Having kept impatient fans waiting for almost five long years, Apple has introduced new Mac mini with high-end specs. Though this machine is great for both newbies and pros, it can be a boon for the folks who are switching from Windows PC to Mac. If you belong to this group of people, this extensive collection of the best monitors for Mac mini 2018 is for you.
- Connect Ipad To Mac Mini
- Can You Use Ipad Pro As Monitor For Mac Mini
- Ipad Mac Mini Display
- Connect Mac Mini To Monitor
I still remember how aggressively Apple marketed Mac mini during the initial days. The tech giant pitched the ultra-portable computer to entice Windows users to switch to macOS without having to break the bank.
That’s why the “BYODKM” (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse) tagline seemed so well timed. That means if you already have basic things, you can effortlessly walk across the fence.
Best Mac Mini Monitors in 2020
- LG UltraFine 5K. The LG UltraFine 5K display is a workhorse. It features a beautiful 27-inch screen.
- Your iPad should now show an extension of your Mac desktop. You can move windows to it and use it like any other display. To mirror your Mac display so that both screens show the same content, return to the AirPlay menu, which is a blue rectangle while using Sidecar. Choose the option to mirror your display.
Starting from the scratch and wish to get everything new for your Mac mini? We’ve already reviewed the best keyboards and mouse for the computer. And the following roundup should help you choose the perfect monitor for your Mac.
Doesn’t matter whether you are a hardcore gamer, app developer or a graphic designer, you will be able to find the right answer based on your need. Let’s get started!
One way to use an iPad as a display for a headless Mac It involves screen sharing and a third-party VNC app. You could use the iPad as the “monitor,” while typing on the Mac mini keyboard.
#1. Samsung 32-Inch Widescreen FHD Curved LED Monitor
The prime reason why I’ve put this monitor from Samsung right at the top of this roundup is that it’s got the quality to be the best of both worlds. The reasonably good viewing experience at the affordable price ($252.94).
The monitor sports a sleek profile and should live up to your both media viewing and gaming demand. The 1800R curvature of the screen helps it deliver impressive viewing experience.
Active crystal color technology ensures images appear crisp and appealing. There is a special game mode to amplify your gaming. And with 4ms response time, it’s got the speed to match your flair.
USP: The 1800R curvature of the screen
Check out on Amazon
#2. LG 24M47VQ
On any day, I’d like to go with LG 24M47VQ to not just get a pretty good monitor but also save a lot of bucks.
What has really caught my eyes in LG 24M47VQ is the compact and simple design. 1080p pixel resolution makes it a safe bet for most functionalities.
With the 2MS response time, it’s powerful enough to let you breeze through the task. Therefore, you will find it good enough to let you play games and watch fun-loving videos.
Plus, check out the 4-screen multitasking feature that can bolster your productivity.
USP: 2MS response time
Check out on Amazon
#3. ASUS MX279H
Hold on! If there is a race to be budget-friendly without putting some of the big-ticket features on the backburners, you can’t go wrong with ASUS MX279H.
There is more than one reason to like this adorable piece from ASUS. And one of them is the full HD (1920 x 1080) AH-IPS LED display that can bring your movies to life.
The edge-to-edge screen with 178° wide-view angle is spot on for power-packed gaming and an endless video play. Thanks to the SonicMaster sound optimization technology, it provides very appreciable audio quality.
USP: SonicMaster sound optimization technology
Check out on Amazon
#4. Dell E Series
Miss out on this offering from Dell at your own peril! Well, I can say it because of E Series monitors are not just one of the cheapest options in the market but also come with many goodies. And oh, they’ve got four and a half stars out of several customer reviews on Amazon.
The 23-inch IPS monitor offers a wide-viewing angle, which should be just fine for your movies and games. It looks well built and should be a durable companion for your Mac mini 2018.
One notable feature is that the flicker-free screen reduces blue light emission to safeguard your eyes. Hence, your hours of fun won’t be harmful to your eyes.
