An external monitor is a great asset if you consistently use your MacBook Pro at a single location or travel with it infrequently. It’s also practical because it allows you to work in detail without hunching over a small 12″, 13″ or 15″ screen all day. If you're looking for a simple monitor for occasional use, the LG 29UM69G-B is the best budget MacBook Pro monitor that we've tested so far. It has a smaller, 29 inch screen, and a simpler 2560x1080 resolution, so it isn't as well-suited as the LG 32UD99-W or Dell U3818DW for multitasking. That said, it's a decent monitor overall. LG UltraFine™ 4K and 5K computer monitors are designed to pair perfectly with MacBook and MacBook Pro. Get the ready for the ultimate mac experience. To properly experience our LG.com website, you will need to use an alternate browser or upgrade to a newer version of internet Explorer (IE10 or greater). Grab the best deals on display/monitors for Mac & PC. MacMall offers huge discounts on LED, LCD, widescreen monitors, HD displays from Apple, HP & more. Monitors are traditionally connected to computers via a VGA or DVI connection, Apple's favoures Thunderbolt though. It's likely that your Mac has a Thunderbolt 2 port or a Thunderbolt 3 port.
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FonePaw - Solution - Recorder - Use iMac as Second Monitor
With a large and vibrant screen, iMac can work as a great external monitor for PC and MacBook. With Target Display Mode, it is possible to use some compatible iMac, such as 27-inch iMac in late 2009, mid 2010, as monitor for MacBook Pro/Air. But can you use iMac as monitor for Windows PC, PS4, XBox and other non-Apple devices? You can find many contradictory answers to this question online. And the truth is, it is possible to use iMac as monitor for PC, providing you have a compatible iMac and PC, and are using a right cable.
This post is going to show you not only how to use iMac as external monitor for PC with the right cable, but also the other way around, use PC as external monitor for Mac laptops or even iMacs.
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Use iMac as PC Monitor
Theres a big mac for that. To use iMac as second monitor for PC, first you should make sure that your iMac can be used as a display. Here are the iMacs that can be used as a second monitor.
- 27-inch iMac released on late 2009 and mid 2010 with Mini DisplayPort. Serato dj for mac os x 10.6.8.
- iMac (Mid 2011-Mid 2014) with Thunderbolt port.
Note that Retina 5K iMac released on late 2014 and later can't be used as Target Display Mode displays.
To use iMac with Mini DisplayPort for monitor, you will need one of the following devices:
A PC that has a video card with a Mini DisplayPort and a supported video cable;
A PC with HDMI port and a HDMI to Mini DisplayPort converter.
A PC with Display Port and a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter.
To use iMac with Thunderbolt port for monitor, your PC should has a Thunderbolt port so that you can use a Thunderbolt cable to connect the two computers together.
Steps to use iMac as second monitor for PC
Step 1 Power off your Windows PC and iMac.
Step 2 Plug one end of the compatible cable into the HDMI, Display Port, Thunderbolt port on your PC's or Laptop.
Step 3 Plug the other end of the cable to Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt connector on your iMac.
Step 4 Power on the PC & iMac. Press Command + F2 (or Command+ Fn + F2) on the keyboard of your iMac to put it into 'Target Display Mode', in which iMac can be used in an external monitor.
Tip: To get a better result, you may need adjust the video output of your Windows PC so that it can match 2560 x 1440, the resolution of the iMac's screen.
Use Windows PC as External Monitor for MacBook
If you have a Windows PC with a bigger screen and would like to use it as external monitor with your Mac, here is a tool that can easily use Windows desktop and laptop as second monitor for mac. FonePaw ScreenMo is a Windows program that can mirror iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch to PC via AirPlay. It can also display Mac screen on a Windows PC via WiFi. So no extra cable is needed. You can easily add an external monitor for MacBook via Wi-Fi.
Steps to Use Windows PC as Monitor for Mac
Step 1 Download and install FonePaw ScreenMo on your Windows PC.
Step 2 Connect both your Windows PC and MacBook to the same Wi-Fi. Open ScreenMo on your PC.
Step 3 Find AirPlay icon on the top menu bar on your Mac. Click it and you will find the name of FonePaw ScreenMo.
Step 4 Select FonePaw ScreenMo. The screen of your Mac will be projected to Windows PC immediately.
That's easy, right? Your can also use FonePaw ScreenMo to mirror iOS screen to PC, record iOS screen video, record screen video of Mac computer and more.
Mirror iPhone screen on PC wirelessly and capture the screen activities without hassles.
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Jan 18,2019• Proven solutions
The price range for 4K monitors is falling down from last few months due to release of few incredible 5K monitors. But you can avail great response from these 4K monitors to meet your routine office, gaming or graphic design needs. Here we have collected few facts related to how you must choose a new monitor and further the article will help you to get comparative analysis of top 10 4K monitors available in market for your Macs. Hopefully, this article will help you to make easy decision for your next investment related to 4K monitors for Mac mini, iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Pro etc. The details here are described on the basis of top comparison factors like display technologies, price, compatibility etc.
In this article, we will share with you about things you need to consider before buying a 4k monitor for Mac as well as some of the best 4K monitors for Mac.
Part 1: Things to Consider When Buying a Monitor for Mac:
Section 1.Ports
There are two common options for connectivity, either you can access thunderbolt or go for HDMI cables. The ThunderBolt connectivity option gives you two connection abilities, either you can try the first generation system or go for advanced 2nd and 3rd generation. Each one of these have different capabilities. The Thunderbolt 1 offers easy connection with DisplayPort 1.1 a and allows maximum video throughput of 8.64 GBPS. ThunderBolt 2 can handle Display Port 1.2 with maximum video throughput ranging up to 17.28 GBPS. Third option is ThunderBolt 3 that has ability to work with 40GBPS throughput.
HDMI ports also assist in easy connectivity with MacBook Pro, Mac mini and Mac Pro models. Most of the latest Mac units are designed with HDMI 1.4 connectivity option that can handle 4K Display and Ultra HD Display at 24Hz and 30Hz rating respectively. On the other side, HDMI 2.0 offers 4K display connectivity while handling 60 Hz output.
Section 2.4K Supported Macs
It is possible to connect external monitors with most of Mac Computers. You can easily transfer details between 4K Ultra HD TV and 4K Monitors. Here is the top compatibility list:
- MacBook-Retina, 12”.
- iMac, 27”.
- Mac Pro
- Mac Mini
- MacBook Air and
- MacBook Pro
It is also possible to make connections via HDMI cable with supported resolution level of 3840 by 2160 and 4096 by 2160 at 30Hz and 24 Hz respectively.
Section 3.Single Stream (SST) Displays and Multi Stream Transport (MST) Displays:
The 4K resolution with 60Hz range is often managed with Multi-Stream Transport technology because this method helps to combine two halves impressively on single larger surface. On the other side with Single Stream Transport option there is no need for stitching. For gamers, it is much better to go ahead with SST technology as it can better handle 4K details with 60Hz range.
Related:4K Monitor Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Monitor
Monitors For Mac Book Pro
Part 2: Top 10 Best 4K Monitors for Your Mac:
1. Dell P2715Q 4K Monitor:
This Dell monitor can handle 3840x2160 resolution level with extended support to 8 million pixels. It helps to generate finer views on screen with smart color sharing. The availability of HDMI port, USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort and DisplayPort makes it suitable for easy connectivity. The viewing angles can be adjusted to 178 degrees whereas 1,07 billions colours are well distributed on screen. The contrast ratio is 2 million to 1 whereas brightness level can be adjusted to 350cd/m2 range. Color accuracy is improved up to 99% with sRGB and preferred response time is 9ms. It is also possible to make daisy chain connectivity via DisplayPorts.
Related:Dell P2715Q 4K Monitor Full Review
2.Samsung UE590 4K FreeSync Monitor:
This 16:9 UHD 4K monitor handles all videos and images with added crispness and clarity so that users can enjoy fine details to complete their professional task. Resolution goes up to 3840 by 2160 level where sRGB technology supports 100% color gamut. Incredibly, the response time is rated to be 1ms and AMD FreeSycn technology can make gamers more happy by managing input lags. You can also access Pic-in-Pic technology for enjoying multitasking. The viewing angles are adjusted to be 170 degree/ 160 degree. You can make easy connections to external world via Display Port and HDMI option.
Related:Samsung UE590 4K FreeSync Monitor Full Review
Monitors For Mac Laptop
3. Asus PB287Q:
Asus has designed stunning 4K monitor with 3840x2160 resolution support and the response time is enhances up to 1ms – definitely a great news for gamers. It can handle 60Hs refresh rate for 4K videos. The color lookup table is of 10 bit with 157 pixels adjusted per inch so that color accuracy can be increased with professional detailing. Other than this, you will be able to find several impressive features like night view, game mode, sRGB technology, theatre mode, darkroom mode and reader mode. Display properties can be easily adjusted for every unique mode. The connectivity options are DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4.
4. LG 27UD88 4K USB Type-C Monitor:
It is much easier to connect laptop, tablet and smartphones to this monitor via USB 3.0 port and the quick charge technology also allows fast charging facility to compatible devices. Other than this, you can access DisplayPort and HDMI port. The resolution level goes up to 3840 by 2160 whereas sRGB technology handles 99% color accuracy. This monitor is also equipped with color calibration and calibration hardware that allows easy adjustments on screen. The fine and easy to handle screen controls provide easy settings for contrast and brightness etc. Gamers will love to enjoy this monitor with its FreeSync abilities and the added Black Stabilizer.
