Using this resolution may affect performance ⚠️

Let me try to explain 👨🏻‍🏫

Since the release of my latest video, I organized a simple giveaway (something I haven't done since I launched the channel). Simply asking people to subscribe to this newsletter doubled the number of recipients 😳 so, with that being said, I'd like to say welcome to all new subscribers. If you are to reflect on one thing from reading this regular flow of words, it would be to remember that I am not asking you to stay unless you actually enjoy the read.

So, let's jump into something that has been bothering me for a long time. macOS display scaling. Since my monitor-related videos were released, I've received dozens of comments regarding macOS display scaling issues, specifically with 4K monitors.

Display scaling is a system setting that scales your monitor so that not everything looks tiny when you have a 4K display, essentially blowing up your user interface while keeping things sharp.

To understand the situation and some viewers' concerns, we must recognize that macOS has been developed to be legible with a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch - something Apple calls a Retina display.

When you have a 27" 4K monitor, you look at 165 pixels per inch - not a perfect 1:1 match to what macOS is designed to render. In that situation, one “might witness” blurrier images, shimmering when scrolling, moiré patterns, and maybe some hit on the GPU performance, depending on which scaling is selected.

Source: https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays2/

Naturally, these patterns might trigger people to suggest getting a monitor with a lesser resolution of, let's say, 109 PPI (1440 display) which will inevitably lead to a pixelated monitor experience- something I've been preaching against for years.

So, where is the truth? 🎧⤵

What's worth looking at when setting up your scaling option is usually the middle scaling options which give you a little warning that reads, "Using this scaled resolution may affect performance." That statement means that macOS might use your GPU to upscale your resolution for optimal results. You might want to avoid those scaling choices if running a slower machine. So, do I still recommend getting a 4K monitor for your Mac - absolutely!

What I am proud of this week

I am incredibly proud of my fearless son, who wanted me to "STEP ON IT" when we went on a go-kart course.

Latest videos

Last year I put together an IKEA desk setup for around $1400. Since the video brought a lot of attention and questions, I decided to create an updated 2022 version and challenge myself to go below the $1000 mark (excluding the computer, of course).

My favorite thing so far

Favorite BTS moment

Putting together a desk setup is not as easy as it sounds. We went through countless configurations before we nailed it.
BEFORE v.3

AFTER v.4

Favorite tweet

Iskren Georgiev @thisisetv

Wow 😯 https://t.co/hEDs8ZOdGA

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