In the world of high-resolution external displays, the LG DualUp monitor holds a special place. It’s a bit weird. The square-ish 28-inch display has an 18:16 aspect ratio, similar to two stacked displays. A developer swears by it because he no longer has to turn his head constantly, like he did when he used four 24-inch displays. And the monitor isn’t the only odd bit in his computer setup. He also uses two Mac mini desktop computers. He explains why below.
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LG DualUp monitor replaces 4 displays in developer’s dual-Mac mini setup
CRM developer and Redditor agentross showcased the unusual setup in a post entitled, “Rate my setup. From four 24in screens to 1 LG DualUp.” Commenters gave Ross high marks for the interesting setup for a couple of reasons. But the most conversation and praise focused on the strikingly odd LG DualUp monitor, with its 18:16 ratio, similar to a couple of stacked displays. Ross recently acquired it.
But first let’s look at another unusual aspect of the setup. Ross runs two stacked M1 Mac mini desktop computers. People asked why, of course. And some no doubt wondered if one or more new M4 Mac minis might be in his future.
“I have a heavy workload, so I’m using two Mac minis with 16GB each,” Ross explained. “I have four monitors set up, with two monitors connected to each Mac mini. I’ll be upgrading soon to the Mac mini M4 and will sell both of my Mac mini M1s. Yeah, makes everything faster. With Universal Control it’s easier to navigate with [two] Mac minis.”
From 4 displays to 1 much-loved LG DualUp monitor
The distinctive LG DualUp monitor has appeared in a few setups we’ve covered on Cult of Mac, but not very many compared to, say, Studio Display and other monitors folks might consider “normal” in shape.
“What do you do for work and how’s the DualUp with your tasks?” asked a commenter. “I’m thinking of getting it.”
“I’m CRM developer,” Ross replied. “I master three CRMs and set up the companies I work with on their CRMs, creating automations, web pages, etc. Having to work on my automation at the bottom of the screen and my notes on top makes me more productive than ever! Best purchase of the year!”
“I have been on the verge of adding a DualUp and this isn’t helping me keep my credit card in my wallet,” another commenter lamented.
“This was a last-minute purchase. It was $150 off, so I decided to pull the trigger!” Ross replied. So he probably paid around $550 for it.
18:16 aspect ratio and odd webcam placement
Another person asked how he likes the unusual 18:16 aspect ratio.
“Love it,” Ross replied. “Coming from [four screens], I am more productive with the DualUp. I usually split it in half horizontally to have more space. Its like having to monitors without looking side by side to switch between monitors. Dual (or quadruple) usually make me sick because of many times I have to move my head. Huge screen real estate in one monitor.”
“How do you like the camera placement?” another DualUp owner asked. “That’s my only issue with the monitor, I have no idea where to put my webcam lol.”
“My webcam is sitting on top of my light bar,” Ross replied. “I don’t often need to use it during meetings, so it doesn’t bother me too much. The camera does look downward, but it’s better than having it on the table and angled from below.”
And to other comments, Ross said this about the aspect ratio: “I like having the 16:18 ratio since I can take advantage of using two 22-inch monitors while only needing to face in front! I treat it like having two stacked monitors. Bottom half is for the window I’m currently working on. Top right will be the reference window. Top left is for communication.”
Is 1 display really better than a few?
Others questioned Ross’ downsizing from four screens to one. How could that be better?
“I am sure you have your reasons, but I would probably prefer the four screens to one,” someone noted. “I have three 27-inch screens and I use them all.”
“I’m used to using Mac Spaces, so I just applied it with this one huge monitor,” Ross replied. “Main reason is to refrain my head from moving side to side but only needing to look forward.”
“Is it not too small for a main screen?” asked another commenter. “I plan to have this LG as second screen. Also, what’s your deskmat?”
“It’s HUGE for a main screen,” Ross replied. “Since it is unusually longer than most monitor. But the screen real estate is the best. I don’t rotate my screen (like others do) since I have multiple browsers open, I use the 16:18 ratio. My desk mat is a no-brand desk mat that is 90×45 [inches]. Planning to switch to 80×30 soon.”
Another commenter said they wished LG would make a 120Hz version of the DualUp, to which Ross said he’s not a heavy gamer, but he plans to try his Nintendo Switch with it. And to another person’s doubt about the 140ppi screen, Ross said he uses Better Display to keep text crisp. And finally, another commenter strongly recommended adding more displays next to the DualUp — in particular, a 42-inch OLED smart TV. Now that would be a lot of screen real estate!
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LG's DualUp 28MQ750-C SDQHD (2560 x 2880p) nano IPS monitor with tilt, height and swivel stand features an 18:16 aspect ratio, DCI-P3 98% (Typ.) HDR10 and USB-C connectivity with 90 watts power delivery.
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually suffice). 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.
