Help Me Choose A Monitor/TV

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ChAoTiCpInOy

Diamond Member
Jun 24, 2006
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I have quite a conundrum. I need a monitor that can work with an 27" iMac (non-5K) and Xbox One/PS4. Obviously this doesn't need to happen all at once. It mostly will be used as a 2nd screen for the 27" iMac. Aesthetics don't really matter to me, but I know that a horribly looking monitor will look really bad next to the iMac. It would be nice to have speakers (for use for the Xbox One/PS4). It's basically replacing an Element 23" that I bought from Circuit City 8 years ago that looks really bad and has a bad resolution that I know won't work with the iMac.

My budget most likely is $200-300. Any suggestions?
 
xthetenth

xthetenth

Golden Member
Oct 14, 2014
1,800
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They're doable but I think it's likely the aesthetics might suffer at that price point.

Any resolution or screen quality requirements? I'd be loathe to recommend a non IPS/*VA screen to sit next to an iMac, it'd be an ugly mismatch, but that and a decent resolution is butting up at the $300 point right off the bat.
 
C

ChAoTiCpInOy

Diamond Member
Jun 24, 2006
6,442
1
81
I rather have something comparable (IPS, good color accuracy) to the iMac. Maybe something that can be used in vertical orientation with the iMac?

I'll look into that Asus MX279H. Thanks AnonymouseUser.
 
AnonymouseUser

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
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You'll be hard pressed to find a comparable monitor with a fully adjustable stand in this price range. Unfortunately the MX279H does not have a VESA mount, but you can use a VESA adapter ($22) to mount it to a desk stand which will give you the adjustment you desire. That pushes the total towards $400, though.

Actually, the iMac doesn't do HDMI out, so that's a problem for the MX279H as the only other input is D-SUB. In that case, you'll also need an adapter or cable.

Other comparable monitors with HDMI and displayport input:

AOC i2769Vm @ $240. The biggest difference is the glossy black bezel (con) and VESA mount (pro).

ASUS VX279Q @ $200 after promo code and rebate. Black bezel (con) and no VESA mount (con).

ASUS VN289Q @ $258 shipped after rebate. 28", black bezel (con) and VESA mount (pro).
 
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AnonymouseUser

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
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The requirements (correct me if I'm wrong) are:

  • Looks good next to iMac (silver/black)
  • IPS
  • Game console/s (HDMI) and iMac (HDMI + adapter or DP/TB) connectivity
  • Integrated speakers
  • 27" to match iMac screen size
  • Under $300
  • 1080p or 1200p
Not a priority but would be nice:

  • Fully adjustable stand
The MX279H is the best looking monitor I can find and it has all but the adjustable stand. The next best option is the VN289Q since it has the VESA mount and is 28", but the savings aren't enough to justify losing the silver bezel of the MX279H if you aren't adding a stand. The VX279Q is only good for the price, and I think the i2769Vm would look bad with it's glossy black bezel.

There isn't anything else that I can find that fulfills all the requirements.
 
C

ChAoTiCpInOy

Diamond Member
Jun 24, 2006
6,442
1
81
Modified a couple things after thinking it over some more.

Requirements:
  • Looks good color wise (since the iMac screen is already calibrated, something that out of the box isn't calibrated won't look very good next to it).
  • Game console/s (HDMI) and iMac (HDMI + adapter or DP/TB) connectivity
  • Integrated speakers
  • I'm thinking 24" most likely would be the optimal size (I know 27" will look the best since it'll be the same size, but I know the size and resolution matters for that size and I would have to pay more for a better resolution).
  • Under $300
  • 1080p or 1200p
Not a priority but would be nice:
  • Fully adjustable stand
  • IPS
 
AnonymouseUser

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
9,943
107
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The speaker requirement plus calibration plus under $300 makes for very slim pickings. For example, the Dell U2414H meets all requirements (including adjustable silver stand) except integrated speakers and is currently selling for $219.99 after promo code. Another example is the Asus VN279QL for $249 after rebate, but it isn't color-calibrated and I can't find an ICC profile for it.

Any monitor that I can find that meets all the requirements are $400 or more.
 
AnonymouseUser

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
9,943
107
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ChAoTiCpInOy said:
If I get the U2414H monitor and the AC511 speakers (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&sku=318-2885), I think I'll be able to hook up my Game Console through HDMI and have it output to the speakers. I have to look into it more, but I think U2412H + AC511 is the way to go.
Click to expand...

You'll need an HDMI splitter (linked the wrong type earlier, sorry) to split off the audio to an 3.5mm audio jack (soundbar is 3.5mm audio in only), which is surprisingly difficult to find.

Thanks AnonymouseUser!
Click to expand...
You're welcome! I've been studying monitors for the past few weeks to replace my aging Eyefinity triple monitor setup, and just glad I could put some of that experience to use. I'd love to have the U2414H myself (love the bezel), but it's a bit pricey for 3 and has issues with DP daisy-chaining which won't be a problem for you.
 
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AnonymouseUser

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
9,943
107
106
Well shoot, I just realized the U2414H has 3.5mm audio out built in! No HDMI adapter needed after all! :oops: This is even better than I thought for your purposes.
 
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