OT - external monitors for MacBook Air

[mass_biker]

1.5 weeks into the new reality and I need to spend $ earmarked for bike stuff for WFH stuff.

Anyone got first hand recommendations for monitors for my MacBook Air?

I typically use this as I wander around the house - and most of my reading - PL, WSJ etc. - handily fits on the little screen.

But now that I am doing more robust WFH - spreadsheets, Zoom video chats, multiple documents - I need a more workable for my tiny home office and aging eyes.

Open to -

1) docking stations?
2) external monitors (can repurpose for my trainer rig in the basement later)?
3) ones that can be oriented vertically? horizontally?

Any and all suggestions welcomed.

thank you PL nation...

m_b

[Veloo]

What kind of ports are on your Air?
What's your budget for the monitor?

[mass_biker]

Thunderbolt 3
USB C
Say <$500?

[Veloo]

I recently picked up an HP 27fw for $150 on local classifieds. They retail new for $279+taxes. $CAD
Quite happy with it. I was thinking to get a new 24" monitor but two friends said go at least 27. Glad I did.

Can't adjust height but it does tilt. Lots of display adjustments. 2 HDMI and one VGA in the back. It doesn't go vertical which is fine with me. Very thin and light.

It's 1080p. Not interested in 4K at all.
Silver too, if you want it to match.

If you're open to used then that could save some cash. May just need an adapter like this or one to VGA depending on the monitor.
https://www.amazon.com/uni-Thunderbo...5367437&sr=8-2

[d_douglas]

I think an Air has the same ports as a MacBook Pro and I use this for my work. I use some cheesy $10 adaptor and plug into an ancient external monitor that works fine. Essentially, you can use anything you like.

Welcome to the club. I am only using my little screen and might need something bigger at home myself.

[kppolich]

Originally Posted by mass_biker

1.5 weeks into the new reality and I need to spend $ earmarked for bike stuff for WFH stuff.

Anyone got first hand recommendations for monitors for my MacBook Air?

I typically use this as I wander around the house - and most of my reading - PL, WSJ etc. - handily fits on the little screen.

But now that I am doing more robust WFH - spreadsheets, Zoom video chats, multiple documents - I need a more workable for my tiny home office and aging eyes.

Open to -

1) docking stations?
2) external monitors (can repurpose for my trainer rig in the basement later)?
3) ones that can be oriented vertically? horizontally?

Any and all suggestions welcomed.

thank you PL nation...

m_b

Docking station:
Do you plan to use the macbook air keyboard and trackpad or do you have an external mouse and keyboard?

External monitors: Yep, plenty to go around these days or even a TV. you could cast to as a second monitor. Dell IPS panels are nice and affordable.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Apple TV and airplay are pretty sharp these days, and you could use that in your trainer room later or elsewhere in the house.

[NHAero]

I bought this Dell a few months ago for the same type of reason. I paid $335, for some reason it is showing at close to double that, so I'm guessing you can find it close to what I paid with some shopping around. Nice monitor, no frills (no speakers, camera). Current MacBook Pro

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...qhd_usb_c.html

[Spaghetti Legs]

IMO Apple TV and mirror to your telly might be the simplest, and more flexible solution unless you’d be competing for TV time with other home bound people.

[charliedid]

If you just need a "bigger" work space and not a super accurate monitor for images/video or design work you can get by with a $100 monitor.

This comes from a friend of mine who has been a Mac Tech for 20 years.

This may or may not prove to be useful but it popped into my head.