Apple 2k vs 5k Display for a full time development

[ratko995]

Hello,

I am thinking about buying an iMac but what bothers me is I don't know which one should I choose (standard 27" with 2k resolution or the 5k one).

The main reason for buying an iMac is for work (web development). Working for several hours on my current computer burns my eyes because of the bad display. I know that 5k iMac is overkill for a normal developer but I am willing to invest in it for working comfortability.

Would there be a difference between 2k and 5k IPS display when working for several hours?

 

[i7Baby]

Depends on the spec - https://www.apple.com/au/imac/ eg "Every model in the line-up comes standard with an Intel Core i5 processor, topping out at 3.4GHz. And at the Apple Online Store, you can configure your iMac with an even more powerful Intel Core i7 processor, up to 3.5GHz."

and "Whether you choose fast integrated Intel HD Graphics 5000, even faster Intel Iris Pro Graphics or incredibly fast NVIDIA discrete graphics,"

 

[ratko995]

@i7Baby

Sorry, I don't think you understood what I've been asking. I don't worry about the spec.
What I meant by difference when working for several hours is the difference in comfortability (eye burn).

 

[i7Baby]

So - it doesn't worry you if its $3000 or $12000?

I think 2K (1440p) is more than enough anyway.

Go any have a look at 1440p and 2160p (4k) monitors in action and see if you think it makes a difference.

 

[ratko995]

Well it's not actually $3000 or $12000 it's $1999 or $2499.

I checked out the 4k monitors in action and there clearly is a difference in resolution/sharpness but I want to hear other people experience when actually "working" for several hours on 2k resolution and 5k. Is it worth an extra $500?

 

[Bryan Durin]

I use an iMac for extended periods fairly regularly, the 5k IPS display, and it is beautiful. Not sure if the 2k would make all that much of a difference, but I can vouch for the 5k's beauty. OS X Yosemite is also a beautiful OS.

 

[Solandri]

The main reason for buying an iMac is for work (web development). Working for several hours on my current computer burns my eyes because of the bad display. I know that 5k iMac is overkill for a normal developer but I am willing to invest in it for working comfortability.

People forget that Apple doesn't actually make hardware, they just repackage other companies' hardware. The 5k panel in the iMac is actually an LG LM270QQ1. The Dell Up2715K uses the same panel and is available for $1993 from Provantage if you just want to attach the nice monitor to your current computer (you may need to upgrade video cards to one capable of dual displayport to drive it at 60 Hz). If you get the screen mated to the iMac, it will always be mated to that iMac. If you buy an external monitor, you can attach it to the new computer when you upgrade. I find I tend to use monitors for about 10 years, while I upgrade computers every 3 years.

Stick with monitors using IPS (LG), PLS (Samsung), or AHVA (AUO) panels if staring at the screen hurts your eyes. Avoid the TN panels. Turn down the brightness to match the ambient room lighting. It may seem dim at first, but after a few hours it'll be a lot more comfortable. You want the monitor to simulate looking at a well-lit printed piece of paper, not staring at a neon sign.

Would there be a difference between 2k and 5k IPS display when working for several hours?

That really depends on your age, the distance you'll be sitting from the monitor, and font size. The younger you are, the closer you sit to the screen, and the smaller your fonts, the more likely you'll see a noticeable improvement. That said, even my 45 year old eyes can easily see the pixels on a 24" 1080p monitor, so 27" 2k wouldn't be much of an improvement. I was planning on a 4k monitor as my next upgrade. 5k seems like overkill, especially for the price (nearly 3x a 4k IPS monitor).

But really, eyestrain is usually caused by the monitor being set too bright for the ambient lighting. Turn it down so a white screen is only slightly brighter than a white piece of paper.