppi) is a non starter. Maybe my eyesight is better than the average but looking at a non-retina display seems atrocious after having spent time working on a retina display.

Ironically I find this even more true for text. It's not just photographers that need the HiDPI - it's people reading and writing text who benefit as well.

I come from the text angle as well. I stare the whole day at terminals and IDEs.

Re: Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

#36

Post by solatic »

> 120Hz refresh rate would be nice to have, but there is no display I’m aware of that meets the macOS pixel density requirement while also providing faster refresh rates.

Is this still true, meaning, is the new Studio Display XDR the only option that is also Retina/HiDPI and also 120Hz? I've seen a lot of commentary dumping on the price, but if they're really the only option then they can charge whatever Apple Tax they want.

Re: Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

#37

Post by freefaler »

AdamN wrote: post #34
freefaler wrote: post #17

LG DualUp monitor is a great monitor for developers. Vertical and wide enough to show all the toolbars and the code. Sadly they were not produced since 2024, but they are very good. BTW, if someone is selling, I'm buying to have more spares.

Oh man I hated that monitor. It's the only one I've ever bothered to go through the return process for. I was excited about the aspect ratio but the pixel density was just terrible for me. I love my LG UltraFines though. I'm tempted by the upgrade though because my displays are dual 24" and I wouldn't mind just going to a single 27" display so I can focus better.

It's not a retina display for sure. However it's good enough for me, since it's just text and the code reading is much easier because of the ratio.

Re: Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

#38

Post by jsheard »

solatic wrote: post #36

> 120Hz refresh rate would be nice to have, but there is no display I’m aware of that meets the macOS pixel density requirement while also providing faster refresh rates. Is this still true, meaning, is the new Studio Display XDR the only option that is also Retina/HiDPI and also 120Hz? I've seen a lot of commentary dumping on the price, but if they're really the only option then they can charge whatever Apple Tax th…

Several 5K 27" 120hz+ monitors were announced at CES earlier this year, likely all using the same panel as the new Studio Display. Apparently MSI is shooting for about $900.

https://youtu.be/r6VT5bEeKWw?t=197

Re: Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

#39

Post by AdamN »

lifty wrote: post #35
AdamN wrote: post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Ironically I find this even more true for text. It's not just photographers that need the HiDPI - it's people reading and writing text who benefit as well.

I come from the text angle as well. I stare the whole day at terminals and IDEs.

Yeah I've always ascribed to the idea that the monitor is the most important part of the computer. Everything else is secondary because you can workaround a lot of other problems with a computer but there's no overcoming a low quality display.

Re: Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2 (2022)

#40

Post by [deleted] »

jsheard wrote: post #38
solatic wrote: post #36

> 120Hz refresh rate would be nice to have, but there is no display I’m aware of that meets the macOS pixel density requirement while also providing faster refresh rates. Is this still true, meaning, is the new Studio Display XDR the only option that is also Retina/HiDPI and also 120Hz? I've seen a lot of commentary dumping on the price, but if they're really the only option then they can charge whatever Apple Tax th…

Several 5K 27" 120hz+ monitors were announced at CES earlier this year, likely all using the same panel as the new Studio Display. Apparently MSI is shooting for about $900. https://youtu.be/r6VT5bEeKWw?t=197

[deleted]
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