Best option for mirroring Macbook to LG TV

[John0York]

Plan “A” is to place my 2014 13 inch MacBook Pro next to 55 inch TV and connect with HDMI and it works great. But can I now connect to laptop with Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad without having to keep walking over to the MacBook to press any keys? (still need to buy keyboard & trackpad).
Advantage, no need to plug and unplug anything unless I want to travel with iPad.
Disadvantage being I cannot watch TV and MacBook at same time.

Plan “B” is to use an external monitor, connect via HDMI, sit it next to me and operate MacBook as normal. Disadvantage, it’s all a bit messy with cables and takes up a lot of space in my very small apartment. Laptop screen is going to get in the way. Probably more expensive than “A” too.

Plan “C” was to buy Mac Mini, set it permanently by the TV and operate it via magic trackpad etc. then sell the MacBook. I could manage with iPhone when travelling and later buy an iPad. Looks expensive and not many positive reviews on the Mac mini?

Doing all of this due to age and eyesight problems so need bigger screens. Plus I was thinking about selling MacBook whilst it’s still worth something. 16“ MacBook too expensive and still doesn’t do the job. I’m retired, don’t need speed just excellent reliability and best value. Did consider iMac but again expensive with SSD and specification not as good as the MacBook Pro.

Sorry it’s bit long!

 

[chabig]

Plan A works very well. Also consider Plan D—attach an AppleTV and then use the MacBook Pro while you mirror the display to the TV. An AppleTV costs about the same as purchasing both a Magic Keyboard and a Magic Trackpad, and it adds value to the TV when you aren’t using the computer.

 

[26139]

If your laptop supports Apple TV mirroring, go with an Apple TV.
You can also wake up the laptop without pressing any keys on it, connected to a TV or monitor, using an Apple Bluetooth keyboard and mouse/trackpad.

 

[John0York]

Thanks I think you may have something there, just need to get my head around how it works. I thought Apple TV was a television costing thousands. Will look in to how it works but guess it's something like I plug a dongle in to my Macbook and connect to a TV box next to my LG TV. Much simpler and I would think more reliable connection!

 

[26139]

Thanks I think you may have something there, just need to get my head around how it works. I thought Apple TV was a television costing thousands. Will look in to how it works but guess it's something like I plug a dongle in to my Macbook and connect to a TV box next to my LG TV. Much simpler and I would think more reliable connection!

Yes, the Apple TV is, among other things, a receiver that connects wirelessly to your MacBook via wifi.
You'd connect the Apple TV directly to your LG via HDMI.

 

[John0York]

Yes, the Apple TV is, among other things, a receiver that connects wirelessly to your MacBook via wifi.
You'd connect the Apple TV directly to your LG via HDMI.
[/QUOTE

Yes, the Apple TV is, among other things, a receiver that connects wirelessly to your MacBook via wifi.
You'd connect the Apple TV directly to your LG via HDMI.

Sounds a great setup, going to order one and then work out how to do it. And as Chabig says, adds a bit of extra value and fun too.

 

[John0York]

Thanks again guys, have ordered Apple TV, absolutely brilliant solution!