Connecting a second monitor to Macbook Air

[africano]

Hi,

Im going to offer some online tutoring to get some extra cash. I have a macbook air from school and an big iPad. I think Im going to need a second display - so either the iPad or buy a monitor.

1) Could the iPAd work as a second display and how would I connect it so it is a stable connection? Wired? Which cable?
2) Could I buy a cheap big monitor and connect that? What connection would it need and what cable?

Thanks - also if you do any tutoring any other software you use!

 

[velocityg4]

I’d just get a cheap 4K monitor. It’ll be a much more pleasant experience using a large screen. You want 4K for HiDPI mode.

 

[hg.wells]

Depending on what OS you’re running, Sidecar will allow you to utilize your iPad as an external display.

Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac - Apple Support

With Sidecar, you can use your iPad as a second display for your Mac.

support.apple.com

 

[africano]

I’d just get a cheap 4K monitor. It’ll be a much more pleasant experience using a large screen. You want 4K for HiDPI mode.

What characteristics do I need to make sure the monitor has and how are they connected to my macbook air? What cables etc?

 

[anshuvorty]

What characteristics do I need to make sure the monitor has and how are they connected to my macbook air? What cables etc?

Any HDMI to USB-C, or Displayport to USB-C, or Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 cable will work.

Here are some examples:

• HDMI to USB-C
• Displayport to USB-C
• Thunderbolt 3 (note: cheaper monitors may not have a Thunderbolt 3 port)
• Thunderbolt 4 (note: cheaper monitors may not have a Thunderbolt 4 port)

 

[velocityg4]

What characteristics do I need to make sure the monitor has and how are they connected to my macbook air? What cables etc?

I'd prefer it has a USB-C or Thunderbolt input. Then you can use a USB-C or Thunderbolt (Type C) cable. Depending on the monitor. These monitors will also often act like a simple Dock. Many of them also offer power over USB-C to use for powering the laptop. Which is nice as you then only need one cable for your Macbook.

Just be aware on the power delivery. You want to make sure it is known to work for charging M1/M2 Macs. As they have had a history of being finicky. Not sure if Apple ever fixed that.

Otherwise, I'd at least opt for a monitor with DisplayPort. Going USB-C to DisplayPort. It's just less finicky than HDMI. But you'll need a separate power connection and won't get Dock functionality.

If you want a cleaner setup. Get a screen with a VESA mount. Then you can pair it with a nice desk mount monitor arm or wall mount. Depending on your aesthetic. There's also dual mount arms. Where you can get a VESA laptop tray and get it off the desk too.

 

[africano]

I'd prefer it has a USB-C or Thunderbolt input. Then you can use a USB-C or Thunderbolt (Type C) cable. Depending on the monitor. These monitors will also often act like a simple Dock. Many of them also offer power over USB-C to use for powering the laptop. Which is nice as you then only need one cable for your Macbook.

Just be aware on the power delivery. You want to make sure it is known to work for charging M1/M2 Macs. As they have had a history of being finicky. Not sure if Apple ever fixed that.

Otherwise, I'd at least opt for a monitor with DisplayPort. Going USB-C to DisplayPort. It's just less finicky than HDMI. But you'll need a separate power connection and won't get Dock functionality.

If you want a cleaner setup. Get a screen with a VESA mount. Then you can pair it with a nice desk mount monitor arm or wall mount. Depending on your aesthetic. There's also dual mount arms. Where you can get a VESA laptop tray and get it off the desk too.

Can you link specific products. I like what you are saying but have no clue. I want something cheap but good and that will work.
Can you link some example from amazon? I live in Asia but I can find those examples here.

Maybe if you can link say a few examples that would be helpful.

Thanks

 

[velocityg4]

The LG 27BL85U-W should work. It provides up to 60W power delivery. That's about as cheap as it gets. I think it's discontinued but you can still find new stock.

Next is the LG 27BN85UN-B. It seems to be the replacements model. It provides up to 90W power delivery. So, it can charge a 16" MacBook Pro. I think the Air just needs 30W. Either is more than enough.

You might also need a USB-C cable. I'm not sure if the monitors come with one. It's a pain to find one which supports at least USB 3.0, power delivery and DP alt mode. As far as I can tell. This one should work for them. Just note that while it says Thunderbolt compatible. It only provideds USB not Thunderbolt. So, it won't work with any accessory which requires Thunderbolt. Those cables cost a lot more.

NIMASO USB C to USB C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable 10Gbps Data Transfer, 4K Video Output Monitor Cable 100W PD Fast Charging, for iPhone 15Pro/15ProMax/15/15Plus, MacBook, Huawei Matebook, iPad Pro 2020,Chromebook

This is a usb c 3.1 gen 2 cable, suit for video display and connecting your monitor, compatible with thunderbolt 3 port and usb c 3.1 gen2 port.

www.amazon.com

If you want Thunderbolt 4. The Samsung LS27B804TGNXGO appears to be the cheapest option. It includes the Thunderbolt cable and provides up to 90W. The screen itself isn't really any better. You're just paying extra for a Thunderbolt connection and cable. So, you can leave something like a Thunderbolt 3/4 SSD plugged in.

There's tons of VESA stands and arms to choose from. Here's one example.

EVEO Premium Single Monitor Mount - 17 to 32 inch Single Monitor Arm Desk Mount, Adjustable Spring Monitor Stand, VESA Monitor Mount for Computer Monitor Mount. Full Motion Swivel Monitor Arms Mount.

EVEO Monitor arm Screen Size: Up to 32” Weight Capacity: 17.6 lbs per arm VESA Size: 75x75mm and 100x100mm Two Locking System: Desk-Clamp: Maximum support 2” thick desk Grommet-Base: Maximum support 2” thick desk. Mount Adjustment: Tilt range of 90° back and 90° forward. Swivel +90° ~ -90°. 360° ...

www.amazon.com