Hardware/Monitors
After almost 10 years, mainly due to continuous random shutdowns, I decided to change my Linux monitor. My old 24-inch Dell P2415Q was an anomalously sized 4K but just right for my small workspace.
Some superior models tempted me (new camera & photo editing) but considering the recent expenses in view of the next trip in the end I chose an LG 27UL500.
I already have an LG OLED TV and in the past my Nexus 5 was LG and I’ve always found it good. I also have the LG refrigerator… i love also LG app.
I found it on Amazon Germany for 229 euros + 12 for shipping (on Amazon Italy today it costs 310) so a really good price.
Packaging
Packaging is minimal, and refers everything about use to the online instructions, assembly is simple, you only need to install two screws.
LG packaging is very slim compared to the gigantic Dell box which was equipped with the voluminous but very efficient VESA desk mount (note: if you want something similar you will have to opt for the LG 27UL550 model with adjustable arm).
The first immediate impression on seeing the small fixed support with an arched base compared to the mammoth Dell was of a cheaper product but after assembly I realized that it is an aluminum solid structure and the arch allows me to save space in the middle.
I have to give up the vertical height adjustment, positioning is excellent, but the Dell full adjustment was still impressive in terms of effectiveness.
Display has a higher contrast and a lower response time as well as several interesting features (8 years are felt).
Internal settings are accessed via a bottom single lever-joystick and in this it is much more effective than the three old Dell side buttons.
I used a good Display Port cable that I had recently gotten, however it did come with one paired with an HDMI cord.
Power supply is external rather small, in the Dell it was internal and it was entered directly from behind with the IEC 220 cable (in the long run it could have caused problems). I’m sure they also improve the damn interference noise I had with my headphone DAC sitting at the same height.
For me this is one of 2023 best Linux 4K monitors.
Arch Linux & LG 27UL500
Everything work well in DPI by setting per-monitor scaling factor to 200% (from GNOME Settings).
Three inches plus and extra contrast are great improvements, I am clearly noticing it in graphic rendering characters which are much sharper.
With the Dell I used paper settings which reduces blue light. Same reading preset on this LG is really too yellow so I’m using the default setting (I’ll try to optimize it in the future).
I have not been able to use the LG OnScreen Control application, which is not available for Linux.
The LG also shuts down by itself (monitor is OK)
But let’s get to the tragic point: the sudden shutdown problem I had on the Dell has already occurred twice on this LG too, so it depends either on some Arch Linux/ Energy Management/Nvidia setting or on some hardware problem of my RTX3070. The strange thing is that it goes after involuntary microvibrations. I tried setting Nvidia settings to High performance (I had them more stringent recently) and setting a new energy policy. I’m ready to consult any kind of log at the next possible crash.
I had already listed on Ebay the Dell as a non-working monitor and immediately removed the ad (I already had two watchers). The Dell however had really issues with the power cord I’m sure. I decided to keep it as well as not to do the Amazon return for this LG because in my opinion it is remain an excellent upgrade.
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