I convinced a friend that upgrading from her Intel iMac would be a good
idea. She wants a bigger screen than the current iMacs so an M4 mini would fit the bill, but the Studio Display is pricey.

Any recommendations for less expensive alternatives to a Studio
Display?

Thanks, Stuart

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On 21.05.25 09:09, Stuart wrote:

I convinced a friend that upgrading from her Intel iMac would be a good
idea. She wants a bigger screen than the current iMacs so an M4 mini would fit
the bill, but the Studio Display is pricey.

Any recommendations for less expensive alternatives to a Studio
Display?

I use a 27" Dell monitor with 4K for less than CHF 500 (USD 600) with my
mini M2pro and I'am absolutely happy.

If your friend is not a hardcore gamer or a passionate photographer that
will be more than sufficient.

Thanks, Stuart

Jörg


--
"Roma locuta, causa finita." (Augustinus)

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On 21 May 2025 at 08:33:09 BST, "Jörg Lorenz" <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 21.05.25 09:09, Stuart wrote:

I convinced a friend that upgrading from her Intel iMac would be a good
idea. She wants a bigger screen than the current iMacs so an M4 mini would fit
the bill, but the Studio Display is pricey.

Any recommendations for less expensive alternatives to a Studio
Display?

I use a 27" Dell monitor with 4K for less than CHF 500 (USD 600) with my
mini M2pro and I'am absolutely happy.

If your friend is not a hardcore gamer or a passionate photographer that
will be more than sufficient.

Jörg

Or even ... is her Intel iMac usable as a monitor? My 2013 27" has no monitor socket, but my 2019 Retina 27" does.
(I've never needed to try this, but one of our friends here recommended the Mini-to-27" strategy when i was looking to replace my 2013 one.)

Let us know how you get on!

J.

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On 21.05.25 12:51, Another John wrote:

Or even ... is her Intel iMac usable as a monitor?

The bigger screen is the core of the question. Otherwise that would be
good idea IMHO.

--
"Roma locuta, causa finita." (Augustinus)

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On 21 May 2025 at 11:51:53 BST, "Another John" <lalaw44@hotmail.com> wrote:

Or even ... is her Intel iMac usable as a monitor? My 2013 27" has no monitor socket, but my 2019 Retina 27" does.
(I've never needed to try this, but one of our friends here recommended the Mini-to-27" strategy when i was looking to replace my 2013 one.)

Interesting. I've got an iMac Pro, I wonder if I can plug in my M4 Air as a test?

Stuart

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On 21 May 2025 at 08:33:09 BST, "Jörg Lorenz" <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 21.05.25 09:09, Stuart wrote:

I convinced a friend that upgrading from her Intel iMac would be a good
idea. She wants a bigger screen than the current iMacs so an M4 mini would fit
the bill, but the Studio Display is pricey.

Any recommendations for less expensive alternatives to a Studio
Display?

I use a 27" Dell monitor with 4K for less than CHF 500 (USD 600) with my
mini M2pro and I'am absolutely happy.

If your friend is not a hardcore gamer or a passionate photographer that
will be more than sufficient.

Thanks, Stuart

Jörg

Not a gamer or someone who'd likely calibrate a monitor - I'll check out Dell, thanks.

Stuart

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On 21 May 2025 at 11:51:53 BST, Another John wrote:

On 21 May 2025 at 08:33:09 BST, "Jörg Lorenz" <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 21.05.25 09:09, Stuart wrote:

I convinced a friend that upgrading from her Intel iMac would be a good
idea. She wants a bigger screen than the current iMacs so an M4 mini would fit
the bill, but the Studio Display is pricey.

Any recommendations for less expensive alternatives to a Studio
Display?

I use a 27" Dell monitor with 4K for less than CHF 500 (USD 600) with my
mini M2pro and I'am absolutely happy.

If your friend is not a hardcore gamer or a passionate photographer that
will be more than sufficient.

Jörg

I'm using a BenQ PD2705U 4K monitor with an M4 Mini. Generally, pleased with it. It's not as bright (and only just bright enough in a well lit room), contrasty, or sharp as a retina 27". Whether the sharpness is because of scaling or using a non-default resolution I don't know. But it is pretty sharp and I think most users wouldn't be bothered.

Nice bits are USBC hub, superb stand/adjustability, and a nifty wired remote. Speakers a bit rubbish, and no camera or mic. I think it was about £320.

I tried (and returned) an otherwise well reviewed Dell HD (non-4K) monitor and wasn't impressed. Unacceptably fuzzy.

Or even ... is her Intel iMac usable as a monitor? My 2013 27" has no monitor socket, but my 2019 Retina 27" does.

Does it?! I don't think my (same) iMac does. When I looked I got the
impression it was only older iMacs (2012ish). Which socket?


--
Cheers, Rob, Sheffield UK

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RJH <patchmoney@gmx.com> wrote:

On 21 May 2025 at 11:51:53 BST, Another John wrote:

Or even ... is her Intel iMac usable as a monitor? My 2013 27" has no monitor
socket, but my 2019 Retina 27" does.

