LG UltraFine 5K Display Unusable Near Routers

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Apple doesn't offer its own high-end, high-resolution desktop monitor anymore. Instead, it recommends the LG UltraFine 5K Display, and even sells it through the Apple Store for around $1,000. It's an expensive 27-inch monitor which doesn't include the aesthetics an official Apple product enjoys, but then you're still getting a 5,120-by-2,880 resolution display on your desk.

However, the UltraFine 5K seems to have a rather serious flaw. Placing your router within 6.5 feet (2 meters) of the display causes the UltraFine to start flickering. And the closer the router is, the more chance it "goes black" and becomes unusable.

According to 9to5Mac, the flaw was brought to LG's attention recently by Patrick G from Bolton who has been an electrical engineer for 35 years. He complained via email of a "WAP Proximity Issue" which happens when either a router or wireless access point is placed within 48 inches (4 feet) of the UltraFine 5K.

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LG Support confirms this is an issue, but only with the UltraFine 5K monitor. The UltraFine 4K, and any other computer monitor for that matter, does not suffer from this problem. As to the cause, LG still needs to explain why it happens. The fix is to keep the UltraFine 5K away from routers and access points by at least 6.5 feet.

Anyone who owns the UltraFine 5K can check the manual, but will only find reference to not using the display where "Electromagnetic Interference occurs." There's no specific reference to routers and access points, but it's clearly an issue you need to consider. Alternatively, opt for the LG UltraFine 4K and avoid the problem completely.

If you need further evidence that purchasing the UltraFine 5K may be a bad idea, you only need to look at the reviews on both Apple's website and LG's own product page.

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