USP: Reduces blue light emission
Check out on Amazon
#5. ViewSonic VA2759
ViewSonic presents one of the finest budget-friendly monitors–VA2759. The reason why I’ve put it in this lineup is that it’s a nice all-around package.
The nearly bezel-free screen with full HD (1920x1080p) resolution is up to the mark for enhanced viewing. Wide-viewing angles and sharp clarity ensure your media time remain a pleasing experience.
The flicker-free technology and blue light filter play a major role in preventing eyestrain. Thus, your hours of movie watching won’t burn your eyes. Additionally, ViewSonic provides view settings to further ramp up your viewing based on your needs.
USP: Flicker-free technology
Check out on Amazon
#6. Samsung CJ791
I know you had been waiting to see a beast in this lineup, hadn’t you? Samsung CJ791 is power-packed and definitely one of the best in the business. If you are willing to have an ultra-large premium monitor for your Mac mini, do give it serious consideration.
Beyond praise, CJ791 is blessed with an elegantly curved panel to amplify your viewing. It has two Thunderbolt 3 ports to let you connect multiple Macs.
The ability to transmit data at up to 40gbps makes it well timed for your professional video editing or managing tons of data. Moreover, the built-in 7-watt stereo speakers deliver immersive audio quality.
USP: Ultra-large elegantly curved screen
Check out on Amazon
#7. ViewSonic VX2778
Three features make “ViewSonic VX2778” a solid contender for your new Mac mini. First, the impressive IPS panel with the wide viewing angles makes it a fine pick for media watching and graphic designing.
It has a high-quality screen with 2560×1440 resolution that can stand up to your demand admirably. The edge-to-edge frameless screen both improves viewing and gives it a modern look.
The second, dual speakers offer excellent sound. So, expect your music time to be fully enjoyable.
And the third, it provides multiple connectivity options such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort. Besides, you get the optimized view settings to fine-tune your viewing as per your activity.
USP: Edge-to-edge frameless screen
Check out on Amazon
#8. LG 34UC80-B
It’s always better to have a close look at LG’s monitors before setting the attention on others. Having tried my hands on many LG monitors, I can tell how good this South Korean tech giant is in producing a high-quality monitor. Hence, I expect 34UC80-B to be nothing less than a great asset for your Mac.
The ultra-wide curved QHD IPS display is spot on for a delightful movie watching. And it can also be exceptionally good for graphic design or video editing.
sRGB 99% color gamut makes it a top bet for professional photographers. Thanks to AMD FreeSync technology, this monitor also safeguards your eyes from straining. Plus, there are three game modes to enliven your gaming time.
USP: sRGB 99% color gamut
Check out on Amazon
#9. Acer G257HU
Though not as powerful as many of its counterparts, Acer G257HU is easily a better shot at $400 price point.
The slim profile with magnetic base gives it a modern look. 27″ IPS WQHD display with 2560 x 1440 resolution offers crisp images. And the 4ms response time enables it to handle your high-octane games with aplomb. You can also expect it to handle your large media files fast.
It has a USB Type-C port that comes in very handy in letting you transfer data at a rapid speed. Further, up to 15-degree tilted angle offers improved viewing angle.
USP: Transfer data with rapid speed
Check out on Amazon
#10. LG 32GK650G
Time to go for a long gaming spree! Should you wish to pick out the best monitor for your Mac mini to get the most out of your robust games, LG 32GK650G is the one you should try out.
So, what makes 32GK650G stand out? To me, the quality that gives it an edge over others is the 144Hz refresh rate that prevents issues like tearing and keeps your high-octane games in top flight.
As a result, your time at fast-paced action games remains fluid. Not to mention the option to customize the game modes that bring more fun into the play.
USP: 144Hz refresh rate
Check out on Amazon
That’s all, folks! Now is the time to send your thoughts about the monitors reviewed above. Also, let us know your pick.
Signing Off…
I know you’ve found my picks adorable, haven’t you? While choosing the monitors, I kept multiple requirements in mind. However, if you find any top bet missing from the collection, do not forget to inform me.
