Using a 4K TV as a 2nd screen on MacBook Pro (2017, Touchbar, 15")

[Kc2npu]

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to use a 4K TV as a 2nd Screen on a MacBook Pro (15" Touchbar 2017 w/ Radeon Pro 555) running MacOS 10.13? Why or why not?

If it is a good idea, as I am on a budget and would ideally like to spend less than $US 800. I have a 27" Asus monitor that I have already but when I am working on projects, it is not enough real estate, especially when I have to remote connect back to my campus based office.

 

[Lee_Bo]

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to use a 4K TV as a 2nd Screen on a MacBook Pro (15" Touchbar 2017 w/ Radeon Pro 555) running MacOS 10.13? Why or why not?

If it is a good idea, as I am on a budget and would ideally like to spend less than $US 800. I have a 27" Asus monitor that I have already but when I am working on projects, it is not enough real estate, especially when I have to remote connect back to my campus based office.

Hey @Kc2npu, welcome to iMore.

Do you specifically NEED a 4K monitor? Are you going to be showing anything with 4K content on it?

And, if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing that a 27" monitor isn't enough real estate? I personally have a 27" ViewSonic monitor in my office at work that does the trick. Yes, sometimes I connect one of our 70" or 80" interactive displays to it, just to show off.

 

[Kc2npu]

I do a lot of coding and research so I need to have MANY windows open simultaneously as I would have multiple articles, while I am writing my thesis. I also was thinking that when I am not using it as a monitor, I would be able to use it with my Apple TV and TiVo for watching TV and movies. (trying to get a two for one)

My 27 is ok, but when I remote desktop back to my office computer, which is where I do the coding on (since I have to do it in Access VBA), the window takes the full 2nd display and part of my laptops display.... as the ext monitor is shorter.

I was thinking that the 4K would be a good way to do more with less (i.e. 2 purposes, 1 device)

 

[Lee_Bo]

You could probably pick up a 30" or 40" LG tv from Best Buy (or something similar) for only a few hundred dollars. If you are specifically wanting a 4k display, in that size, it may not be cheap.

 

[Kc2npu]

I was looking at BestBuy.com and saw:
VIZIO - 50" Class (49.5" Diag.) - LED - 2160p - Smart - 4K Ultra HD Home Theater Display with High Dynamic Range
Model: M50-E1SKU: 5762813 $549.99

VIZIO - 50" Class (49.5" Diag.) - LED - 2160p - Smart - 4K Ultra HD Home Theater Display
Model: E50-E3/E50-E1SKU: 5428200 $399.99

Hisense - 50" Class (49.5" Diag.) - LED - 2160p - Smart - 4K Ultra HD TV with High Dynamic Range
Model: 50H8CSKU: 4982500 $399.99

Hisense - 55" Class (54.6" Diag.) - LED - 2160p - Smart - 4K Ultra HD TV with High Dynamic Range
Model: 55H8CSKU: 5524900 $449.99