almost 7 years ago from Justin Lancaster, UI/UX Product Designer
So now that Apple has officially discontinued the Thunderbolt, wouldn't you guess it? My display is on the fritz.
Anyone have any recommendations for a good professional graphics monitor to replace it? I'm running a mid 2015 MacBook Pro.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
If you can hold out, I'd wait and see what the September 9th Apple event has in store.
There may be nothing, but there's a possibility that Apple discontinued this monitor in preparation for a new external Retina display more like the 5k iMac.
The professional Apple products line-up is so outdated right now, I really hope they announce a whole new range of products soon... So many people I know are in need of an upgrade and waiting for September.
Yeah. I'm in this camp.
Admittedly, I'll be incredibly worried if Magsafe goes away. That feature has saved my laptop a dozen times.
Apple aren't making any more displays
Apple is investing a lot of time into pushing color management in displays beyond sRGB. They brought that technology to the 2015 iMac and I expect it'll eventually make it's way to the phones. If you want to hear a deep dive in this, Craig Hockenberry, creator of Twitterrific talked all about it.
Also, if and when they ever update the Mac Pro, I really can't picture them saying, "Just go buy a Dell display."
Right, it's now "Just go buy a LG display"
Well yes for laptops, but they still haven't updated the Mac Pro. Can you honestly picture them bundling that LG display with a new Mac Pro?
Well, this is a complicated subject.
I, for myself, still use a TB Cinema Display I got February '14, but I'm definitely in the market to upgrade to a better and possibly wider displays. Some "known" designers are using these:
Mark Jardine (designer Tapbots) has been seen using a LG 34UC97-S.
Sebastian de With (Nylas, ex Apple, DoubleTwist, etc) Is using a Acer Predator.
Mike Rundle (Designer + Developer for Interesting and Filters Apps) He likes the Dell UltraSharp U3415W.
So I guess it all comes down to matter of personal preference. If you want something "retina-like", you might want to check out some 4k displays, but I'm unsure if the your current machine would be able to run those monitors at their full glory.
Cheers!
Wow, those monitors look great, thanks for sharing
man and I'm over here designing on an outdated acer monitor with a VGA to thunderbolt adaptor designing like a peasant.
Feel this.
I want to throw my hat into the ring on this one. Like all them, I also use a 21:9 3440x1440 monitor Acer XR341CK. Trust me, when you go 21:9 there's no going back. You can have 3 1100-1200px wide windows open side by side and not being 4k (lower physical height) it doesn't feel like it's completely taken over your space.
I was looking for a long time.. ended up getting a dell 5K monitor, but it's a messy solution requiring 2 cables and the most updated Macbook Pro otherwise it drops frames and feels laggy. It's also a pretty big monitor (thickness/base etc). I ended up returning it (it also arrived with slightly cracked glass) and ended up buying a 5k 27" iMac. Much much happier. Though I know this isn't a good option for folks that only have one computer and need it to be a laptop.
can confirm: the LG 34UC97-S has been wonderful.
Thanks very much for posting these. We usually go for cinema displays but now that they're discontinued, I need to set up a new employee with something quickly.
I have a Dell P2715Q together with a Dell mount for my desk for almost a year now and I love it, especially with the mount. This display is 4k and you can use it as a retina display alltogether with a MacBook. I can't use non retina displays anymore. The colors and brightness are wonderful.
Here are two pics of my setup:
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5629/20971104293_f676c39d66_b.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5726/22280222241_8f148b995a_b.jpg
We use these monitors at Yeti.co as well and I can't recommend them enough. The color reproduction and the sharpness is something you can't come back from after having one.
I just went all through this research. Get this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZL3D1E8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (without Thunderbolt) with this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ESM3CGA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Works with my Retina MBP
Dell apparently has some great monitors. I use the Dell P2715Q and it's amazing. Good design with really thin bezel and the matte display is really comfortable. Works great with macbook pro retina. The only thing is that the color could be slightly better (it's great, but not Apple great). We also have Dell U2715H and they're also good.
