Monitors for mac mini. Comparing Mac Mini and iMac: babies are not for difficult work

"R" is for variety. A set of criteria so as not to miss the mark.

By the end of this year I plan to assemble a small stationary setup based on MacBook Pro 13″ 2015. It will greatly increase my productivity - at least it should. It will include a comfortable desk with the ability to work while standing, an extraordinary monitor (or better yet, two), a comfortable mouse and touchpad, a keyboard for the fastest possible typing, as well as a whole set of additional accessories, which we will discuss separately.

By the way, we have already discussed the choice of a keyboard for Mac, and identified the nuances of modern mice that you need to pay attention to. Today we picked five criteria for choosing a monitor so as not to miss.

1. Give yourself design criteria. It definitely matters

For example, today, when selecting the necessary equipment, I focus on minimalism and the highest quality materials in the design. I need a solution without unnecessary frills. For example, this model very pleased - nothing superfluous.

To this point I also include the ability to work with peripherals. All necessary additional devices can be connected to the monitor. And to get started, just plug one single cable into your MacBook. It is very comfortable.

Plus, it should definitely connect to a MacBook Pro without adapters - via HDMI or Thunderbolt.

2. Select matrix type and resolution. Consider the pros and cons

Today there are three types of matrices available on the market: TN+film, IPS and MVA/PVA. Each option should be considered in terms of the following characteristics - response time, viewing angles, color rendering and contrast. Let's abstract from cost in principle - we only live once.

  • TN+film is characterized by minimal response time, not the largest viewing angles, average color rendering quality and relatively low contrast.
  • IPS stands out for its average response time, maximum viewing angles, high color quality and excellent contrast levels.
  • MVA/PVA is characterized by the same average response time, the same maximum viewing angles, average color quality and the highest contrast levels.

I myself am still inclined towards IPS, but among the interesting-looking options in this case, only Apple Thunderbolt Display, which does not please with pixel density and other parameters. So something like this would suit me this model from Philips with Ultra HD resolution. By the time the purchase is made, Apple may still introduce 4-5K monitors, but for now I’m choosing from what’s available.

As for screen resolution, today you only need to look at 4K. I'm sure it's mine MacBook Pro 13″ 2015 will be able to pull it at a level decent for comfortable work. Plus, in my particular case there is definitely a need for a high pixel density (it’s simply difficult to look at something less clear after Retina), and Full HD is not an option.

3. Decide on the number of monitors. One may not be enough

I don’t think any of our readers need to explain the advisability of using multiple monitors at the same time. I myself regularly pretend to be Julius Caesar and play multitasking. And for this purpose an additional screen would not hurt me.

I'm currently looking at two monitors (for example, the same ASUS 28″ Ultra-HD PB287Q) as one big one. In my case, one of them will be on the right in a vertical orientation (this position is convenient for infinitely long news and other feeds).

4. Estimate the required size. And don't overdo it

I am sure that when choosing a monitor it is important to clearly define the scenarios for its use. For example, I understand that I need it specifically to create content, and not to consume it. Therefore, there is no point in making a TV out of a working tool.

However, I simply don’t want to take something smaller than 27-28 inches - the requests are not the same. As experience shows, it is more convenient to see the whole “picture” as a whole. And this applies not only to text content, but also to image processing or video editing.

The 21.5 inches of the smallest iMac is definitely not enough for me (there’s no point in looking at even smaller options in 2016). But it is perfect for home use, simple retouching and just everyday use. Designers, editors and other categories of professionals involved in content creation usually pay attention to 27+ inches.

Don't forget about a comfortable distance between your eyes and the monitor. With 27-inch and larger solutions it is convenient to work at arm's length and even further. If space does not allow, it is better to pay attention to smaller options.

5. Understand the aspect ratio. Regular, wide-format and ultra-wide solutions

Most monitors available on the market today have an aspect ratio of 16:10 or 16:9, and the classic 4:3 and 5:4 solutions have long ceased to be taken seriously. Plus – ultra-wide options with a width-to-height ratio of 21:9.

If we are talking about real versatility and high productivity, we need to consider monitors that will allow you to fully work with two applications and even more without any problems.

But almost all ultra-wide options feature a curved design. The first impressions after several hours of trial work are that it is a little unusual. And I myself just don’t like their appearance. Therefore, I’m still leaning towards a pair of monitors.

What else should you pay attention to?

