Switching to a 34" ultra wide monitor | MSI Optix MAG341CQ review | Mark Ellis Reviews
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 28. 07. 2024
- I'm a massive fan of the 5k 27" iMac, but I recently switched to a 34" ultra widescreen monitor. Would I miss that retina screen? Is the additional screen real estate worth it? Welcome to my MSI MAG341CQ monitor review and experiences of delving into the world of ultra wide screen monitors.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
02:02 - The monitor I chose
03:36 - First impressions
06:02 - Screen estate
07:56 - Do I miss the 5K screen?
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Thanks for this Mark, have been looking forward to this video!! Great in-depth explanation on the MSI
Thanks as always đ
Your channel literally covers everything Iâm interested in! Youâre doing a cracking job thanks so much! One budget ultra wide Iâd recommend to keep an eye out for is the Lenovo t34w-20 I managed to pick it up for ÂŁ307 and it has usb c isnât available at that price anymore but worth keeping an eye out for.
Thanks so much, Will - and great little tip-off, there.
Think this might be a good solution for most people (includes usb c so only one cable to connect and charge MacBook) - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B085YSDXDF?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE
Mark, excellent channel and perfectly pitched. I am in the process of going from 2 x 27" to 1 x Dell 40" ultrawide to handle Adobe cc design work. The guys from Apple were advising me to hold off purchasing the M1 Mini and stay with my Intel Mac Mini until Adobe had gone to Mac Silicon and the screen res issues on M1 and some Ultrawides had been resolved. Maybe the M2/M1X upgrades might be out by then too. Great content from yourself and essential viewing
Thank you so much for the kind words, Ian - far too kind. And that's interesting; I've not experienced any issues with Photoshop or Lightroom, but can't speak for other Adobe apps. If you can hang on, though, I would, because I think there are some pretty special machines just around the corner...
complaining about prices with competing monitors while using 10k in Apple stuff is my kind of humor :D
I work in management consulting, which in my case means I'm a digital nomad. Light and ultra portable equipment has always been my preference. After few months of forced WFH last year, I finally bought 34 inch LG display. I never looked back since. If your kit pays your bills, don't hesitate to improve it.
Couldn't agree more.
Great review and video even 1 year later as i looked for an review for this screen
Hi Mark! Thanks for this, and your other videos! I'm about to get a Mac Mini M1 and your videos have been very helpful. I'm a PC person, and looking around to upgrade my PC, I've been somewhat underwhelmed by what's out there. I had a Mac Mini a few years ago, and I liked it, but I ended up selling it, so I could get an iPad Pro. I'm a musician and audio / video producer, and for some time I've been wanting to have a dual monitor setup. Apparently, this is possible with the Mac Mini (assuming you have a second monitor). My question is, can you use this monitor to essentially run it as a dual monitor setup?
Regarding 8:45. And even if those gained productivity seconds didn't make much of a difference in the end, it still feels more productive. When working feels frustrating because of all the window management you have to do, the work becomes more draining than it has to be. I think the biggest benefits here are the quality of life improvements you'll be getting with all this screen real estate. Working with a screen like that probably feels a lot more pleasant and you'll feel more productive. It's the feeling that matters more than the actual saved time.
awesome video awesome monitor, and setup been loving the content
Really appreciate that - thank you!
I had to subscribe, you keep coming up in my search results =)
This is good news - thanks, Bryan!
Hi Mark, thanks for all your good work. What are the speakers (black & yellow) that you have in this video?
I have a Mac with 4 USB type c cables, which adapter would you recommend/use to plug into your ultrawide monitor?
Is the screen glossy or matte? If it's matte, how was it going from the glossy iMac screen to this one?
I have Mac Mini 2018 and I have been thinking about upgrading to 34" 3440x1440 monitor, but because of future-proof reasons (coming M1X MacBook), I want ultrawide monitor with USB-C port.
Nice and honest review.
Love your reviews Mark. They are so human.
Thank you!
So many Monitors are out of Stock in the UK now as of October 2021.
The MSi is now ÂŁ450 on Amazon.
I just paid ÂŁ399 for a Dell S3422DW - Which is Quad HD resolution - a step up from the MSi, and also a VA screen (like the MSi) Direct from Dell with a 3 year warrantee. I'm stoked!
It's not an IPS panel - which goes for ÂŁ750+ but for that Price Point, for not having to wait until stock comes back, for the 3 year warrantee direct from manufacturer and not using a 3rd party like Amazon (which can have Quality control issues).
