Dear Apple, Please Make a Next-Gen Apple Cinema Display for ‘Normal People’
Pro Display XDR Alternatives

The alternatives to the XDR are less appealing. While Apple uses aluminum, others still use plastic. Sure, some screens look good, but you can not go beyond good with plastic. Why aren’t more manufacturers using premium materials?

The main problem with the XDR for the average consumer is that it costs $7.000. This is a screen most people should stay away from as it is targeted at high-end professional users.

So where does that leave the average Joe? Nowhere really. There are no options and you have to look elsewhere.

Even Apple lists LGs displays as options on their site. I’m not sure this is a sign they won’t bother with displays for you and me anymore.

After days of research, there are a few alternatives you can consider. Good luck learning the model names though.

BenQ

One of the best options offered by BenQ is the Designer Professional Monitor with 31.5-inch, 4K UHD, Display P3 |PD3220U.

With its similar size and great panel, it is a valid competitor. The display is high rez (although not 6k) with a 10-bit HDR panel.

You can daisy-chain it to set up multiple monitors and it comes with a puck with buttons so you can quickly change color modes (if you’re a fan of more clutter on your desk)

ASUS

ASUS has a lineup targeted towards creative users. They have a whole series called ProArt.

It is within this lineup we find some of the best alternatives to the XDR.

The ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCX-K 4K HDR IPS Mini LED Professional Monitor — 32”

There is a variety of models to choose from. The K model f.ex. has the calibration tool included.

LG

LG has a few options. Apple sells the 27-inch LG UltraFine 5K Display on their site and it is tailored for the mac. It doesn’t even have hardware menus as the OS will help you with the settings.

It is packed with a web camera, microphones, speakers, and several USB-C ports. The thunderbolt plug also powers your MacBook.

If you are looking for more screen real estate, you can have a look at the 34'’ LG 34WK95U-W UltraWide® 5K2K Nano IPS LED Monitor with HDR 600.

Working with widescreen is amazing. The productivity levels are boosted and you don’t get a screen border in the middle of your view.

Another popular option in the LG camp is the Ergo series. The LG 32UN880-B 32 Inch UltraFine™ Display Ergo 4K HDR10 Monitor is something to consider. The stand looks fantastic.
['Martin Andersson Aaberge']
['Technology', 'Apple', 'Content Creation', 'Hardware', 'Creative']