I think everyone will be able to both add a few points to the selection and remove unnecessary nuances from it. A monitor is a very individual device, on which it depends no less than on the “head” of the setup. A reasoned discussion in the comments, for which this material was intended, can help you make the most correct choice.

What is important to you when choosing a monitor for your Mac?

While the discussion goes on, I fall more and more in love with Philips Brilliance 4K Ultra HD 288P6LJEB. It fits, if not all, but many of my criteria. Now I'm considering buying this one.

When you buy a brand new monitor for your MacBook, you'll likely encounter one of three problems: the macOS interface will be small, large, or cloudy. In this post, I'll tell you why this happens and how to choose a monitor so that the macOS interface looks as good as on the iMac.

Features of macOS: Retina and pixel density

Apple's current lineup includes four types of MacBooks and two types of iMacs. Everyone has a different screen diagonal and resolution, but the macOS interface is the same in clarity and proportions everywhere. Why?

To understand why this happens, you need to understand the concepts of Retina and PPI. And since we're talking about external monitors, let's break down these terms using the iMac 4K as an example.

The physical resolution of the 21-inch iMac 4K is 4096x2304 pixels, but the visible image is half that size - 2048x1152. This resolution is also called HiDPI. This scaling means that each visible pixel on iMac is made up of four physical pixels. This is how you get Retina - a high-definition image.


In Apple products, the visible pixel size in Retina and non-Retina resolutions is the same

To ensure that macOS looks equally good on devices with different diagonals and resolutions, Apple tied the size of the macOS interface to the PPI (Pixels Per Inch) parameter - the number of pixels per inch, which can be calculated from the diagonal and resolution of the screen.

The macOS interface looks good at PPI values ​​of 110 for non-Retina and 220 for Retina. The MacBook 12″ and iMac 27″ have approximately the same pixel density: 226 and 216 PPI. That's why font and button sizes seem familiar when we switch from a MacBook to an iMac.


macOS looks good on MacBooks and iMacs because their screens always have the same pixel density

Why is the macOS interface small?

4K resolution starts at 3840x2160, also called Ultra HD. In terms of the number of pixels, such a screen consists of four screens with a resolution of 1920x1080. And if you look at any store's selection, the vast majority of 4K monitors have a resolution of 3840x2160.

Unfortunately, this 4K is not enough for macOS.

Each monitor always has its own “native” resolution. This is when the number of output pixels matches the number of physical pixels on the screen. For the picture to look sharp, macOS on a 27-inch 4K monitor must run at a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. But such a picture will look small compared to the iMac 27”.


Notice how much smaller the System Preferences window is on a 4K monitor than on a 5K iMac

This happens because the PPI for 27 inches with a resolution of 3840×2160 is 163, which is much higher than the standard 110. It will not be possible to work comfortably in this resolution even with one hundred percent vision. Everything will be too small.


If the PPI of the visible resolution is greater than 110 points, then the macOS interface will be small

Why is the interface large?

The image will also be clear if you scale the visible image by 200%, so that each visible pixel consists of four physical ones. This is how Retina works: the native resolution of the 27-inch iMac is 5120x2880 pixels, but the visible resolution is 2560x1440.

For a 27-inch 4K monitor to work according to the Retina principle, its resolution must be lowered to 1920x1080 HiDPI. In this case, one visible pixel will also consist of four physical pixels, but with a PPI of 81. Because of this, the interface will become large, and the usable monitor area will be even smaller than in the 21-inch iMac 4K. Oh.


Enabling HiDPI resolution on a regular 4K monitor will make the interface much larger than the iMac 5K
If the PPI is less than 110 points, the macOS interface will look large

Why is the interface cloudy?

When the image on the monitor is too small, the natural desire is to set the resolution lower in order to adjust the PPI value and enlarge the image.

For our 27th monitor, the ideal visible resolution would be 2560x1440 with a PPI of 109. But when the resolution is lowered from 3840x2160 to 2560x1440, each visible pixel will occupy 150% of the physical pixel. To get out of this situation, the video system will paint neighboring pixels in the same shade as the main one. This is how it becomes blurry.


Scaling other than 100 and 200% always leads to image blurring

Some monitors scale the image better, some worse, but a picture with a fractional factor will not look as sharp as a picture in the monitor's native or HiDPI resolution.

Which monitor to choose

When choosing an external monitor for Mac, focus on pixel density. To do this, use a PPI calculator, into which you need to enter the diagonal and resolution of the desired screen.