This seems the all round best solution I came across. I'll be using this with my M1 Mac Mini!
Excellent video very well !!
Thanks, Zac!
wonderful review for mac 5k beautiful screen
How were you be able to connect the Mac to the 34 inch 2k curved ultrawide monitor? It only showed 1080p in my setting and everything is just blurry
Great monitor and summary Mark. Does the Mini support the 100hz? What scaled options do you get?
Thank you! It does indeed support 100hz and there's a massive list of scaled options - so you're good there, too.
Hi there I got one of these monitors after watching this videoâŠ. have you had any issues with the msi monitor after the latest big sur update? My m1 Mac mini wonât see the screen now! đ€Ż nothing but problems here. Do you use it in 100hz mode? Or 60?
Thanks Mark for a great review! I was just about to buy M1 Mac Mini and had been tossing up whether to buy 8GB or 16GB until I read your review. But then I read this review and realized I wanted a quality Retina screen. I realized I wanted a camera for Zoom or Face Time. The Mac Mini does not have a camera or a Retina screen. The performance of the Retina 5K iMac clearly is showing its age. My conclusion is to wait until the new iMac is released later this year. Either a 24â or 32â screen and either a M1 or a M1X processor -perhaps even a M2 processor. My guess is that the 24â will be released before the 32â. This sounds like it will open up lots more debate. Until then, I will use my 2020 iPad Pro and my aging Mac Mini. Hopefully the new iMac will last as long as the current 27â!
Solid strategy, Tony.
These new widescreen monitors are very tempting. Seems so much better to have your wide monitor than 2 25" monitors on the desk. I will read up some more reviews on this monitor...and of course the sell to the wife hahahaha
Hi Mark, great review! I have a question about expensive monitors with detailed pixels starting $800 (as you mention), what are some examples?
How do I get the text that is showing on the screen to be not as blurry? Just got one and hooked it up to my macbook pro, and the text was blurry.
Hello Mark, I just want to ask if this is compatible to my Macbook Pro M1 chip, if so, what kind of cord do i need to buy?
great comment! Rookie question, can you do the same screen splitting on the ultrawide MSI Optix MAG301CR2 as far as you know?
As ever great honest review mate I am getting close to purchasing the Mac mini and my be the windscreen monitor and a few other recommendations from yourself I just have one question the link for Amazon is in American dollars do you ship from the us or get it from the uk cheers neil đps nearly forgot what webcam do you use noticed it on top of the monitor
Thank you as always, Neil! Here's the Amazon UK link (although, it looks like the price has shot up a fair bit đ): amzn.to/3by8ycr Oh, and the webcam is an old Logitech 1080p...
Just about to purchase this for work, and some play. 6:44 Nails it for me. At least 3 Apps on the screen. So much more efficient for my job.
Hi Mark! Great review. What laptop stand are you using on the left side of your desk there?
Thanks, Ken! It's this one: amzn.to/39BvyGr
If you were buying a monitor again, would you buy the same one or would you go with for some with higher resolution?
Such a good question. I still think I'd stick with this MSI. The price jump to a higher DPI (or wider screen) is significant enough to be a future upgrade, I think.
Are you using a displayport adapter or the hdmi on the Mac mini?
So I've also been disappointed with text quality on my 27inch 1440p monitor using M1 Mac (massive shock after coming from windows).
I initially thought it was resolution based, turns out that a Mac update really hindered this with text-smoothing a couple of years ago.
I use something called tinker tool but if you're more familiar with command line stuff, there are some commands you can type to change text-smoothing.
Great tip. I've fiddled with the text smooth setting on mine, too - it does help.
Are fonts smooth ? or are they fuzzy ?
Thank you for this honest review; very helpful...I'm not sure that I like curved monitors, but I have a quick question: do you recommend curved monitors like this to watch movies?
Thanks for watching! I have a curved TV, and it's great for movies. I'm not convinced it makes a massive difference, but it certainly doesn't detract from the experience.
@@MarkEllisReviews oh, that's awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience
Great review Mark! I'm looking at buying the MSI Pro MP341CQ - Monitor Profesional 34â - Panel 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD), VA,
can i use a ps5 and pc at the same time or my streaming pc and gaming pc i looking for a ultra wide for using two screens in place of one . because i am using two 27 inch monitors do all ultra wides do this ?
is it glossy?
The audio in your video is really well done.
Thanks, Greg - that means a lot.
