per Pedro Saija
The portability of a MacBook is the main point when choosing a computer in this category, but when you're at work (where the user spends most of the time), an external monitor helps a lot in productivity and I'm a fan of it. that kind of setup.
Apple monitors, also known as Cinema Displays, were produced until 2016, and this latest version went through five long years of production without even a single update.
A lot of uncertainty about the return of Ma monitors surrounds the market and raises doubts and expectations among the brand fans, but it really looks like we won't see anything from Apple for a while.
Some consumers who, like me, really like the idea of having a setup Consisting of a MacBook connected to a fully compatible monitor and with the minimum required cables were bleak with Apple's output of that market.
But, to the delight of some, the market itself has struggled to fill in some of the gaps, featuring displays that are compatible with the technologies that the new MacBooks Pro has been offering since 2016.
LG, in partnership with Apple itself, launched the UltraFine Display in two configurations: one with 21.5-inch 4K resolution (4096 × 2304 pixels); and another one with 5K (5120 × 2880 pixels), 27 inches exactly what we'll talk about here.
In my search for a monitor, I highlighted three criteria that I understood to be the most important: the highest possible compatibility with my 13 ″ MacBook Pro (using USB-C / Thunderbolt ports), reducing desktop peripherals (such as webcam and speakers) and of course the image quality.
O LG UltraFine 5K presented itself as a great product and, within the criteria I set as important, it seemed to be perfect!
At the launch of the new MacBooks Pro, the big controversy was the extinction of all other ports to the detriment of USB-C / Thunderbolt, which although extremely fast (40Gbps) is not yet widespread in the market to the point that users, especially the users. professionals, do not feel so much the effects of absences.
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 like speakers, webcam, printer , etc.).
It was an annoying mess
The LG UltraFine comes with three USB-C ports at the rear, each with 7.5W of power, enough to charge your main devices when it is needed.
Most interestingly, though, the Thunderbolt 3 port that offers up to 85W for charging the MacBook Pro.
And that same cable, besides charging the machine (excluding the need to use the MacBook Pro's own power supply), still plays audio and video.
.
All in just * one cable *! That is, what were once three cables, adapters and charger has now turned into just one by connecting the monitor to the MacBook Pro directly.
Wonderful!
Compatibility begins with cables and ends in system settings, which instantly recognizes the external monitor, allowing the same settings as the MacBook Pro monitor, as well as switching the input and output (narrow) of the audio, and even choosing which FaceTime HD camera 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 highlight of the product is the quality of the image.
The 5K resolution (at 60Hz) is fantastic! With over 14.7 million pixels, it feels like no image can be more detailed than what we see on the screen.
It is impossible to see any pixel and from any angle you look at the monitor the image remains perfect and of the same quality.
The colors (P3 standard) and brightness (500cd / m) are irreparable, making the experience of watching videos and viewing photos amazing.
Unfortunately not only all Macs support all that this monitor has to offer, only MacBooks Pro from 2016 onwards and iMacs from 2017 are compatible with 5120 × 2880 pixels resolution at 60Hz and MacBooks Pro 15 ″ They 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 × 2160 pixels at 60Hz.
Another highlight is the construction of the product.
The finish of a very good quality rigid plastic, fixed on a very firm metal base by a height-adjustable pedestal which, together with the angle adjustment of the monitor itself, allows for various position variations for user choice.
The frames are of an acceptable size, the top being a bit 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 that, 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 scary $ 1,300), and absolutely unimaginable in Tupiniquin lands ($ 11,500), making the purchase here virtually impossible for 99.9% of mortals.
Finally, I am extremely pleased! That will be my external monitor for a long time if all goes well, will keep my current Mac and future ones coming, too.
All I can hope is that USB-C ports remain the Apple standard for a long time.
😊
UltraFine 5K Monitor
in LG
Price: R $ 10,349.10Installment Price: at up to 12x from $ 958.25Resolution: 5120 × 2880 pixelsRelease: October 2016