You’d like to have a glance at these posts as well:
What’s the one thing you’ve liked most about the new Mac mini? Feel free to send your views across.
The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.
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It seems like Apple promotes its iPad Pro as a computer and encourages young users to get more mobile with iPad. And lo, I came to know about a cool new product that can turn an iPad into a Mac mini display. It is Luna Display, a dongle that helps you turn your iPad into a wireless display for Mac mini. This small product creates a new workspace that boasts the best of Mac and iPad. The best thing is, it works on all major iPads except the first generation.
How to Use iPad as Mac Mini Display or Secondary Display for Any Mac with Luna Display
Your iPad becomes a wireless display for Mac mini, which is a stationary hub. The processing power of Mac mini and edge-to-edge retina display of iPad are at your fingertips.
Before we delve into the method, you need to put a few things into place:
- Your Mac mini (or any MacBook Pro/Air, iMac that has USB Type C port.)
- Any iPad (except the first generation iPad.)
- Accessories: A Bluetooth keyboard case, Mouse, and Apple Pencil (Second Generation)
- Strong Wi-fi network
Step #1. You need to download Luna for Mac app on your Mac mini; for this purpose, keep your existing external display connected to the Mac mini.
Step #2. Next, launch System Preferences on your Mac mini.
Step #3. Now click “Users and Groups” and choose your preferred account for automatic login.
Step #4. Connect your iPad to the same Wi-fi network as your Mac mini.
Note: If Wi-fi is not available, you can connect your two devices using a USB cable.
Step #5. Then you are required to download Luna Display app on your iPad.
Step #6. When both apps are installed on both devices, open Luna Display app and follow on-screen instructions.
You will be asked to insert Luna device into Mac mini.
Step #7. It is time to disconnect the external display from your Mac mini.
Note that if you use FileVault, you’ll still need an external display to unlock your drive whenever you reboot.
There you go!
Video: iPad touchscreen Mac Mini Setup
Now you can use your iPad as a Mac mini display.
Since Mac mini is shipped without a display, Luna Display finds a suitable usage for Mac mini users. One should not limit the use of Luna Display to Mac mini as users can always use this dongle with MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or an iMac.
Users, who wanted to experience superior graphics on iPad, can now use programs like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro on iPad.
When you wish to go back to iOS on your iPad, simply swipe up like you used to bring home screen on your iPad. Coming back to macOS is equally easy; just tap on Luna Display app to go back to macOS.
Is it a good deal?
Only if you have both devices at home or office. You should not buy an expensive iPad only to use it as your Mac mini display.
Luna Display: A sincere effort to rework Apple ecosystem
Apple is creating competition among its own devices; my article (linked above) hints at this point. For the last three years, Apple has made tremendous efforts to improve its iPad 12.9″ as the company knew that the large-screen tablet has nearly replaced laptops, though it hasn’t replaced computers yet.
Connect Ipad To Mac Mini
Makers of Luna Display have not failed to sense this practice of Apple, as they note, “Anyone with a close eye on Apple will notice there’s a common theme with each hardware announcement: Apple is always trying to outdo itself by creating more powerful standalone products, as if each product is slowly creeping up on the boundaries of another product.”
Can You Use Ipad Pro As Monitor For Mac Mini
iPhones are so big now that they’re practically mini iPads, and iPads are marketed as “like a computer, unlike any computer.” But the reality is that even though the iPad keeps getting more powerful, it hasn’t replaced the computer yet, and people are still reaching for their Macbooks to get real work done.
Summing up…
While Apple could not (or they don’t want to) combine the iPad and Mac mini, Luna Display has successfully done this. Users will surely welcome this product to make their life more comfortable and mobile.
Related Posts:
Ipad Mac Mini Display
Do you think people will adopt Luna Display to use their iPad as a Mac mini display? Share your feedback with us in the comment below.
Connect Mac Mini To Monitor
Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com who has a keen eye for news, rumors and all the unusual stuff that happens around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting contents on social media.
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