Hello, fellow musicians. I use a MacBook pro 2012 13" . I'm planning to get an external monitor, either to use for Screen Mirroring or Screen Extension and it is completely for audio and music purposes ONLY. Which one is the best do You suggest I go for? My MacBook pro has an HDMI port. The options I am looking for are:

1) https://www.amazon.in/Acer-27-inch-...keywords=gaming+monitor&qid=1625327251&sr=8-5

2) https://www.amazon.in/Samsung-inch-...&sprefix=samsung+27,computers,331&sr=1-4&th=1

3) https://www.amazon.in/BenQ-inch-Bezel-Monitor-Built/dp/B073NTCT4R/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2A1TLC3KWC644&dchild=1&keywords=27+inch+monitor&qid=1625327375&sprefix=27+inch+,aps,342&sr=8-3

4) https://www.amazon.in/Zebronics-68-5cm-LED-Monitor-White/dp/B07S3H29CT/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2A1TLC3KWC644&dchild=1&keywords=27+inch+monitor&qid=1625327375&sprefix=27+inch+,aps,342&sr=8-10




Please suggest me which among these I can go for OR Please suggest any other too, within the range of $202 USD.

Thanks in advance guys.

 

Last edited: Jul 4, 2021

I'd get the acer, but only because I have had some decent other products from them.

can't you find anything without internal speakers? you could probably shave a few bucks off that way.

 

Can you please suggest few monitors without built in speakers? I'm unable to find any. Thank you for the tip.

 

I can wholeheartedly recommend any of the Dell P27xx series. P ones are cheaper than S, but you still get a great stand [and I mean great!] and usually at least 3 USB ports [I have 4 on mine] so it doubles as a *powered* USB hub which could work with your audio interface, too, but I recommend to use the monitor's USBs for everything else and connect the audio interface directly to the motherboard's USB. Since I bought this DellP2714H [a bit older model now] I have nothing but praise for it.

btw. there are no built in speakers in it. You have an option of buying a "speaker bar" for it.

 

Hello @Nehal, forget the No Name and Benq Monitors - the quality is very bad.
You don't need a gamer monitor with fast reaction times but the "IPS panel for optimal view from every angle".

LG 27MK600M Monitor, 27", LED IPS Full HD (1920x1080), 5 ms, Radeon FreeSync 75Hz, VGA, HDMI, Borderless
165,00 € / USD 195
www.amazon.de/LG-27MK600M-1920x1080-FreeSync-Borderless/dp/B07G8V3Z1H

 

You could also check out computer stores for a refurbished, used or traded-in monitors saves you about 40% or a lot more. I picked up an HP2711x monitor 27" VGA, DVI full 1920x1080 for $50. have had it since 6 months and completely satisfied, may get a larger one 32" or more this summer and use them both in a dual setup. Great deals to be had just by asking at your local computer stores.

 

Last edited: Jul 3, 2021

4K 28 '' is much better
https://www.amazon.in/AOC-U2879VF-2...=1&keywords=AOC+U2879VF&qid=1625346840&sr=8-1

 

Also guys, first thanks lot for your suggestions. Please do continue to suggest the best one you think is suitable within $$202 USD. One more question is:


Will connecting an external display drain the CPU and make music prod/mixing/mastering cause lags or any glitches? By connecting HDMI, off course.

 

Usually you can use everything as you are used to. The graphics card may work a little more, everything can run as it did before - without any losses. Which CPU did you use?

 

I use:

Intel Core i5
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000

 

Sorry for saying this: but I think it doesnt worth to go for 27 inches
I have a DELL u2515h IPS at 1440p and at this resolution the texts are so small you have to sit close to your monitor and its so annoying to switch positions when you want to watch a youtube video in fullscreen you have to get yourself far from the monitor when you want to see your parameters values on a vst plugin than you have to get close to it
25 inches is the optimal option in my opinion

 

Your CPU and graphics are sufficient for your second monitor.

 

Also Lenovo has reliable 27 inch screens, thinkvision
it will tax your performance a bit, but it’s not going to drastically limit you more than you already are.

I assume you have found a workflow that works for you with that macbook, so if you can work with it now then that extra 5%,10% will not kill your flow.

.

 

Last edited: Jul 4, 2021

Just avoid 4k texts are too small. I will prefer Dell or Samsung, it doesn't matter just buy the one you like i think samsung one is ok. But acer is the best value for money.(among those links)

 

Forget about 4K : it is TOTALLY useless on small screen
We are not eagles
Minimal size for 4K is 32" ... and even there, you need to have golden eyes
I can't see pixels glued to my 2K 32"

I suggest a good 2K QHD WQHD
More than enough resolution AND better than Full HD

27" is a nice size ... even if i use a 32"

Avoid TN : bad colors , bad viewing angles and only for gaming
ANY other tech will be better
IPS is the best
S-PLS just behind

Wait for summer sales (if you can) or try local buy (second hand, refurbished...)

Good luck !

 

I agree with @Pipotron3000. I have 2x31,5" QHD monitors And they are already hard to read sometimes.