This show pairs properly with Mac mini, with out breaking the financial institution

For me, one of many greatest points with making the swap from a MacBook to a Mac mini was the show facet of it. MacBooks all have pretty nice shows, particularly on the MacBook Professional. Nevertheless, discovering show that pairs properly with a Mac desktop all the time seems like slightly little bit of a problem.

You both need to go along with Apple’s costly choices, or compromise considerably on the expertise with a 3rd social gathering. Some widespread compromises embrace poor brightness, an absence of USB-C, or an absence of macOS integration. Whereas the BenQ MA270U actually isn’t a Studio Show substitute, 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 if you happen to’re shopping for one from the schooling retailer. At that worth level, it packs an aluminum stand, 400 nits of brightness, USB-C connectivity, and a inbuilt USB hub. It’s a 4K 27″ show, and likewise provides 2 HDMI ports for plugging in a sport console or the rest you may want in your desk.

The inbuilt USB hub is a good perk. The monitor provides two USB-A ports and a further USB-C port, permitting you to attach as much as 3 USB connections to your Mac by way of one cable. It additionally offers 90W of energy through USB-C, which’ll recharge your MacBook rapidly – if you happen to’re utilizing one. The USB-A ports are available clutch as nicely, because the M4 Mac mini doesn’t embrace them.

Some will level out that 400 nits of brightness is slightly sub-par, which is actually true in comparison with Apple’s shows. Nevertheless, this isn’t a brilliant huge deal for indoor utilization. Many screens on this class solely have 250-350 nits, so I’m very happy 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 means that you can management the brightness and quantity of the show from inside macOS. It is a uncommon characteristic on non-Apple shows, and usually it’s a must to frequently fidget with bodily buttons on the show. You gained’t have to try this on the MA270U, and I’m completely satisfied 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 coloration gamut
• VESA DisplayHDR 400 assist
• Twin 3W treVolo audio system
• Nano Matte Panel
• TUV certification
• Adjustable stand with 115mm of top modify, 15 levels of tilt/swivel, and 90 levels of pivot

Wrap up

General, the MA270U an important steadiness of every little thing necessary to me: first rate brightness, USB-C connectivity, and a good worth level. At $459, it’s laborious to go mistaken with this show. There’s additionally a 32-inch variant out there for $599.

If you happen to’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 characteristic to match its coloration 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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