Do I need a Thunderbolt monitor ?

[fishingfromakay]

I plan on getting a new Mini when they come out. In an effort to do some research before they arrive I am trying to learn a few things. One of them is will I benefit from having a thunderbolt monitor ? I am thinking of a 32". I do not need it to charge my MacBook, I watch videos, occasional gaming, mostly stock charting, Youtube, Numbers, Keynote and web searching. I tend to keep my computers a long time. Using this to replace a 2009 iMac. Any thoughts or suggestions is appreciated, thank you.

 

[steve217]

You do not need a Thunderbolt monitor (USB-C), but they simplify cable management by providing USB data ports from the monitor through a single cable to the computer.

 

[satcomer]

LG 32UL950-W 32" Class Ultrafine 4K UHD LED Monitor with Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity Silver (31.5" Display)

Experience a new level of color on this 32"-Class monitor. The wide-angle Nano IPS panel provides superior color control covering 98% of the industry standard DCI-P3 color space. The high Dynamic Range is certified to reach 600-nit peak luminance, and the Thunderbolt 3 port enables simultaneous d...

www.amazon.com

 

[Amethyst1]

You do not need a Thunderbolt monitor (USB-C), but they simplify cable management by providing USB data ports from the monitor through a single cable to the computer.

Monitors that use a USB-C connection also do.

 

[steve217]

Monitors that use a USB-C connection also do.

That’s what I meant. Your term “Monitors that use a USB-C connection” is the correct expression. I was just using the same word (”Thunderbolt”) fishingfrommckay used. I don’t think he meant the old Thunderbolt monitor.

 

[Fishrrman]

No.
You don't need a thunderbolt display.

Just get a "regular" display, with regular connections, such as:
- HDMI
- Displayport
- MiniDisplayport
...etc.

USBc is a plus, but isn't necessary, either.

 

[fishingfromakay]

Thank you all for the great info. I am just trying to figure out if I need to spend the extra money on a monitor with Thunderbolt ports or if I can still get a great picture/video without it. It seems like it is nice to have but not necessary for my needs. I learn something here every time I am here,,,,thnx again

 

[chekie]

Thunderbolt / USB-C monitors are not necessary for Mac Mini setup. Benefits of a Thunderbolt / USB-C monitor:

1. Charges the laptop through USB-C.
2. Works as USB hub to compensate lack of port on some MacBooks.
3. As a result, it enables one cable connection from the laptop for quick docking / undocking.

None of these applies to Mac Mini

 

[fishingfromakay]

@chekie "None of these applies to Mac Mini" I hadn't been looking at it that way, thank you.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:
"I am just trying to figure out if I need to spend the extra money on a monitor with Thunderbolt ports or if I can still get a great picture/video without it"

The ports will have next-to-nothing to do with producing "a great picture".