If you’ve been wanting to buy one of the new iMacs in a screen size larger than 24”, you’re currently out of luck. Apple has just announced newer 24” iMac with an updated M2 chip.

But if you’re still pining for a new Mac with a larger screen, Apple’s solution is the Mac mini with the M2 chip or the Mac Studio.

These devices are complete computers, but they need a monitor, mouse and keyboard to make them functional. Selecting a monitor could be the most important decision to add to your system.

There are plenty 1080p monitors available under $200. However, if you require one with better resolution, check out the variety of 4K or 5K monitors. These range from $300 up to $1600 for Apple’s 5K Studio Display. But for most serious users, plan spending $450 to $600. One monitor to consider is the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE, a 27” 4K display.

Dell UltraSharp U2723QE monitor is aimed at professionals or those with a demanding need for better resolution. It comes with a calibration factory report to assure optimal color rendition.

Specifications

Pixels: More than 8 million
Brightness: 400 nits
Ports: HDMI 2.2, DisplayPort, USB-C 3.2 (2), USB-A 3.2 (4), Ethernet LAN, Audio line out
Resolution/Refresh Rate: 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz
Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
Response Time: 5 ms GTG (fast)
Adjustability: Height, Rotation (vertical or horizontal), Swivel, Tilt

Installation

Dell makes it quite easy to set up this monitor. Just attach the base to the vertical post and lock these into the display itself.

What may be more difficult is deciding which cable to attach between your Mac and the Dell due to their connectivity choices.

I was torn between the USB-C (Thunderbolt) port and HDMI. Both of these cables carry video and audio signals. Not sure how well, Apple’s Thunderbolt port would be compatible with the generic USB-C port, I went with HDMI. The Dell immediately connected with my Mac mini and produced a stunning display. With so many USB ports, you can actually use this monitor as a USB Hub!

Operation

Control of this Dell UltraSharp is quite simple. There are 2 buttons on the rear of the monitor. The most basic is the power on/off button. The second is a joystick that looks like a button.

It can move omnidirectionally to control, brightness, contrast, sharpness and many more operations at the touch of the button. For example, brightness was set at 70% that looked somewhat dull, so I moved it to 80%–problem solved!

What’s Included

1. DisplayPort cable
2. USB-C Cable (Gen. 2)
3. HDMI Cable
4. Type-C Cable (C-C)
5. Power Cable
6. Installation Sheet
7. Warranty Info

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple monitor for your Mac, plan on spending under $200. However, if you want a monitor that fulfills the output capable of the Mac, look to a 4K or 5K model. As suggested previously, the 5K monitors like the Apple Studio Display may be out of your price range, so a 4K monitor like the Dell UltraSharp may be a more realistic purchase typically between $550 and $650. However, you can find deals that price this monitor close to $500.

If you’re serious about the image that your monitor displays, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE may be what you’re looking for.