Does it?! I don't think my (same) iMac does. When I looked I got the impression it was only older iMacs (2012ish). Which socket?

I'm not seeing a monitor input here:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/197322212455

unless you mean the USB-Cs, which I don't think work as inputs?

The 5K 27" series can be converted to a monitor, but you have to rip the
guts out and install third party boards so it's not a straightforward job
and you can't use it as a Mac afterwards.

Theo

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On 21/05/2025 08:09, Stuart wrote:

I convinced a friend that upgrading from her Intel iMac would be a good
idea. She wants a bigger screen than the current iMacs so an M4 mini would fit
the bill, but the Studio Display is pricey.

Any recommendations for less expensive alternatives to a Studio
Display?

Thanks, Stuart

Have you considered one of these?

https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-mac/UACN3IS4XX12XXB

Picture quality is outstanding!

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On 22 May 2025 at 11:58:32 BST, Theo wrote:

RJH <patchmoney@gmx.com> wrote:

On 21 May 2025 at 11:51:53 BST, Another John wrote:

Or even ... is her Intel iMac usable as a monitor? My 2013 27" has no monitor
socket, but my 2019 Retina 27" does.

Does it?! I don't think my (same) iMac does. When I looked I got the
impression it was only older iMacs (2012ish). Which socket?

I'm not seeing a monitor input here:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/197322212455

unless you mean the USB-Cs, which I don't think work as inputs?

Yes, what I thought. Wonder if John could clarify?

The 5K 27" series can be converted to a monitor, but you have to rip the
guts out and install third party boards so it's not a straightforward job
and you can't use it as a Mac afterwards.

I have that in the back of my mind. Used iMac prices aren't that strong -
maybe £400 for mine (last of the Intels). Which makes converting to a screen tempting . . .

--
Cheers, Rob, Sheffield UK

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On 21 May 2025 at 20:18:43 BST, "RJH" <patchmoney@gmx.com> wrote:

I'm using a BenQ PD2705U 4K monitor with an M4 Mini. Generally, pleased with it. It's not as bright (and only just bright enough in a well lit room), contrasty, or sharp as a retina 27". Whether the sharpness is because of scaling or using a non-default resolution I don't know. But it is pretty sharp
and I think most users wouldn't be bothered.

Nice bits are USBC hub, superb stand/adjustability, and a nifty wired remote. Speakers a bit rubbish, and no camera or mic. I think it was about £320.

That looks good - I'll pass it on!

Thanks, Stuart

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On 21 May 2025 at 12:48:05 BST, "Jörg Lorenz" <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 21.05.25 12:51, Another John wrote:

Or even ... is her Intel iMac usable as a monitor?

The bigger screen is the core of the question. Otherwise that would be
good idea IMHO.

She didn't want to go from her 27" Intel iMac to the current 24" M4 iMac.

Stuart

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On 21 May 2025 at 08:33:09 BST, "Jörg Lorenz" <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

I use a 27" Dell monitor with 4K for less than CHF 500 (USD 600) with my
mini M2pro and I'am absolutely happy.

Could I trouble you for the model?

Thanks, Stuart

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On 23.05.25 09:00, Stuart wrote:

On 21 May 2025 at 08:33:09 BST, "Jörg Lorenz" <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

I use a 27" Dell monitor with 4K for less than CHF 500 (USD 600) with my
mini M2pro and I'am absolutely happy.

Could I trouble you for the model?

Dell 2721Q
The manufacturing date is January 2022.

Thanks, Stuart

HTH, Jörg


--
"De gustibus non est disputandum."

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On 23.05.25 10:54, Jörg Lorenz wrote:

On 23.05.25 09:00, Stuart wrote:

On 21 May 2025 at 08:33:09 BST, "Jörg Lorenz" <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

I use a 27" Dell monitor with 4K for less than CHF 500 (USD 600) with my >>> mini M2pro and I'am absolutely happy.

Could I trouble you for the model?

Dell 2721Q
The manufacturing date is January 2022.

BTW: There are other makes of the same quality. I would primarily opt
for a 4K-monitor from a branded manufacturer.


--
"De gustibus non est disputandum."

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On 23/05/2025 07:58, Stuart wrote:

On 21 May 2025 at 12:48:05 BST, "Jörg Lorenz" <hugybear@gmx.net> wrote:

On 21.05.25 12:51, Another John wrote:

Or even ... is her Intel iMac usable as a monitor?

The bigger screen is the core of the question. Otherwise that would be
good idea IMHO.

She didn't want to go from her 27" Intel iMac to the current 24" M4 iMac.

Me neither, which is why two of my chums have bought a Studio monitor
fed by a Mac Mini.

