External monitor for my 13" MBA

[chickenlegs]

I have a 13inch "Early 2014" MBA that has a Thunderbolt socket and I would like to purchase an external monitor (minimum size 24inch) that I can use as a larger screen. I have been looking at WQHD screens with a resolution of 2560x1440, but I am confused by the specification of the MBA (which tells me that the resolution is 1440 x 900) and whether the MBA will be up to the task of filling a 24inch screen with fine, crisp detail. I intend to use the screen for CAD, graphics, internet browsing and general home office functions. Can someone tell me if the resolution figures illustrated in the MBA specification page means that I won't be able to get a higher resolution than 1440 x 900 on an external monitor? If this is the case, I am very likely to be disappointed by the results.
Thank you.

 

[Gav2k]

I have a 13inch "Early 2014" MBA that has a Thunderbolt socket and I would like to purchase an external monitor (minimum size 24inch) that I can use as a larger screen. I have been looking at WQHD screens with a resolution of 2560x1440, but I am confused by the specification of the MBA (which tells me that the resolution is 1440 x 900) and whether the MBA will be up to the task of filling a 24inch screen with fine, crisp detail. I intend to use the screen for CAD, graphics, internet browsing and general home office functions. Can someone tell me if the resolution figures illustrated in the MBA specification page means that I won't be able to get a higher resolution than 1440 x 900 on an external monitor? If this is the case, I am very likely to be disappointed by the results.
Thank you.

2560 x 1600 is supported on an external display.

 

[chickenlegs]

2560 x 1600 is supported on an external display.

Thank you Gav2k for your very speedy response. I have just placed an order for a DELL U2515H monitor and hope that it is as good as reviews seem to say it is. Thanks again. Chris

 

[Bart Kela]

Gav2k is correct.

This document lists the technical specifications for the MacBook Air (13 inch, Early 2014). In the graphics section, it clearly states

• Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors

Source: Apple Support website

 

[StoneJack]

For some time I used 22 inch external display with MBA. Worked beautifully.

 

[Wackery]

i wish they just lowered the price of the thunderbolt display instead of just dropping it

 

[Bart Kela]

Computer display products are a low margin environment.

As an AAPL shareholder, I really don't want Apple to cut their margins for something as trivial as a computer display. Get the hell out of the market, let others bloody each other for tenths of a percent. Japan's mighty Sharp is already a casualty.

Not worth it.

 

[anuheakane]

I have LG 24UD58-B running with 2012 MBA. Use a display port cable and you should be fine. You may need SwitchResX though.

 

[Celerondon]

I have LG 24UD58-B running with 2012 MBA. Use a display port cable and you should be fine. You may need SwitchResX though.

Do you find some advantage to running that 4K monitor at scaled resolution and/or <60Hz refresh? With the U2515H that was ordered Chickenlegs won't need anything like SwitchResX to enjoy native high resolution performance. In fact, with the 2014 MBA (or your 2012) the U2515H should be plug and play with a DP cable.

I suppose a gamer could enjoy features like FreeSync and "Game" mode in Windows but Chickenlegs has not specified such a need.