Presumably because of supply difficulties, Apple has expended the 25% discount on the new 5LG monitor for further three months. Various connectors and other accessories associated with the USB-C connectors of the latest MacBook Pros also have an extended discount period.
The 5K monitors, which were announced at the same time as the new laptops, are now reaching consumers. 9to5Mac (see below) has a generally positive review of the LG display but does highlight several issues, including the all-plastic housing (in contrast the former Apple Cinema Display’s aluminium chassis) and a paucity of ports. The downstream USB-C ports are v.3.1 offering a maximum bandwidth of 5Gbps.
Despite this, the 5K monitor is regarded as good value for money and is virtually the only option for full compatibility with the new MacBooks. The 27in version current costs £884 after the temporary discount, now extended to March 31.
On the fence
I have previously written about my medium-term plan to replace the desktop iMac and portable MacBook with a fully specced 13in MacBook Pro and one of these 27in monitors. Although, thanks to cloud services, it is now much easier to keep two computers synchronised, there are still advantages to having just one computer to play with. And the new universal USB-C connector means that a MacBook Pro, used as a desktop machine, needs only one connection cable to handle power and data. It’s a compelling concept.
Currently (as usual) I am still sitting on the fence, undecided how long it is worth carrying on with the iMac and MacBook. I do like the MacBook as a travelling companion — it is so light and thin, more convenient in my view than an iPad Pro and keyboard — but I can understand the benefits of having just the one computer. The 13in MacBook Pro will be heavier to carry, but not enough to swing the decision.
Read the full review of the 27in LG monitor here.
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I am happy enough with my NEC monitor even though it does have a very hefty black plastic case… I look at the display rather than the case when I am using it. 🙂
But that was not what I wanted to comment on…
If I had the opportunity to start again, I think I would still have two (or more) computers, at least then if one is incapacitated, you have half a chance of either solving the issue with the other machine, or work solely from one machine while the other is at the repairer.
I would still have a Mini or Pro on my desk and either keep or upgrade the MacBook for travelling. It is a beautiful thing and waiting for it to perform is hardly arduous. The speaker is remarkable and you can even listen to some opera, while you photoshop.
Marvellous!
Stephen,
You make a very good point about having two computers for emergency. Coincidentally, I had a worrying incident last Friday which underlines your caution. My iMac had been sleeping while I was out during he day. When I got back I was told there had been a power outage for a brief time (caused by the toaster blowing a fuse….). The iMac had a resolutely black screen although the mouse pointer was capable of being moved around. I rebooted and up came the usual gong and Apple logo, followed by the moving bar and — then — a return to the black screen of death. Curiously, sound was coming from my EyeTV tuner which had been started automatically on reboot. Nothing I could do would bring the screen to life and I began to fear a duff video component. I mugged up on Apple guidance papers, started in safe mode and various other ploys, all to no avail. In the meantime, I had some urgent work to do so I got out the MacBook and worked there.
Then I called Apple support and we went through various ideas until I just touched the on-off button a the back of the iMac for some reason I can’t remember. The screen suddenly came back to life, without either the guy at Apple nor I realising what had caused this. We rebooted just to check that everything was ok and it was.
The point is, as you so rightly state, that I could have been left high and dry without a computer while I lugged the iMac back to the Genius Bar. What would have happened to Macfilos during the intervening days. Lucky I had the MacBook and I intend to bring this argument into play next time I’m writing about MacBook Pro versus MacBook/iMac.
I am now tempted towards the MacPro cylinder as a desktop machine, supplemented by the new LG monitor. But I think I will keep the MacBook (or update it) for travel. And, of course, as a spare heir.