I'd check what year your display is and find who made them that year, I have never used them but many say HP color dream is superior to Thunderbolt. As for me I worked on a 27 Dell Ultrasharp and I loved it, the matte display was much more comfortable to my eyes than the glossy Apple display, but that's personal preference. Asus also makes good displays and the new 4k monitors are sure to be beautiful, only problem is pushing that many pixels with a laptop.
I gave up on holding out for Apple. I also imagine I saved a bit of coin too. I have the LG 34" widescreen (34UM94-P) at work. quite a few folks here at my company have this monitor too! I loved it so much I purchased one for my home office as well! so far, it's running like a champ. really accurate with color, no complaints here!
https://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-34UM94-P-34-Inch-Monitor/dp/B00LV8TKEC
Anyone reading this should also consider the 34UM95—the only difference is the warranty.
Finding a replacement for a Thunderbolt display can be challenging, but with the right support, it's possible to get a satisfactory solution. First Premier Home Warranty customer service can provide helpful guidance and assistance in this situation. It's important to communicate clearly and document all interactions with the company to ensure a smooth resolution process.
I can echo the Dell's, great monitor. I'm currently running the Dell Ultrasharp U2515H with a new macbook pro and mainly work on web designs, wireframes and animations.
Crisp, clear, no glare, colours are vivid and can't beat the cost. Includes extra usb slots behind the monitor too for ease of use. The screen slides up and down with ease so I can position my laptop under the screen due to lack of space on the desk.
I jump between the Dell at home and 27" apple screen at work, really can't fault the dell.
All comes down to your preference and budget, good luck choosing :D
Dell U3415W. Love it.
Maybe DELL U2715K is the best choice.
I've always been a fan of Dell's IPS offerings. Their new 4k lines look quite nice and don't break the bank. I also personally prefer working on a matte screen.
I switched to the LG Curved 4k Display and couldn't be happier. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B9IDL4I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_m8xDxbPSMEQAW
It doesn't specify on the page if it's really 4K :(?
I was told the 3440 x 1440 (WQHD) resolution is 4k equivalent. If it's not "4k", its DAMN good. Color accuracy is actually better than my Thunderbolt monitor.
I've been seriously drooling on that display since you posted it. And the price isn't bad at all either. so sexy. Thanks for posting the link! :).
Also, some pointers: UWQHD is 3440x1440 4K is 3840x2160
Between UWQHD and 4K is QHD+ which is 3200x1800
My biggest recommendation is to go to the store and plug in and see what you like. I found the LG's to be the best calibrated out of the box (still haven't touched the settings), whereas the Dell's couldn't differentiate well with shadows and white/light grays. There's a lot of great options out there, but once you go with an ultra-wide you won't go back.
I thought the curve was gimmicky at first, but after testing the flat, it's needed. The flat is so wide that is blurs in your peripheral vision and the color accuracy dips at the edges of the screens. The curve is just subtle enough to fix all those issues and your brain adjusts after 15 mins. It's weird at first, but you'll love it in the end.
Best of luck on whatever you choose!
Does the curve bother you when working? I've read that some people don't like that horizontal lines get distorted by it.
It's odd for about 15 mins and then your brain adjusts, I honestly don't even notice it anymore it feels totally natural. It was a huge concern for me too before purchasing, and initially got the flat one. But for the reasons I posted earlier, I returned it for the curved. You've always got your laptop screen to drag the artboard over to if you REALLY felt the need to check it.
The dell ultrasharp 2k and up monitors have always been fantastic, much cheaper, and on par with the thunderbolt displays. I highly recommend them.
I personally still think the thunderbolt displays are pretty awesome. You can still find older ones (not much has changed from the 2011 retina displays) for really cheap. I found one in perfect condition on criagslist for $500. Although, that LG WQHD IPS Raul Rincon mentioned is pretty friggin' sexy!
Login to Comment
You'll need to log in before you can leave a comment.
LoginRegister Today
New accounts can leave comments immediately, and gain full permissions after one week.
Register now