Related:LG 27UD88 4K USB Type-C Monitor Complete Review
5. Dell P2415Q 4K Monitor:
Monitors For Macular Degeneration
Dell has designed this 23.8” display to offer great functionality. There are wide range of connectivity options including HDMI, DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort and USB 3.0 port where daisy chaining is also allowed to handle tablets and smartphones with ease. The viewing angle is supported with 178 degree rating whereas display screen can handle 1.07 billion colours with higher accuracy. The sRGB technology leads to 99% accuracy and brightness level is adjusted up to 300 cd/m2. You can enjoy 8ms response time on this screen with 2:1 million contrast ratio.
Related:Dell P2415Q 4K Monitor Review
6. LG UltraFine 4K Display:
Those who are using MacBook model 2016 or later are advised to invest for LG UltarfIne 4K display unit. You can easily power your MAcBook via USB-C port of your monitor. Fences for mac. The screen size is 21.5” and it is also compatible with VESA. It can handle more pixels per inch whereas the audio connectivity can be enhanced with stereo speakers available with device. All three USB-C ports can handle 480 Mbps range and allows easy transfer of power, data as well as videos. The resolution goes up to 4096x2304 and the color accuracy is enhanced with its extended support to 9.4 million pixels. You can enjoy impressive viewing angle adjustment and brightness goes up to 500 cd/m2 with fine color range support.
Related:LG UltraFine 4K Monitor Complete Review
7. LG 27UD58-B:
If you are searching for a handsome deal that can manage your 4K games with incredible video quality then LG 27UD58 is nice choice for you. This monitor is designed with IPS technology and can handle 178 degree viewing angle with wide color support. The resolution support is up to 3840 by 2160 and it can manage 8.3 million pixels with crisp details. The color support goes up to 1.07 billion that makes fine adjustments for darker and brighter areas. It possesses FreeSych technology for gamers and response time is 5 ms where graphic cards can be handled with fine and smooth data transfer abilities.
Related: LG 27UD68 4K FreeSync Monitor Review in 2017
8. Dell UP2715Q:
This incredible monitor from Dell features 5K resolution support and display can be connected via 2 DisplayPorts. Other than this it has mini-Display port to support 4K ranges. With IPS panel technology, it becomes able to handle 1.074 billion colours with wider angles. The viewing angle is managed up to 178 degree and featured contrast ratio is 8,000,000: 1 with 8ms response time. Brightness level can be adjusted to 350 cd/m2 and Adobe RGB handles 99% color accuracy with finer details for all red, blue and green appearances. The stand be replaced with VESA and it also provides USB 3.0 based connectivity options.
Related:Dell P2715Q 4K Monitor Review
9. HP Envy 27” 4K UHD Display:
This 27 inch display screen is designed with IPS LED backlight support and the micro edge bezel with its clean design makes it look more elegant. You can use its sturdy Stand as well as can make connection via VESA wall mounting option. It works with 60Hz refresh rate and gamers will love its AMD FreeSync response. It is possible to eliminate the troubles associated with tearing and stuttering. The external port options include HDMI, Display Port and USB-C. This is a low price solution for gamers as its sRGB technology offers 99% accuracy for color gamut and brightness level goes up to 350 cd/m2.
Related:HP Envy 27 4K USB-C Monitor Review
Monitors For Mac Mini
10. Lenovo ThinkVision X1:
Lenovo has design ThinkVision X1 with lots of impressive features that suits best for most of professional applications. It can handle billions of vibrant colours with incredible distribution. ThinkVision offers better support to multi mode camera, speakers, borderless screen. It’s Built in type FHD camera also assists in enhancement of VoIP collaboration. You will have wide connectivity options with its Display Port, USB and HDMI port. The aspect ratio is 16:9, brightness rating is 300cd/m2 and viewing angle goes up to 178 degrees with fine support to color information up to edges.
Recommend: Use Filmora scrn Screen Recorder Software to record your gaming and edit your gaming video easily. It can record up to 120 FPS and record the gaming screen and the webcam simultaneously. Download Filmora Scrn to check its features by your own.
If you need to edit videos on your Mac, you will need a video editing software which supports 4K as well. We recommend you to edit 4K videos with Wondershare Filmora9 video editor. With the new release version 9 of Filmora video editor, you can now preview the 4K videos in full quality and edit it with the real-time rendering which provides better editing experience as well.
Easy-to-use and powerful video editor for all creators.
Bring up your video to a professional level with straightforward tools.
- Choosing Video Editing Software
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