Hey Mark! Hoping you can help with an ultrawide monitor problem. I just set up my new Samsung 34â ultrawide monitor paired with my new Mac mini m1. Love everything about itâŠexcept that when I type, the monitor wobbles terribly. My desk is heavy and solid, so I donât think thatâs the issue. The factory monitor stand is somewhat less than solid. Did you have this problem? Is there a monitor stand/mount that would stabilize it? The monitor is VESA compatible
Hey! That's annoying. I'm afraid I've always stuck with the monitor stands that come with the monitors themselves and without trouble. A VESA mount attached to the wall or an arm might solve your issue.
Are you using type c to displayport adapter to get the mac mini M1 to work with the UW Monitor at 3440 x 1440 100hz? Thanks in advance.
Nope - HDMI, straight out of the mini.
I'm considering one of these. Using Presonus Studio One and it would be in conjunction with a touch screen. What's the tilt facility like on this, I'd need it to tilt down as it would sit above my touch screen
It doesn't tilt a huge amount to be honest...
I just got this exact monitor 3 days ago. It's been awesome gaming. I can't see the pixel. I think texts are a bit small. I came from 24" 1080p... that's probably why. Easily overclockable to 115Hz.
how is it holding up?
I've a 27' 5K but I think it's time to move on to the same setup. The bigger resolution is not exciting anymore.
does that msi monitor have RGB ?
Interesting discussion, the screen is one of the reasons Iâve been waiting for an M1X iMac, nothing beats those iMac screens.
I got this to use with my MacBook Air M1 alongside a UGREEN USB-C hub and the MacBook just rejects it 99% of the time - any ideas on what to do?
Sounds like you might have a defective unit, as mine connects fine. I'm using HDMI - what are you using?
@@MarkEllisReviews Yeah, I'm using HDMI as well. I have just discovered that unplugging the HDMI cable from the USB-C hub seems to work most of the time...I reckon it is an M1 issue as the ultrawide works fine with an older Intel Mac and my Xbox.
Will it work well with MacBook Air M1 base model?
Absolutely!
Can you provide the dimensions of your desk? I am afraid my desk is too small đ thanks
Maybe I missed it but what connection are you using using to the Mini?
Nope, I neglected to mention that - well spotted. I'm using HDMI.
Thanks. Hmmmm, Iâve had the exact same Mini for a couple of weeks. Having issues with it not triggering the monitor awake from sleep. Had to move to using usbc - DisplayPort instead.
As a gamer it's very interesting seeing a monitor review from a non gamers Perspective
I'm looking for a 3440:1440p monitor rn and your review has been the most interesting so far especially with Mac systems instead of windows
I plan to buy, is it good for games? I will use RTX 3070 graphics with G-SYNC Compatible.
It's technically a gaming monitor, dude, so I think you'll be fine. Someone else might have to chip in on the specifics, though.
it does not have G-SYNC, but the sync it has is supposed to work just fine with geforces - I also have the rtx3070 and I just ordered this monitor - I'll try to get back here and let you know how it does as soon as it arrives
@@joshuaschultz7949 Any updates? How has it been working for you so far?
@@LegoPi3 I love it. the only negative thing is sometimes the image will appear a bit low rez while I'm moving and then when I stop it sharpens up. but that is probably a software or video card thing, the monitor is just so big it makes it more noticeable. I am defiantly happy with it and highly recommend
What is behind the 34in monitor? Looks to be sound baffling?
Poorly placed sound panels.
Lovely just ordered it, but now I want your speakers that yellow would match so good here any links? Haha
Google KRK :)
@@MarkEllisReviews thanks for the reply :)
I use three screens on my main computer and an extra screen on top, for my second computer, and I've been wondering if an ultrawide monitor in the middle of my 3 screen setup is gonna be my future.
I can't imagine how anybody lives with only one screen.
Wow. That's what you call screen real estate. But what do you do with it all?!
@@MarkEllisReviews I'm a web developer and a streamer. For web dev I use photoshop in one screen, the page on another, and the code itself on the other. I still have to alt-tab a bunch because there's a bunch of different programs, but those are the three main ones that I really like to have open all at the same time.
For streaming it's also really useful, because I can see chat, play, and monitor the recording, sound levels or whatever else I need to all at the same time. The screen on top is actually the one where I monitor the stream because it's connected to my second computer, the one with the capture card :P
How do you like this monitor after owning it for a year ?
Itâs great! Still use it virtually every day.
not sure.. is that a review of the msi monitor or a very long commercial for apple?
It's a monitor review, dude.
Are you reviewing the MSI or the apple?
Doesn't the title give it away, Joshua?
Could i ask what your yellow speakers are Mark.....
