Nixeus 27″ S-IPS 2560 x 1440 pixel WQHD Monitor (Same panel as Apple Thunderbolt display for $430)
I’m on day two with one of these cheap ($430) Korean monitors which feature a LG S-IPS panel inside a less-than-Apple package. Expect updates to these initial impressions.
TL;DR: It’s an awesome monitor. A little annoyance makes up for the savings.
This Nixeus (“Nexus” with an extra vowel? who knows) features the same LG S-IPS panel found in the Apple Thunderbolt display. Allegedly. Not sure how to verify without pulling the thing apart, but my eyes tell me it’s a high-quality display.
I won’t go into why you might want a quality display. If you’re serious about color and accuracy and have a relatively unlimited budget you’re already ignoring this on your EIZO monitor.
So a quick comparo to the Apple Thunderbolt Display:
What it does have:
- It’s $570 cheaper
- LG S-IPS panel
- 8-bit color
- DVI / DisplayPort / HDMI 1.4
- Portrait tilting
- Screws that you need to use to assemble the base to the monitor and finally to the stand. It’s a bit flimsy.
What it doesn’t have:
- Thunderbolt
- The ability to charge your MacBook
- Clean, fancy Apple packaging
- Accurate color out of the box. You will struggle a bit with this.
A great example of what Apple would never allow: the bezel and screen were protected by sticky plastic wrap, a good thing as it protects the shiny bits during shipping. However, the plastic was applied before final assembly meaning when you peal it off bits were stuck behind the bezel and required some surgical precision to remove. Not fatal, but annoying and tedious.
These monitors have just entered the US on official channels so there’s a bit of a rush on them. Right now, I can’t find them for much under $500 and delivery dates seem a bit hinky.
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