New computer displays tend to get not just better over time, but bigger — within reason. Unlike TVs, they’re designed to be viewed from just a few feet away at most. But increasingly, we see people using smart TVs as external monitors to get that extra size into their desktop setups.
Today’s featured setup sports an M2 MacBook Pro driving a 42-inch LG OLED smart TV that the user describes as “perfect.”
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M2 MacBook Pro rig relies on 42-inch LG OLED HD TV as a ‘perfect’ display
Redditor FrankyHi5, who works in the medical field but aspires to learn coding, showcased the setup in a post entitled, “Got some upgrades.”
What did he upgrade? These: “A white, unibody MacBook with a ‘upgraded’ 8GB of RAM! OG 4GB, LOL, and a 2017 MacBook Pro base model, battery went to shit. The desk had hairpin legs before the standing frame. And was rocking an Office Depot chair without arm rests.”
Now he’s got an M2 MacBook Pro sporting 16GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD, a Fully Jarvis standing desk and a Herman Miller Embody chair.
My, what a big display you have
But the big display you can see in the photograph drew immediate attention — in part for the wrong reason.
“I thought it was the Pro Display XDR because of the wallpaper,” one commenter said, referring to Apple’s extraordinary 6K display (which costs $5K).
“What monitor?” asked another person. “Looks immersive AF.”
As it happens, Frank uses his 16-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro to drive a big ol’ 42-inch LG OLED HD Smart TV (OLED stands for organic light emitting diode if you care; the technology creates deeper blacks and cinematic color compared to regular LEDs).
These days, 42 inches isn’t all that big for a TV, but it’s rather large for an external computer monitor.
“It’s perfect IMO, I do have it pushed all the way back, so far I don’t really have to twist my neck it seems,” he said. “Good for gaming and multitasking/productivity. Got an Xbox S mounted under the desk.”
Because a 42-inch screen is big for a computer display, others wondered whether Frank might sit too close to it and if he compensated for that.
“Just curious if at that distance you do native 4K or scale the resolution,” asked one commenter.
“4K HDR, and I zoom in on documents and the web if need [be] with the track pad,” Frank replied.
And man, that thing must be great for the Xbox Series S gaming Frank referred to. Speaking of which …
Xbox Series S mounted under the desk
In answering a question, Frank mentioned he uses a Monzlteck Universal Under Desk Mount to keep his Xbox Series S under the desktop. But he doesn’t recommend it for small standing desks.
“I have it right against the leg frame on one side, and sometimes, depending on the height of the desk, I touch/bang the side or top of my knee. Mind you my tabletop is fairly narrow,” he explained.
“I couldn’t mount it on the back because it would stick out and that would look ugly,” he added. “So I mounted backwards in the front so I can get as flush to the frame as possible. Luckily the cables are ‘just’ long enough with just a tad slack to them. So keep this in mind if you pull the trigger on this mod.”
Herman Miller Embody chair
Folks also noticed the chair and commented on its price. It’s a Herman Miller Embody. They tend to go for a couple grand.
“You don’t need to spend this much on a proper chair. I get it,” Frank said. “Though, why not splurge on something functional you may never need to buy again.”
A person thinking of splurging on the same chair wondered if Frank ever wanted a head rest for it.
Here’s what he said by way of recommendation:
Honestly no, the chair’s adjustments are so great it holds you up right, if that makes any sense. You’re not struggling to sit up straight. (The way I use it) I don’t really use the bottom tilt limiter adjustment lock to either sit up straight or lean back. instead I just use the tension knob, which is great because it’s on the side, not under the chair. You really need to sit on it. I’ve had other chairs, mostly cheap, and the ones with a headrest I always had the headrest get in the way or hit my neck.
Keychron K3 mechanical keyboard
Frank uses a Magic Trackpad 2 along with a Keychron K3 ultra-slim wireless mechanical keyboard for input devices.
“Not my favorite keyboard but good for typing,” Frank said.
Keychon called the K3 “the first low profile wireless mechanical keyboard with QMK/VIA enabled for endless possibilities. Anyone can master any keys or macro commands on its 75% compact layout through VIA.”
The keeb features low-profile, spherical-angled keycaps for both macOS and Windows and works with up to three devices wirelessly.
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If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
