Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Need advice for external monitor for CAD/CAM on 2011 Macbook

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Rochester NY
    Posts
    147

    Need advice for external monitor for CAD/CAM on 2011 Macbook

    I want to get a 24" (or bigger) monitor to use with my 13" Macbook for Fusion 360. I'm just an occasional user, but the display on the Macbook is just too small. Looking for an understanding of what specs & features are important, and maybe some inexpensive recommendations.

    Early 2011 13” Macbook Pro
    2.3 GHz Intel Cor i5
    8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 memory
    Intel HD Graphics 3000 512 MB graphics
    Mini Display/Port

    Thanks
    Richard

  2. #2
    Just pull the pin on a big curve. The biggest you can afford or have room for. You wont regret it.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SE PA - Central Bucks County
    Posts
    65,688
    Both of my large monitors are Dell Ultra-Sharps. The one I'm using as I type this is a 27" attached to my 2019 MBP 15". My 2012 MPBr13 was attached to it previously. In the shop, I recently bought a 25" version of the same monitor for my CNC control computer. While it happens to be being used by a Windows machine there, it's every bit as nice as the slightly larger one here in my office. I prefer the 2560x1440 resolution that these monitors have for how I use them, particularly for design work. You have to be really careful with the "budget cost" monitors as many of them only support "HD" 1080 type resolution which honestly bites for doing detailed computer work, even though video playback looks just fine.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  4. #4
    I'll second Jim. If your budget allows, I'd go for a monitor with a 2560x1440 resolution and 25"+. Do check first though to see if your Macbook can support that resolution on an external display. I know my work laptop cannot support that high of resolution, but at home I have two 2560x1440 monitors that are about 30" and they're a joy to edit photos and work up CAD files on.
    Licensed Professional Engineer,
    Unlicensed Semi Professional Tinkerer

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    1,950
    looking at this also. my new lenovo c940 has 4k and i bought an LG 27" 4k monitor and a thunderbolt 3 dock rated at up to 8k via display port 1.4 but havent received the dock yet. are you guys saying that i would have been better off with a 2560x1440 monitor instead of the 4k? i think the LG 27UL600 is rated up to 3840x2160 as is my laptop.

    EDIT: Received my docking station today. It's a WAVLINK Thunderbolt 3 and LG 4k monitor and so far it seems very clear and crisp. Both seem reasonably priced for what they are. And the Monitor recognized the dock was running display port 1.4. Anyway, it's not a certified expensive setup if you were doing publishing or in need of super accurate color rendition but it seems fine for use with VCarve Pro and general laptop use when at my desk. Maybe my info helps the OP in some way too. Regards. Greg

    https://www.amazon.com/WAVLINK-DisplayPort-Thunderbolt-Charging-Ethernet/dp/B07T2RW54X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=wavlink+8k+dock&qid=1571871607 &sr=8-2
    https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-27ul600-w-27-ips-led-4k-uhd-freesync-monitor-with-hdr-silver-white/6329956.p?skuId=6329956
    Last edited by Greg Parrish; 10-23-2019 at 7:06 PM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SE PA - Central Bucks County
    Posts
    65,688
    Greg, 4K is great. It's just more expensive than the "more than adequate" 2560x1440. No worries!
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Rochester NY
    Posts
    147
    Thanks for the advice guys. My Macbook will support 2560x1440, so I'll look for a 25" or 27" with that resolution. My budget is very tight, so I'll be watching Craigslist, which is where most of my computer stuff comes from. Always someone wanting to upgrade to the hot new thing, lots of good buys there if you're patient.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Medina Ohio
    Posts
    4,516
    I use my old 42 inch tv for my cnc monitor. I like as you can see it anywhere in the shop

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    NW Arkansas
    Posts
    1,951
    Blog Entries
    1
    FWIW, my local Sam's had a 32" curved Samsung monitor for all of $199 last week, and not a closeout.
    Just under the resolution you noted.
    Woodworking, Old Tools and Shooting
    Ray Fine RF-1390 Laser Ray Fine 20watt Fiber Laser
    SFX 50 Watt Fiber Laser
    PM2000, Delta BS, Delta sander, Powermatic 50 jointer,
    Powermatic 100-12 planer, Rockwell 15-126 radial drill press
    Rockwell 46-450 lathe, and 2 Walker Turner RA1100 radial saws
    Jet JWS18, bandsaw Carbide Create CNC, RIA 22TCM 1911s and others

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Anthony Black View Post
    It depends on your budget, and on the tasks which you wanna use for the monitor. Usually, a high resolution monitor will always be a good choice, because the quality of the image is much better.
    The previous post on this thread is from 2019. Let's allow it to rest in peace.
    Licensed Professional Engineer,
    Unlicensed Semi Professional Tinkerer

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •