Monitor 4k or not ?

[davide]

Is it better to buy a 27 4k monitor and use it at 2560x1440 or get a 27 non 4k monitor? Sorry for the stupid question. Now I use an imac 27 late 2009, so not retina and wanting to change it and  I can't afford a 5k monitor. thanks

[rakurs]

I would never recommend using a monitor in a non-native resolution. Image will be blurry. If OS UI scaling isn't working properly, then the solution would be to use a 1440p monitor. However, if Mac's scaling is working as intended, there is no reason not to use a 4k monitor, unless your GPU cannot handle it. Do you intend to use it with the same computer - old iMac?

[Lingwisyer]

If the PPI of a 27" 4K is too high for you, just get a bigger monitor!

[Piotr Walerysiak]

I'd prefer 2 screens setup of 2560x1440  27" or even 1920x1200 24" instead of one 4K. Every one have probably different approach. (I work only in CAD/BIM, no CGI)

[Wlad222]

I recommend 32" 4K monitor. That's around 138 ppi. (For comparison 27 at 4K is 163 ppi and  27 at 2k us 109 ppi).  138 ppi (32 at 4k) is perfect size vs resolution for me! You need to get used to the bigger screen for sure, but once you do, its fantastic! 

[rakurs]

While we're recommending. I'd point out that ultrawides are perfect... for me. I'm currently using a 34" 3440 × 1440 (Xiaomi VA panel), and I'm actively looking into upgrading to 38" 3840 × 1600 (LG IPS model) - even thought they're curved (GASP!) they work perfectly for me, and the curvature (at least on the one I have, the Xiaomi) does not bother me the slightest, and maybe it is even beneficial since it's not extreme. There are many many different curvatures out there.

Also, sizes. Look up here: https://screengeometry.com/Screens - you can compare your current setup size-wise with an upgrade or upgrades, if you're changing aspect and / or size and / or resolution.

[ALL_Emil]

Going away from the good old 5k iMac is painful for all of us. I've been using 2x27" 4k Dell monitors on Windows. Works well. I would never go below. I hate curved monitors. I've been considering upgrading to a 6K, but they are not yet on the market. 

I like having two monitors when I'm presenting but in general i would prefer to have one great monitor instead of two decent monitors.

[Lingwisyer]

Historically, VA monitors have not had good colour accuracy so make sure you take that into consideration when picking if that is relevant for you.

[rakurs]

While that is true, it is also true that they are a bit better in some other aspects than IPS. While OLEDs almost always present the best picture, they have their own limitations, such as burn-in anxiety, and text clarity is also subpar (at least in most panels) so it's really a pick-your-poison situation as there is no perfect display.

Considering the fact that monitors have the longest life (going back to that burn-in!) and they typically outlast almost all other PC components, choice of display is one that should be taken with much deliberation.

[Lingwisyer]

Other than a higher contrast ratio, which would only be utilised in limted situations, and budget, why else would you take a VA over an IPS in a work environment?