For me, one of many largest points with making the change from a MacBook to a Mac mini was the show side of it. MacBooks all have pretty nice shows, particularly on the MacBook Professional. Nonetheless, discovering a superb show that pairs properly with a Mac desktop at all times looks like a little bit little bit of a problem.
You both must go along with Apple’s costly choices, or compromise considerably on the expertise with a 3rd celebration. Some frequent compromises embody poor brightness, an absence of USB-C, or an absence of macOS integration. Whereas the BenQ MA270U actually isn’t a Studio Show alternative, it performs excellently in the entire qualities that matter to me.
What stands out to me
First issues first, this show is available in at $459. That’s cheaper than the Mac mini, even in case you’re shopping for one from the training retailer. At that worth level, it packs an aluminum stand, 400 nits of brightness, USB-C connectivity, and a in-built USB hub. It’s a 4K 27″ show, and likewise presents 2 HDMI ports for plugging in a sport console or anything you may want in your desk.
The in-built USB hub is a superb perk. The monitor presents two USB-A ports and a further USB-C port, permitting you to attach as much as 3 USB connections to your Mac by one cable. It additionally offers 90W of energy through USB-C, which’ll recharge your MacBook rapidly – in case you’re utilizing one. The USB-A ports are available in clutch as properly, for the reason that M4 Mac mini doesn’t embody them.
Some will level out that 400 nits of brightness is a little bit sub-par, which is actually true in comparison with Apple’s shows. Nonetheless, this isn’t a brilliant huge deal for indoor utilization. Many displays on this class solely have 250-350 nits, so I’m more than pleased to have 400 at this price ticket.
The aluminum stand can be a pleasant contact, making the MA270U really feel a good bit premium.
Lastly, there’s Show Pilot 2. This companion app lets you management the brightness and quantity of the show from inside macOS. This can be a uncommon function on non-Apple shows, and usually it’s a must to repeatedly fidget with bodily buttons on the show. You gained’t have to do this on the MA270U, and I’m blissful to say that. You additionally don’t want to make use of the companion app essentially, keyboard controls additionally work for brightness and quantity management.
Spec rundown
- 27-inch 4K panel (3840×2160) with as much as 400 nits of brightness, 60Hz
- 95% DCI-P3 and 99% sRGB shade gamut
- VESA DisplayHDR 400 assist
- Twin 3W treVolo audio system
- Nano Matte Panel
- TUV certification
- Adjustable stand with 115mm of top alter, 15 levels of tilt/swivel, and 90 levels of pivot
Wrap up
Total, the MA270U an amazing stability of every thing essential to me: first rate brightness, USB-C connectivity, and a good worth level. At $459, it’s arduous to go mistaken with this show. There’s additionally a 32-inch variant out there for $599.
In case you’re a fellow Mac mini person trying to find a pleasant exterior show to pair with it, I’d extremely advocate this monitor. The aforementioned companion app additionally has a function to match its shade profile with Apple’s, permitting for a close-to-stock look.
Purchase BenQ MA270U (27-inch):
Purchase BenQ MA320U (32-inch):
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