monitor vs TV, difference?

[look 171]

Thank goodness my Mac desk top finally died and had been giving me a little trouble for a couple months now. Its 10 years old and the only things I did was to upgrade the hard disc. I bought a Mini Mac with the suggestion from a friend who's own a company that service macs. His said to buy a monitor for around 350-500 bucks. I want a 32" screen and thought about a 32" TV from Costo or BEstbuy or someplace similar. Why are monitors so much more? Difference? Anyone done it this way? A 32"TV is about 150-180 bucks.

[sc_rufctr]

Why more $$$? Monitors have more pixels per square inch on the display.
They are designed to be viewed close up were a regular TV will be viewed at a distance.

The new super wide curved monitors are ridiculous $$$ for what you get.

I'd stay with a flat screen.

[Shifter]

^^^^

What he said.

And when it comes to monitors, watch the resolution. If you buy a 32in monitor that only runs 1920x1080, you will be an unhappy camper. Here are just a few examples from the costco website.

Bad. (LG 32in monitor, 1920x1080) 140.00

https://www.costco.com/LG-32%22-MA70HY-P-32%22-Class-IPS-Full-HD-Monitor.product.100454122.html

Good(er). (LG 32in monitor, 3480x2160) 300.00

https://www.costco.com/LG-32UK50T-W-32%22-Class-4K-UHD-FreeSync-Monitor.product.100459735.html

Then there is this. (LG 32in Monitor 2560x1440) 400.00

https://www.costco.com/LG-32GK850F-B-32%22-Class-QHD-HDR-FreeSync-Monitor.product.100454130.html

Costs more, must be better, right? Nope, 2560x1440 is a terrible resolution in my mind. I guess if all you are doing is excel, and you want to say you have a 32 in monitor, I guess it would be okay then. Twitch gamers might like it for the refresh rate,
but since you want to connect it to a mac mini, I am going to go out on a limb and say you aren't one.

[Zeke]

IDK, with the latest crop of TV's on the shelf at 4 and 8K, I would think they would work. 4K doesn't cost that much.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Shifter

Good(er). (LG 32in monitor, 3480x2160) 300.00

https://www.costco.com/LG-32UK50T-W-32%22-Class-4K-UHD-FreeSync-Monitor.product.100459735.html

I have this display connected to a 27" 5K iMac. it's good, maybe even very good, but has a satin screen vs. the glossy on the iMac. iMac is much richer of course because of resolution alone but I think the LG with a glossy screen would be nice. Can't beat the price for what it does, how it performs.

been saving for a Mac Mini and a big 4K screen for the engine building room. Maybe this Christmas.

[flipper35]

Some people like them, but I can't stand the glossy screens when they reflect everything. I prefer matte.

Monitors and TVs can use the same LCD section of the screen. Some are higher resolution, some are not. It all depends on what you plan to do with it. Higher resolution will allow you to put more apps on the screen with the higher pixel density. The ultrawide are expensive in curved or flat. If you go ultrawide, (21:9) check both formats because your focal length changes on those more than a traditional 16:9 ratio. 32:9 you will want curved for sure.

You can get a 55" 4k TV for $250-$300 and if you don't need a high refresh rate (games), a TV will work fine. JMHO.

On a side note, for racing and flight sims I use a 50" LG TV screen with Track IR.

[look 171]

No gamer here. I use to do some record keeping, surf the net and come here to learn from you gents.

2560x1440 I do know its a number for resolution but what's good or not, I have no idea. I have a I mac 27" screen and would like a 32" screen. I do watch a movie now and then at my desk just to stay away from the kids and their TV shows (or wife's).

I am not sure refresh rate is that important to me? I watch a few movie but not sure how that will affect the picture itself. Sounds like I need a proper monitor because its made for close viewing?

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

I have this display connected to a 27" 5K iMac. it's good, maybe even very good, but has a satin screen vs. the glossy on the iMac. iMac is much richer of course because of resolution alone but I think the LG with a glossy screen would be nice. Can't beat the price for what it does, how it performs.

been saving for a Mac Mini and a big 4K screen for the engine building room. Maybe this Christmas.

That's looks good, Shuan. I don't have mohave a 32, since I am already use to a 27. Can't beat that price. I just don't know what all those numbers mean because I don't know where the base line is?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

For resolution, I'm pretty sure bigger is always better.

The LG is 3480 x 2160 and very good. The iMac is 5120 x 2880 and phenomenal.

I think the video card in your Mac Mini will tell you the max resolution it will support.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

For resolution, I'm pretty sure bigger is always better.

The LG is 3480 x 2160 and very good. The iMac is 5120 x 2880 and phenomenal.

I think the video card in your Mac Mini will tell you the max resolution it will support.

Thanks

[silverc4s]

What about this one for a MacBook Pro external monitor? 32 inch 4K Samsung

LS32R750UENXZA

[flipper35]

Not sure if it will help or not, but here is a primer.

https://www.rgb.com/display-size-resolution-and-ideal-viewing-distance

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally Posted by look 171

Why are monitors so much more? Difference? Anyone done it this way? A 32"TV is about 150-180 bucks.

Two more ways monitor are different is higher refresh rates and lower pixel response time.

But, I use a 65" Panasonic AX800 4k for my monitor. Works pretty dang great.

[flipper35]

Yup, if you aren't paying games with "twitch" responses then a TV can work great. You can get some "tearing" with some games but for racing and flying I have no issues.

What is also a good choice are three curved monitors. Either 16:9 or 16:10. Samsung makes a nice 32:9 monitor that runs $1000ish.