Options for external monitor(s) for MacBook Air

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macrules34

Active Member
Mar 18, 2016
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I have bought an MacBook Air Model A2337 and would like to add an external monitor(s) to it but there are two ways to go, the question is what do you think is the best option? This laptop will not be used for gaming or video production. It will be mainly used for MS Office, web surfing and other like duties, using the wide monitor to have multiple windows open without having to flip back and forth between windows.

Option #1:

- 3x 27” monitors connected via a USB-c dock with a USB-c -> HDMI adapter, a USB-a -> 2x display port adapter connected to the dock.
- Running application “Display Link Manager” (Free) to enable the two additional monitors, (the thing I don’t like about this is that you rely on this software always being compatible with the latest OS updates)

Products:
- 1x Caldigit TS3 Plus docking station (USB-c to MacBook Air)
- 1x Belkin USB-c to HDMI
- 1x Startech USB-A 3.0 to 2x Display Port
- 3x Asus VP279Q-P 27” monitors


Cost: Roughly $1,260

Option #2:

- 1x LG 49” monitor connect to the laptop via HDMI
- No third party software needed.

Products:
- 1x LG UltraWide 49WL95C-WE 49”
- 1x Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

Cost: Roughly $1,605
 
Last edited:

kapone

Well-Known Member
May 23, 2015
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Any particular reason you can't use a single USB-C 4K monitor? It'll have more resolution (pixels) than either of your options.
 

macrules34

Active Member
Mar 18, 2016
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I can do one monitor as described in option 2. I just need a bunch of screen real estate so I would like something from 34”-49”(ultra wide).
 

kapone

Well-Known Member
May 23, 2015
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The LG UltraWide 49WL95C-WE 49” is essentially two 2560x1440 (= 7,372,800 pixels) monitors, joined horizontally.

A 4K monitor is...essentially 4x 1080p monitors, or a bit more real estate than two 2560x1440p monitors. A 4K monitor is 8,294,400 pixels.

How is a single 4K monitor not "a bunch of screen real estate"? 4K monitors can be bought in a number of sizes all the way up to 49".
 

macrules34

Active Member
Mar 18, 2016
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I was thinking that the current set-up I have at work is perfect (2x 27 inch monitors), if I could get that in one wide monitor that would be great.