If the PPI is greater than 110 for non-Retina and 220 for Retina, the image will appear too small. If less - more. To make things easier for you, I have compiled a PPI summary table for popular diagonals and resolutions.


Cheat sheet for choosing the right resolution and diagonal. I marked good options with a green dot

The optimal price/quality ratio would be a monitor with a diagonal of 25–27 inches and a resolution of 2560×1440. Every manufacturer has such options, and the price starts from $350. The scale of the interface on such a monitor will look the way Apple intended.

Small devices certainly have their charm. For example, the Mac Mini is very convenient on the road or in a cafe; if necessary, you can simply take it to work and connect it there. But what if you need to work with heavy graphics or high-quality audio? What to choose: big or small Mac? And if small, which one specifically?

Comparing Mac Mini and iMac

Both iMac and Mac Mini have a sleek, streamlined aluminum design.
Both are powered by a 1.4GHz dual-core Intel processor. The larger iMac can run at 3.5 GHz if upgraded to a quad-core processor, and the new iMac with Retina 5K display can even be overclocked to 4.5 GHz. However, upgrading can double the cost of the all-in-one PC, since additional features for the iMac are much more expensive than components for the Mac Mini.

Both models can be purchased with a choice of either a hard drive or a Fusion Drive; they do not differ in memory capacity. But keep in mind that the small 21-inch iMac has a slower hard drive than all other models.

Mac Mini and small iMac come with Intel HD Graphics 5000 series or Intel Iris Graphics. But if you buy a 27-inch iMac or iMac with Retina display, you can choose a significantly more powerful graphics processor. As for the processor, for the iMac it will be one of the NVIDIA GeForce models, and for the iMac with Retina display you will have to choose between the AMD Radeon R9 M290X and the AMD Radeon R9 M295X with 2 or 4 GB of memory.

In terms of the number of ports and installed applications, Mac Mini and iMac do not differ from each other. All have USB 3.0, Thunderbold, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, or come with OS X Yosemite.

The smallest iMac has a Full HD display, its big brother has a 2560 x 1440 pixel display, and the iMac has a 5K Retina display with a 5120 x 2880 pixel resolution. If we talk about the Mac Mini, then do not forget that you will have to buy a monitor for it, and this is a separate expense item.

So, a Mac Mini with a clock frequency of 1.4 GHz can be purchased today for approximately 35 thousand rubles. The most inexpensive iMac with parameters of 21.5 inches and 1.4 GHz can be found for about 65 thousand rubles, but does this make sense if a faster model with a processor, for example, 2.8 costs only 10 thousand rubles. expensive.

CHIP Output: iMac and Mac Mini

Undoubtedly, by purchasing a Mac Mini or a small iMac, you get an excellent assistant for both home and work. However, if you are faced with the task of professional photo retouching, audio processing, video or cartoon creation, it is better to buy one of the larger iMacs.

However, we must admit that the final price of a large iMac and iMac with Retina display, especially if you want to upgrade them, such as purchasing more powerful processors, may be unreasonably high. After reviewing the Chip tests, you can choose the Apple product that is best suited for you.

Photo: manufacturing companies, pixabay.com

Sooner or later, the owner of a Windows computer comes to the conclusion that he needs a Mac. Well, or an existing Apple computer user decides to update his “old man” from 2009 to something fresher. And if a new device is chosen for home or office use, the main question immediately arises: buy an iMac or take a Mac mini and a monitor separately?

There are many iMac and Mac mini configurations available in stores today. First of all, when choosing a computer, as a rule, the characteristics are compared: if you take for example a 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.8 GHz processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 1 TB hard drive, you can compare it with a similar model from the Mac mini line.

And the result will be this: a quad-core iMac processor instead of a dual-core one, an improved GPU model, an upgrade of RAM to 16 GB. Yes, the Mac mini has a Fusion Drive in a similar configuration, but it’s unlikely that the presence of a 128 GB SSD will be a decisive factor in your choice. Otherwise, the iMac takes care of it, and in essence we get a 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 monitor right away.


As for the difference in cost, it is approximately 20-25 thousand rubles (the cost of a normal monitor). Not much if you buy a computer for at least 5-7 years.


It’s also worth considering one more point here - while Apple is constantly updating the iMac line, albeit quietly, it seems that they have completely forgotten about the Mac mini in Cupertino. Therefore, the hardware in mini is not as new as in the famous candy bar.

