This setup is simple but effective. The MacBook Pro workstation user added a Dell display that brings the setup to a whole new level, with a spacious screen sporting 4K resolution visuals.
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Dell display brightens MacBook Pro setup’s visuals
The affordable Dell S2725QC is a 27-inch, 4K (3840 x 2160p) monitor with 120Hz refresh rate,16:9 aspect ratio, AMD FreeSync Premium, sRGB 99% color gamut, integrated speakers,1500:1 contrast ratio and ComfortView Plus.
- Clear 4K resolution
- Speedy 120Hz refresh rate
- 1500: 1 contrast ratio
- Higher-resolution displays (5K) are becoming widely available
Redditor ducky_1 showed off the solid setup in a post entitled, “My setup has reached its final form.”
“Got my Dell S2725QC monitor up and running with my M1 [MacBook Pro],” Ducky said. “Loving it so far.”
The external display is new — and a big boost for a MacBook Pro setup. But regarding the setup being done, Redditors made fun of that naive notion, as usual. People who make that claim never escape good-natured criticism.
“I’m sorry friend, but there’s no such thing!” said one.
“Wishful thinking,” said another.
“Final for now,” someone else suggested.
Dell display
Ducky’s Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C monitor (S2725QC) drew praise and questions from commenters. One expressed envy for the stand, different from the one he has, and wondered if it came with the monitor. It did, said Ducky.
Check out the displays features:
- The improved ComfortView Plus reduces harmful blue light emissions to ≤35%, for all-day comfort without sacrificing color accuracy.
- AMD FreeSync Premium (refresh rate up to 120Hz) and an ultra-low 0.03ms response time create a smooth experience for work and play.
- 4K visuals with in-plane switching technology and 99% sRGB for vibrant colors.
- The 1500:1 contrast ratio and HDR readiness deliver depth and detail.
- Re-engineered sound brings more detail with spacious audio featuring greater output power, deeper frequency response and more decibel range than the previous generation.
- Keep your desk organized and clutter-free with a single USB-C cable (up to 65W power delivery).
Twelve South Curve Stand
This ergonomic desktop cooling stand for home or office suits MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and other laptops (matte black). Dimensions: 10in x 10.5in x 6in.
- Fits MacBooks and other laptops
- Enables laptop cooling
- Ergonomic
- Not adjustable
Ducky’s M1 MacBook Pro rests open on the popular Twelve South Curve Stand. The family-owned company designed, sells and supports its products from Charleston, South Carolina.
Features:
- Anti-slip silicone pads and bent arms keep laptop in place and prevent scratches.
- Ergonomics-wise, Curve raises laptop 6 inches (15cm) off your desk to relieve neck and shoulder strain.
- Pair with keyboard and mouse to create a desktop setup or use with a monitor for dual screen functionality.
Impressive audio, too
Made for audiophiles and music producers, these planar magnetic over-ear open-back headphones feature magnetic drivers.
- Advanced magnetic drivers reduce distortion
- Lightweight comfort
- Metal headband
- Mid-priced by Hifiman standards, but still expensive
Ducky likes his tunes, it seems. When he listens to music, he wears $600 Hifiman Arya Stealth open-back planar magnetic headphones. And he pumps them up with an affordable, $160 Fiio K11 R2R headphone amplifier. Nice. And if you want to learn more about open-back vs. closed-back headphones, read my buying guide. And if you think you might want to invest in audio interface to punch up your sound, check out my guide to the best ones for Mac.
Shop these items now:
Computer and stand:
Dell display:
Audio:
Input devices:
This digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier boosts your headphones or speakers. Includes 6.35mm and balanced 4.4mm, RCA, Coaxial and Optical connectors. 1300mW, 384kHz/24Bit DSD256 (Silver).
- Affordable
- Solid entry-level device
- Supports headphones and speakers
- You may need an adapter for some headphones connectors
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). 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.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
