Ask HN: Best Display to Code & Design? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Best Display to Code & Design?

2 pointscarlsednaoui9 comments

Hi HN,

I currently own an 11' MacBook Air and wanted to get your feedback regarding external monitors/ display.

Some of the options I am considering include the Apple 27' Thunderbolt Display or maybe a projector (such as the ViewSonic PJD5133 SVGA).

I would love to know what external monitor/ display you are currently using and what is it that you love/ hate about it.

Thanks,

Carl

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A projector! I never thought of using a projector for an external monitor/display. It sure sounds cool. But from discussion here - http://ask.metafilter.com/95233/monitor-vs-projector, it appears there are a host of issues with them - resolution, lighting, cost. which would make it not a good choice for coding.

Great point regarding lighting and resolution. As for cost, it seems that prices have gone wayyy down since 2008 - here is a decent looking one on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-PJD5133-SVGA-DLP-Projector/d...

Thanks for your feedback septerr!

My experience is that for image/colour quality, the number one thing you want is a display using IPS tech. I believe that Apple 27" is such.

I switched to iMac 27" and it has made all the difference.

Thanks for your feedback oxwrist - that's the one I'm inclined to get :)

The Apple 27' Display is extremely nice, but in my opinion it's not worth the money. Get a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter and a cheaper monitor.

Thanks for the feedback! Any specific cheaper monitor you use or would recommend?

If you can't afford, or can't justify, a cinema display - try this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-013-...

The actual screen itself is the same screen that Apple put in their cinema displays (2560x1440 IPS, etc) but it's over half the price. There are a few downsides though: the monitor case isn't as nice as the aluminium cinema display, though IMO is still pretty good. Also the sound quality of the built-in speakers is pretty terrible. Still, you could buy an amazing set of speakers and still have change left from a cinema display budget :-)

Sweet, thanks a lot kaolinite!

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