Monitor to use with Macbook pro (non-retina)

[brusby]

I'm looking for recommendations for a new monitor to use at home for final tweaking. I've read quite a few posts on monitor types but most discuss older models, and I'm wondering if there have been any significant changes in the last year or so.

For portability reasons I use a recent 13'' Macbook Pro with non-retina display. I try to keep it calibrated with a IProfiler. But the main problem is that it's almost impossible to judge the brightness of images accurately because the display brightness changes, often dramatically, with changes in viewing height. When viewed from a low angle things are darker and as the viewing height is increased, the image gets considerably brighter. I usually try to find a middle position, but this approach can't be very accurate or reliable.

I'd like to get something larger, say 24" or 27" and with a more constant image brightness less dependent on viewing position, and something that can be used with the Macbook pro with little muss and fuss.

What would you choose, and why? Thanks!

 

[YYV_146]

First of all I would look for something with an IPS display. Those usually have better viewing angles. The other thing to look for is a large color space. The monitor should at least cover Srgb if used to edit images used online, and for printing purposes I would go for something with at least 95% Adobe RGB coverage. Those are more expensive, but you'll be able to accurately print out the colors you see on the monitor. Good models include the HP dreamcolor line, and the Dell U series monitors.

Most monitors these days support both digital input (HDMI, DVI, displayport) and analog (VGA), so you shouldn't need to worry about setting things up. Just plug the monitor in and let the computer recognize it.

I'll also suggest investing in an external calibrator. Cheaper ones can be had for under $100, and they improve the color accuracy of your monitor enormously. With monitors with large color spaces, external calibration is almost required...

 

[brusby]

Thanks, I appreciate the info.

Anyone using one of these models, or maybe a current production Eizo, that they're really happy with? Guess I'm just getting too lazy to plow through a bunch of specs to narrow down choices.

 

[Darthfeeble]

The 27" Apple display is going to be hard to beat. Let alone the interface simplicity.

 

[brusby]

I've been very tempted by it. 'Was thinking it was not an IPS display, but just checked and it is. That should at least solve some of the viewing angle problem, and the real estate issue.

Thanks!

 

[YYV_146]

Thanks, I appreciate the info.

Anyone using one of these models, or maybe a current production Eizo, that they're really happy with? Guess I'm just getting too lazy to plow through a bunch of specs to narrow down choices.

I use the 27' HP dreamcolor. I think it's 96% or 95% Adobe RGB, and after calibration it's good enough for my printing needs.

I also have an older, small Eizo which I use as a side display, but I don't think it's much better than the HP.

 

[hausen]

I use an Eizo 27" with my iMac. Sounds strange but the iMac 27" screen is great for surfing the net and running my business but a calibrated Eizo is hard to beat for LR/PS

 

[Ranchu]

I would get a mac monitor, the profiles apple wires in are very good, plus you can adjust the backlight. I've never used an eizo but I'm suspicious the extra bits are just used to panel block the brightness down to an editing level. I've no doubt it's a good monitor though.

 

[YYV_146]

I would get a mac monitor, the profiles apple wires in are very good, plus you can adjust the backlight. I've never used an eizo but I'm suspicious the extra bits are just used to panel block the brightness down to an editing level. I've no doubt it's a good monitor though.

The low-end Eizos are mostly just the marketing, the high-ends (that exceed Argb space) are really good, and will pay off if you demand the very best in critical color work or video editing.

But the mac monitor is gorgeous, so bonus points there 😀

 

[brusby]

Lots of good advice. Now I just need to start doing some research into Mac 27", Eizo high-end, HP dreamcolor line, and the Dell U series. 'Appreciate all the info!

 

[ruben_c]

One more advice:

Be sure to buy a monitor that has the same backlight technology than your MacBook. If it's a newer MacBook (Last 2-3 years) it has LED-Backlight.

I did the error of buying one with different backlight (Had an older MacBook without LED). I then wanted to calibrate both with a Spyder calibration tool, and I never got them to be equal. The problem is that our eyes can't handle two different light sources equally.

From some months on it was finally time for a new MacBook. Now I calibrated both and their finally equal. 😎

So be sure to use the same backlight! 😀

 

[marek_]

Take a look at the mid-high and higher end Eizo and NEC monitors. I have a Eizo Flexscan ips 26". The clarity when editing photos is amazing. The matt screen excellent so no reflections (I can't work on a gloss screen), very accurate colour, even illumination with no bleeding at the edges. You will really see the difference once you've tried one of these colour management monitors.

 

[icebear]

I got a NEC PA271W, a little less expensive than Eizo. I am not sure how it will run with the MacBook. It's a great monitor, no reflections like the high gloss Apple displays, which sucks for photo editing in my book. Don't go any smaller than 27" at home, you will regret it if you go smaller initially to save some bucks.