4k or 1440 monitor for a new m4 mac mini?

As far as scaling issues with 4K displays, I have a 4K, 27" display that I have set at 3008x1692 display size which for me gives a good balance of desktop area and text size. The text is crisp and sharp enough for my old eyes.

I have also had it setup at 2560x1440 for a while all was still quite sharp but I decided I wanted a little bit more desktop real estate. At a display size of the full 4K, text will be quite small for most people.

BTW, do not confuse "display size" with monitor resolution.

Bottom line is the best thing to do is go to some Best Buy or the like that that as active displays set up and see which look best to you when standing at a distance that you will be using it at. You could end up deciding that all you really need for your use is really a 1080P display. If you find one that suits you then you can see on line and see what price you can get.

For comfort + sharpness + long-term use:

→ Get a 27" 4K monitor and use macOS scaling (“Looks like 2560 × 1440” or “Default”).

For slightly cheaper but less sharp:

→ A 27" 1440p is okay, but you’ll notice softer text compared to Apple’s own screens.

I have both a 27" 4K Philips (£180) and a 27" 1080p Philips (£110) monitor with my M4 and M2 minis.

No problems with either. I wouldn't bother with a 1440p monitor as they are non-standard and neither here nor there.

Be advised that there is no dramatic difference between 1080p and 4K in everyday use (I also have a 27" 5K iMac) and 90% of the time I quite happily use my M2 with the 1080p monitor . . . you can agonise over details too much at times.

bobhoops wrote:

This might be a strange question, I am about to purchase a M4 Mac mini 16/512. I am completely unsure what monitor to buy, not necessarily which brand, but whether to buy a 1440 monitor or a 4k monitor.

What are you currently using for a computer..?

Do you have an external display or a sm. HDMI TV..?

I have read that Mac Mini have scaling issues with 4k monitors and I really don't want that headache if it's going to be difficult to fix. I am a retired casual user who is looking to get the best monitor for the most reasonable price.

High resolution displays are nice, but can pose some issues.

1) The text is smaller and can require some adjustment to lower the resolution.

2) In some cases, you maybe need to replace the display manufactures long cheap cable.

Can someone give me some insight as the next few days are a very good time to purchase a monitor?

If possible, use something that you already have while you are shopping for a new display.

Most any external display or sm. HDMI TV will work with the Mac mini.

see > Connect a display to Mac mini - Apple Support