SonoraDick Loc: Tucson

A few months ago, I visited the Apple store and really liked the iMac Retina 5K 27" unit after I displayed some of my own photos. For a moment, I thought I was a decent photographer; they looked that much better to my eyes. I decided then that this would be my next computer when the time came.

Two things I should mention here. One, I'm a Windows user and two, I'm retired and not a professional anything. I use Adobe CC (mostly Lightroom, not very far into Photoshop yet) and enjoy looking at and showing my photos more than anything else.

Well, the time came, and I'm still a Windows user. I just couldn't justify spending twice as much and getting less in terms of performance. I bought a Dell XPS 8900 and hope it'll serve me as well as my current Dell has.

Now for my monitor question. I've been happy with an inexpensive Viewsonic 24", 1920X1080 that hasn't given me any problems in nearly five years. But I do want a larger screen at some point (damn you, Apple!). The card in my new Dell will support 4K and I've been looking at the Dell P2715Q that B&H sells for about $500. Does anybody have any experience with this? There are obviously many monitors with the same 1920X1080 resolution that I currently have that are offered in the screen size I desire (could go to 28-29" or so as well) at a considerably lower price. Will the 4K display really be that much better for my use? (In case it matters, I expect that in the near future I'll have a camera capable of shooting 4K video.)

I'm not set on the 4K; just want a nice display that will be an improvement over my current monitor and is somewhere in that $500 range. Any comparisons/suggestions/comments (other than I should have gone with Apple) will be appreciated. Thanks!

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

* I was going to suggest the Apple Display, but forgot that it is not compatible with PC's. I would suggest a resolution higher than 1920 x 1080 if you can find it. Like maybe this one.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-ud590-series-28-led-4k-uhd-monitor-black/5484022.p?id=1219133600805&skuId=5484022

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Have you thought about the advantages of two monitors, side by side vs a single one that is bigger?

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Not only will you need a monitor that can handle 4K resolution, but an upgraded video card that will output that much resolution in the first place.

tsilva Loc: Arizona

Good comprehension there bob - "The card in my new Dell will support 4K"

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I've had a 4K camera for a year. I didn't buy it to watch in 4K. It is really hard to deliver in 4K for now. Bandwidth, YouTube, Vimeo, optical disks all have challenges. The result is that delivery to nearly everybody is in HD.

The the important parts to me is that 4K gives opportunities in video editing that AVCHD did not and there is the (amazing to me) ability to "frame grab" for stills or prints.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I've had the 19" 1680x1050 monitor for several years now and I have no desire to upgrade. Remember, if you get a bigger screen you may need to sit further away from the screen to see it all. People get totally immersed in video goggles with 2" lcd screens in each eye because they are less than an inch from the screen. I'm thinking a 29" monitor 30 inches away probably gives the same viewing experience as a 24" monitor 2 feet away.

SonoraDick Loc: Tucson

No, I hadn't. Just checked out a couple of options and don't see how that will work better for me. Thanks for the idea.

SonoraDick Loc: Tucson

Thanks, Jethro. I hadn't seen this particular Samsung. I'm going to look at it seriously.

SonoraDick Loc: Tucson

That's a good point, Bob. However, just as a tv upgrade inevitably leads me to a larger screen, I think this new monitor will, as well. Thanks for the response.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

I too am a PC user,and use high end cad/rendering software...aside from Adobe products. Take a look at some of the Asus or Acer models. BTW, I believe some of Dell monitors were rated quite high if not better in comparison to Apple Displays, and there is for sure better than Apple (EIZO's & NEC to mention a couple)...but you'll pay way more than $500 along with a good nVIdia Quadro cards like the K5000/6000 cards. All a bit overkill...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've been using Dell computers for years, and they do provide good value for the price. I'm using a Dell 8500 and 8700, and my son considered getting the 8900. He's still using a Dell Studio, running Vista, from 2009.

A few years ago, I decided to get an iMac, and I like it, although there is a learning curve after using PC's since the beginning. I got a refurbished 27" 2011 model, and it has better specs than the newest models, although not Retina.

From what I read last night, buying directly from Apple will get you the highest price possible. B&H, MacMall, and others, sell for less.

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Try....
http://www.microcenter.com/category/4294967292,4294966363/Apple-Desktops