And the iMac looks much more aesthetically pleasing than a Mac mini paired with an external monitor from another manufacturer (we’re not even talking about purchasing). The number of wires is minimized, the iMac is not deprived of ports, it has everything you need for work - from USB and Thunderbolt to a slot for memory cards and Ethernet.


Well, if you remember such a thing that the iMac can be taken not with a regular Full HD display, but with a 4K or 5K, it becomes even more interesting. Yes, such a computer will cost more, but the impressions from a screen with such a high resolution will be indescribable. The solution is suitable not only for designers, but also for those who work with text. A study using the independent Yandex.Market system shows that iMac all-in-one PCs have some of the lowest prices, also known as a partner site. The above-mentioned iMac configuration will cost 76,499 rubles - slightly more expensive than a similar Mac mini model in the Apple online store. And there's also a monitor!


If you are constantly on the move and traveling and need a computer always at hand, this is definitely worth it. It doesn’t have to be a new MacBook Pro Retina; you can also take a MacBook Air, which at the right price will be no worse. Ideally, of course, to have a separate desktop and mobile computer, but not everyone can afford this; in the end, a MacBook + monitor combination is a good option.

In the i-Ray.ru store you will find a large assortment of Apple computers and can choose the right configuration for yourself. Spring everyone!

Despite a certain stagnation, the monitor market is gradually undergoing changes. Models with Ultra HD resolution, also known as 4K, are becoming a serious trend.

“Ultra-clear” monitors are especially popular among users working with graphics and video editing. But those users who love space on their desktop are also looking at ultra-high-resolution displays. MacDigger offers you to get acquainted with the three best 4K monitors that are suitable for working with Mac.

Dell P2715Q

The Dell P2715Q monitor panel diagonal is 27 inches and the resolution is 3840 × 2160 pixels. The company has used an IPS matrix that provides horizontal and vertical viewing angles of up to 178 degrees.

The model has a brightness of 350 cd/m2 and a response time of 9 ms. The standard and dynamic contrast values ​​are 1000:1 and 2,000,000:1.

The manufacturer positions the model as a tool for professionals: the monitor covers 99% of the sRGB space, and the declared value is Delta E3.

The stand allows you to adjust the angle of tilt and rotation of the display, as well as its height in relation to the tabletop. In addition, if necessary, you can change the screen orientation from landscape to portrait.

The panels are equipped with Mini DisplayPort and HDMI (MHL) digital interfaces and allow the use of a built-in four-port USB 3.0 hub. Thanks to the presence of the DisplayPort connector, several monitors can be connected to each other in a chain.

The average price of Dell P2715Q in Russia is 45,200 rubles.

LG 27UD88

The LG 27UD88 monitor is a newer model in the rating, it was presented at CES 2016. The device is also equipped with a 27-inch IPS matrix, the screen resolution is 3840 x 2160 pixels.

The model provides coverage of 99% of the sRGB color space, the brightness declared by the manufacturer is 350 cd/sq.m, the pixel response time is 5 ms (Grey-to-Grey), the maximum screen refresh rate is 60 Hz.

A special feature of the LG 27UD88 is the presence of a USB-C connector, which will be appreciated by owners of 12-inch MacBooks. The interface can be used to connect a signal source and for power supply. However, in addition to it, there are other video inputs: two HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.2.

To connect peripherals and charge mobile devices, a USB 3.0 hub with two ports is provided.

The average price of Dell P2715Q in Russia is 43,400 rubles.

ASUS PB287Q

ASUS PB287Q is positioned by the manufacturer as a budget solution, while its diagonal is one inch larger than the previous two models. The device is equipped with a 28-inch matte screen based on a fast TN matrix with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.

The response time of ASUS PB287Q is 1 ms (Grey-to-Grey), which is suitable for dynamic games in high quality. The stand allows you to adjust the position of the screen in four directions, including rotating it 90 degrees, and the built-in speakers save space on your desktop without cluttering it with external acoustics.

It must be said right away that the Asus PB287Q should not be chosen by professionals. In fact, the feature set and low price are more geared to appeal to enthusiasts, and the monitor also has attractive features like VividPixel, QuickFit, and GamePlus. So, along with the fast response time and low signal latency characteristic of TN panels, this model is best suited for gamers.

If necessary, the ASUS PB287Q LCD monitor can be hung on the wall using a separately purchased VESA bracket.

The average price of ASUS PB287Q in Russia is 41,200 rubles.



 

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