My own 27 inch iMac still performs really well, but in anticipation of
the internal hard drive(s) failing, I have set up the operating system
on a 1TB external SSD. It runs perfectly from there and still presents photographs in magical clarity! :-)

I have considered buying the newer iMac from OWC so that I could run
macOS Sequoia but I'm uncertain what real advantages that would bring.

https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-mac/apple-imac-retina-5k-27-inch-mid-2020?sku=UACN3IS4XX12XXB

What is wrong with your friend's current iMac?

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On 21 May 2025 at 08:09:07 BST, "Stuart" <john.doe@myemail.invalid> wrote:

I convinced a friend that upgrading from her Intel iMac would be a good
idea. She wants a bigger screen than the current iMacs so an M4 mini would fit
the bill, but the Studio Display is pricey.

Any recommendations for less expensive alternatives to a Studio
Display?

As an alternative suggestion: I have a 27" Thunderbolt Display connected to my M1 mini via a Thunderbolt 3 to TB 2 adapter. I bought it in pristine condition off eBay for £230 (the adapter costs an extra £50 from Apple, but I found one,
again on eBay, for £24). It looks gorgeous... well, just like an iMac 27". Yes it's heavy, and has a bezel, but it also has lots of ports on the rear, and as a bonus, I can power my 2015 MacBook Pro from it! Just don't buy one with frayed cables, which seems to be a common issue.

Paul

--
Paul Mackenzie Smith, Bristol, UK
Mac mini M1, 15.5; iPad Pro 9.7"; iPhone 13 Mini
To reply, take the pith out of blueyonder.

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On 23 May 2025 at 11:45:31 BST, "Paul Mackenzie Smith" <paulms@bluepithyonder.co.uk> wrote:

On 21 May 2025 at 08:09:07 BST, "Stuart" <john.doe@myemail.invalid> wrote:

I convinced a friend that upgrading from her Intel iMac would be a good
idea. She wants a bigger screen than the current iMacs so an M4 mini would fit
the bill, but the Studio Display is pricey.

Any recommendations for less expensive alternatives to a Studio
Display?

As an alternative suggestion: I have a 27" Thunderbolt Display connected to my
M1 mini via a Thunderbolt 3 to TB 2 adapter. I bought it in pristine condition
off eBay for £230 (the adapter costs an extra £50 from Apple, but I found one,
again on eBay, for £24). It looks gorgeous... well, just like an iMac 27". Yes
it's heavy, and has a bezel, but it also has lots of ports on the rear, and as
a bonus, I can power my 2015 MacBook Pro from it! Just don't buy one with frayed cables, which seems to be a common issue.

Paul

Anna is shopping for a monitor in London today but that's a thought for when I get either a Mac mini Pro or a Studio.

I have used the Apple TB 27" Display at work a few years back, attached to a 'trash can' Mac Pro. I'd forgotten them and the magsafe cable coming out of them IIRC. I've got TB 3 >2 dongles - I'll have to check if they'll work with TB4 and TB5.

Thanks, Stuart

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On 22 May 2025 at 15:33:35 BST, "RJH" <patchmoney@gmx.com> wrote:

On 22 May 2025 at 11:58:32 BST, Theo wrote:

RJH <patchmoney@gmx.com> wrote:

On 21 May 2025 at 11:51:53 BST, Another John wrote:

Or even ... is her Intel iMac usable as a monitor? My 2013 27" has no monitor
socket, but my 2019 Retina 27" does.

Does it?! I don't think my (same) iMac does. When I looked I got the
impression it was only older iMacs (2012ish). Which socket?

I'm not seeing a monitor input here:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/197322212455

unless you mean the USB-Cs, which I don't think work as inputs?

Yes, what I thought. Wonder if John could clarify?

The 5K 27" series can be converted to a monitor, but you have to rip the
guts out and install third party boards so it's not a straightforward job
and you can't use it as a Mac afterwards.

I have that in the back of my mind. Used iMac prices aren't that strong - maybe £400 for mine (last of the Intels). Which makes converting to a screen tempting . . .

To RJH and to Theo (and to Stuart): My fault!! As I said, this suggestion (getting a Mini and then using the 27" as a monitor was made to me when I was asking here about replacing my 2013 27" (or rather: _backing it up_! -- it's still running fine). (It was valid for that.)

Anyway I didn't check - I just blurted it out for Stuart, in my haste to suggest an economical solution. You, RJH and Theo (and others?) of course are right: you can only do this on older iMacs (so in fact my 2013 one might work, but not the 2019 one). I haven't looked into this, because I don't need to
(and I'm no techie).

An aside: (or : Warning - Thread Swerve)
I'm finding Google's AI introduction to Searches very useful, and I got a
great summary of this issue when I typed in "can you use an imac 27 as a monitor". I'm naturally sceptical of AI, but I'm finding these Google summaries extremely useful for some things. Like in Wikipedia, if you see something that looks a little bit fishy you can always go and back-check it. (Yes, I _know_: the trick is detecting anything which is "a bit fishy".)

Sorry for the twerpish suggestion, Stuart!

John

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