Many moons ago from an online music store (genuinely can't remember which one it was!). They are by KRK, though - should be widely available in their newer versions.
I currently have a two monitor setup side by side (27" Thunderbolt display and std 1080p monitor which are both showing their age now) and my plan is to purchase a 49" ultrawide monitor with a wall mounted TV monitor above for Sky, Apple TV, etc, but I like you idea of a 34" ultrawide to test the water before spending ÂŁ1000+ on something bigger.
It's a good tactic, I think.
was this an add to promote the i mac ????????????
Have you seen Appleâs ads, mate? Why would they pay a bloke in Leamington Spa to talk about the iMac in his back bedroom?
Could there be any better review, focused on daily use and on value of a product? NO, Mark is THE reference if you are like me, using products to get work done, subscribe to this channel, saves you a lot of time and money. Thanks Mark
Yikes. Thanks!
Great review. Donât hang about selling the iMac. #transition #m1xcoming
Thanks!
7:00 and you aren't using apps for window management like Magnet with this type of screen đ€? - Magnet I can highly recommend, worth every penny.
I use Moom - just not in that clip :)
Looks like a great monitor, I'm not far off from gifting my current Intel 2020 Mac mini to a friend and they're looking for a good quality monitor, think it would be perfect for what they need. Thanks again Mark.
Highly recommend it, Dean.
wat audio gear used for recording
Check this out: czcams.com/video/mhwvgZfg5lM/video.html
@@MarkEllisReviews Sir make a top 10 budget monitor guide for mac mini under $250
Insane, pixel density is great on a 4k television though. I have the model shown in this video, should've watched this video prior. Advise: just purchase a 4K TV (preferably the nano cell 8k from LG) and be happy, ultrawide is not ready yet, also, most content is not supported by ultrawide.
This is only 250 nits though, so disappointing..
Yes, it's not the brightest of screens.
5:02 tsfm
Are you reviewing the monitor or the iMac?
Doesn't the name of the video give it away, Niall?
34" is not 'ultra' wide it is just only wide
sorry mate but this is not a good review to me. more than half way through the review i stopped because all i hear is you saying that this monitor is worse than your imac.
i don't really care of your imac, i just want to know what THIS monitor is good at.
Watch the rest of it, mate!
I have no idea why are you constantly comparing it to mac screen, they have nothing to do with each other apart from both being monitor displays, but it's like comparing sedan to a wagon only because both have wheels
I donât understand your comment at all, mate, Iâm afraid.
â@@MarkEllisReviews you're comparing 2000-3000$ 5k iMac display to a 400$ đbudgetđ ultrawide monitor. Different price tags and most important different purposes. iMac is for design, office work and in general very awesome color accuracy and pixel density, and brightness too. This ultrawide on the other hand for gaming, sure we all use it for productivity with all extra space but it that case, you do know there are ultrawide monitors with 4k and better panels? But they cost like 1500$. It would be more fair to compare it to that.
I think for your setup, it would make the most sense to keep MSI and get another non-ultrawide but very good 4k and place it above or on side, like extended desktop
@@denverCoder9 Iâm not convinced youâve watched my video properly, dude. Iâm comparing the overall setups between a 5K iMac and Mac mini with an ultra wide.
Might be a whole 40 seconds that you actually showed the monitor... waste of time lol
Well, I do lol think my face is more lol attractive lol, so that was always going to lol get more air time lol. Lol.
The MSI looks like garbage compared to my 2013, 21.5" imac and its a 1080 so it's not JUST the resolution.
Oh. Bummer.
glossy perfect small screen is for girls.....big space so can be efficient and productive = for men.
you lost a lot of weight
During the video or overall?
When someone starts a Video with "100 HZ is pretty good actually" .... 144 hz should be the absolute industry Standard by now on any size unless its 4k. People that use below 144hz are clearly clueless about what they are talking.
This video is over three years old, mate. You need to upgrade your CZcams viewing habits.
You do come across as somewhat of an Apple snob Mark. Apple got you hook line and sinker. Right where they want you (and your wallet) :)
I really like Apple stuff, yep. But Iâd suggest watching a few more of my videos, mate. Apple is miles from perfect.
Only like 20% of the video featured the monitor. We're here for the product, not to see you shove your face into the camera
You clearly haven't watched a CZcams video before, mate. At least it was my face I was shoving in front of the camera.
"I won't lie, bla blablablaaaa..." so basically everything else he says is a lie...
No, you're confusing "I won't lie" with "to be honest".
Wrong expression. Try again.