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What's the best external monitor for MacBook Pro?
over 3 years ago from Teodor Decu, Product Designer
Tiny Machine, over 3 years ago Seconding the suggestion of just getting an iMac 5K. As I mentioned below I just ended up getting a gently used 2017 iMac and work off of that -- $300 cheaper than LG Ultrafine 5K but with a Mac attached. (And less ugly, IMO.)
Just a clarification that "iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) and later iMac models can't be used as Target Display Mode displays" (support.apple.com).
It looks like you might be able to use a Luna Display dongle (~80 USD) to connect use a MacBook Pro with an iMac as an external display (or vice versa?). I've used Luna to turn an iPad into an external display (recently Sherlocked by Sidecar), but never tried Mac-to-Mac connection, so can't speak to its reliability.
Peter Costello, over 3 years ago I did this also. Kept my 2015 macbook and bought a new 2019 imac. Haven't looked back. If I need extra screen space I use duetdisplay to use ipad as second screen. I think this will also allow for a macbook to act as the second screen.
T. F., over 3 years ago Mh, so in the new OS there's only an option for an iPad as 2nd display, not another mac ?
I wish the situation had changed, but it hasn’t. The article is still unfortunately pretty accurate.
tl;dr get the 5K UltraFine, or Apple XDR, or the older LG 4K UltraFine (not the new one) if you want a Retina display. If you want non-Retina, there’s lots of good and cheap options.
I really hope there’s more 5K 27-inch displays in 2020.
Given the grim situation, it’s worth considering an iMac. Getting an iMac with a lower specced MacBook Pro might actually be cheaper and will almost certainly be better than any external display — the LG 5K UltraFine shares the same panel as the iMacs, but the iMacs have a nicer, more sturdy case.