per Pedro Saija
The portability of a MacBook is the main point in the choice of many for a computer of this category, but when you are at the workstation (where the user spends most of the time), an external monitor helps a lot in productivity – and I am an adept of that kind of setup.
Apple monitors, also known as Cinema Displays, were produced until 2016, with the latter version going through five long years of production without a single update. Many uncertainties about the return of Apple monitors surround the market and generate doubts and expectations among fans of the brand, but it really looks like we won’t see anything about it coming from Apple for some time.
Some consumers who, like me, really like the idea of ​​having a setup composed of a MacBook connected to a fully compatible monitor – and with the minimum necessary cables – were devastated by Apple’s departure from this market. But, to the delight of some, the market itself tried to fill some gaps, presenting monitors compatible with the technologies that the new MacBooks Pro offer since 2016.
LG, in partnership with Apple itself, launched the UltraFine Display in two configurations: one with 4K resolution (4096 × 2304 pixels), 21.5 inches; and another one with 5K (5120 × 2880 pixels), 27 inches – exactly the one we will talk about here.
In my search for a monitor, I highlighted three criteria that I understood to be the most important: the greatest possible compatibility with my 13 ″ MacBook Pro (using the USB-C / Thunderbolt ports), reducing peripherals on the desktop (such as webcam and speakers) and, of course, image quality. THE LG UltraFine 5K presented itself as a great product and, within the criteria that I established as important, it seemed to be perfect!
At the launch of the new MacBooks Pro, the great controversy was the extinction of all other ports at the expense of USB-C / Thunderbolt, which although extremely fast (40Gbps) is still not so widespread in the market to the point that users, especially professionals, do not feel the effects of absences so much.
On my previous monitor, I had to “hang” several adapters (one from USB-C to HDMI, because of video and audio; another from USB-C to USB-A, to connect peripherals such as speakers, webcam, printer , etc.). It was an annoying mess …
The LG UltraFine comes with three USB-C ports on the back, with 7.5W of power each, enough to charge your main devices when necessary. The most interesting thing, however, is the Thunderbolt 3 port that offers up to 85W to charge the MacBook Pro. And that same cable, in addition to charging the machine (excluding the need to use the MacBook Pro’s own source), still passes audio and video. All in just * one cable *! In other words, what used to be three cables, adapters and charger, has now turned into just one by connecting the monitor to the MacBook Pro directly. Wonderful!
Compatibility starts with cables and ends with system settings, which instantly recognize the external monitor, allowing the same settings as the MacBook Pro monitor, as well as switching audio input and output (stereo) – and even choosing which FaceTime camera HD use absolutely quickly.
I can safely say that only these features above would have convinced me that this was the monitor I was looking for, but the great highlight of the product is the image quality.
The 5K resolution (at 60Hz) is fantastic! With more than 14.7 million pixels, it seems that no image can be more detailed than what we see on the screen. It is impossible to see any pixel and from any angle when looking at the monitor the image remains perfect and with the same quality. The colors (P3 standard) and brightness (500cd / m²) are irreparable, making the experience of watching videos and viewing photos incredible.
Unfortunately, not all Macs support everything that this monitor has to offer, only MacBooks Pro from 2016 onwards and iMacs from 2017 are compatible with the resolution 5120 × 2880 pixels at 60Hz – with MacBooks Pro 15 ″ Can even support two of these beauties simultaneously!
Previous machines, as a rule, manufactured after 2013 (Mac Pro), 2014 (MacBook Pro and iMac) and 2015 (MacBook Air), support up to 3840 Ă— 2160 pixels at 60Hz.
Another highlight is the construction of the product. The finish is made of a very good quality rigid plastic, fixed on a very firm metal base by a height-adjustable pedestal that, together with the angle adjustment of the monitor itself, allows for various position variations for the user to choose. The frames are of an acceptable size, the upper one being a little thicker to receive the FaceTime HD camera with microphone.
Yes, he is not a masterpiece of technological design – and Jony Ive would certainly not put his signature on something like this – but he does his job well, with a very discreet look. Certainly the big problem of this product is the price, already expensive in the United States (where it costs a frightening US $ 1,300), and absolutely unimaginable in Brazilian lands (R $ 11,500), making the purchase here practically impossible for 99.9% of mortals.
Finally, I am extremely satisfied! This will be my external monitor for a long time – if all goes well, it will keep my current Mac and future ones company, too. I can only hope that USB-C ports remain Apple’s standard for a long time. ?
UltraFine 5K Monitor
in LG
Cash price: R $ 10,349.10Installed price: up to 12x R $ 958.25Resolution: 5120 Ă— 2880 pixelsLaunch: October 2016
