Need Monitor Recommendations for New MacBook Pro 13"

[KoobCAM]

I've always purchased the largest screen size MacBook Pro available, but this time I decided to get the 13" and add an external monitor. I would like a longer, rather than taller, model and have been looking at 30"+ curved monitors. Would love some recommendations on a monitor that would pair well with the Mac. I spend a lot of time on social media, watch movies and do photo editing if that would help with a recommendation. Don't need the best out there, but something midrange would be great. Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

 

[hughvane]

The question about a suitable monitor gets asked repeatedly, opinions and recommendations vary, so a thorough search of this topic will give you numerous answers.

Questions:
1. USB-C or HDMI,
2. Gaming or Business?

For the use you outline, I would recommend Samsung 28" UHD, Model UR55.

It's only drawback I have found is that it is not height-adjustable, so be sure you have the appropriate work desk level, eg. ~26" (650 mm).

 

[ferrarr]

but something midrange would be great.

What is your mid range for size?

$500 for 32" or $400 for 37"?

 

[KoobCAM]

The question about a suitable monitor gets asked repeatedly, opinions and recommendations vary, so a thorough search of this topic will give you numerous answers.

Questions:
1. USB-C or HDMI,
2. Gaming or Business?

For the use you outline, I would recommend Samsung 28" UHD, Model UR55.

It's only drawback I have found is that it is not height-adjustable, so be sure you have the appropriate work desk level, eg. ~26" (650 mm).

HDMI
Business/Movies

 

[KoobCAM]

What is your mid range for size?

$500 for 32" or $400 for 37"?

I'd say $4-$600

 

[Randy B. Singer]

I'd say $4-$600

This may be exactly what you are looking for:

SAMSUNG UR59 Series 32-Inch ViewFinity 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor, Curved, HDMI, Display Port, 3-sided border-less, Eye Saver Mode (LU32R590CWNXZA), Black

$412

https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-3840x2160-Computer-border-less-LU32R590CWNXZA/dp/B07L9G1BFX/

For your new MBP, which has Thunderbolt 3/4 (USB-C connector) ports, you will want this USB-C (Thunderbolt) to DisplayPort adapter cable:
https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Maxonar-Certified-32-4Gbps-Adapter/dp/B08B3XNZGS/ref=sr_1_11

 

[ferrarr]

For your new MBP, which has Thunderbolt 3/4 (USB-C connector) ports, you will want this USB-C (Thunderbolt) to DisplayPort adapter cable:

When I got my new ViewSonic monitor last month, it had all the cables USB-C/HDMI/Display Port included in the box.

ViewSonic VP3256-4K, 32" 4K UHD Professional Graphic Design Monitor with USB-C (60W)

32 Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160p) IPS monitor with thin bezels, HDR10 and 60Hz refresh rate In addition to fast data, audio and video transfer, USB-C also provides quick 60W charging over a single cable Advanced ergonomics (tilt, swivel, pivot and height) for all-day comfort Flicker-Free technology...

www.viewsonic.com

 

[Randy B. Singer]

When I got my new ViewSonic monitor last month, it had all the cables USB-C/HDMI/Display Port included in the box.

I checked, and the Samsung model that I recommended to KoobCAM does not include the necessary cable to attach to a MBP that only has USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. (I think that this Samsung can be forgiven for this, given that it is over $100 cheaper than the ViewSonic you bought.)

In addition, my experience is that even if a monitor includes cables, it's highly likely that the included USB-C to HDMI cable doesn't support Thunderbolt 3/4, and isn't nearly as high quality as a third party cable. The quality and specs of the adapter/cable that you use definitely makes a different with a monitor of this type. I hear from folks all the time that want to know why their new high-spec monitor seems so underwhelming. It's usually the adapter/cable that they are using.

 

[KoobCAM]

I checked, and the Samsung model that I recommended to KoobCAM does not include the necessary cable to attach to a MBP that only has USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. (I think that this Samsung can be forgiven for this, given that it is over $100 cheaper than the ViewSonic you bought.)

In addition, my experience is that even if a monitor includes cables, it's highly likely that the included USB-C to HDMI cable doesn't support Thunderbolt 3/4, and isn't nearly as high quality as a third party cable. The quality and specs of the adapter/cable that you use definitely makes a different with a monitor of this type. I hear from folks all the time that want to know why their new high-spec monitor seems so underwhelming. It's usually the adapter/cable that they are using.

Greatly appreciate all the insight!