How to handle 2nd monitor and peripherals on 2021 iMac?

[silverlakerCA]

The two-USB-C-only iMac has me wondering how I do the following:

add my second monitor (which I connect via USB-C) -
AND...
use my wired Keychron keyboard
and
use my wired trackball

I have an unused Anker USB-A hub and can my second monitor via-USB-C somehow go into that via some adapter?

I didn't have this issue on my Mac Mini but now I do.
That's why I can really use your advice.
Thank you.

 

[salamanderjuice]

Is there any reason you need to connect the monitor with USB C (e.g. USB ports on the monitor itself?). What monitor is it? You might be able to get away with using a USB C to displayport/HDMI cable to a USB C hub. You could also just use a DP/HDMI cable from the monitor if it supports that.

If that hub you mention just has USB A that's a no go but why not just plug the trackball and keyboard into the hub?

 

[silverlakerCA]

The Dell 22119H came without displayport or other cables (charity shop $40 bargain).
I just double-checked and it's an HDMI to USB-C cable that works in the remaining (second) USB C input in the iMac.

I see in Amazon there's an HDMI to USB A cable that would allow me to use my Anker USB-A hub.
Had I known about the limitations of only two USB C inputs I would have gone with a new mac mini but that won't fix the irritating problem I face right now.

I have a USB-C to USB-A adapter but that doesn't let me use the Dell 2219H second monitor. I keep getting an error message: "No HDMI signal from your device"

 

[salamanderjuice]

USB A doesn't support video. Don't waste money on an HDMI to USB A cable either. It's either going to not work or have to do some weird compression software magic with quality loss to work.

You can buy a USB C hub with USB A and an HDMI port and that would work.

And I don't understand why you can't just plug the trackball and keyboard into the hub and then use the monitor with USB C? That would be two ports.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

The two-USB-C-only iMac has me wondering how I do the following:

add my second monitor (which I connect via USB-C) -
AND...
use my wired Keychron keyboard
and
use my wired trackball

I have an unused Anker USB-A hub and can my second monitor via-USB-C somehow go into that via some adapter?

I didn't have this issue on my Mac Mini but now I do.
That's why I can really use your advice.
Thank you.

I guess the 2nd monitor can occupy 1 USB-C port.
The other devices can be connected via 1 USB-C dock. Price range $20~

USB C Hub Laptop Docking Station, OBERSTER 11-in-1 Triple Display Thunderbolt 3 Hub with Ethernet, 4K HDMI, VGA, 4 USB, 100W PD, SD/TF Card Reader, Mic/Audio, USB-C 3.0, Compatible for Mac Pro

USB C HUB includes Ethernet/RJ-45 Port, Type C PD charging port, 2 USB 3. 0 Ports, 2 USB 2. 0 Ports, 4K HDMI video output, VGA, Micro SD & TF card reader, Mic/Audio 2 in 1 port. The SD card slot and the TF card slot can be used on the hub simultaneous. Mic/Audio port in extremely compact and slee...

www.amazon.com

 

[Fishrrman]

The OP comments:
"Had I known about the limitations of only two USB C inputs I would have gone with a new mac mini but that won't fix the irritating problem I face right now."

This is why I wouldn't recommend the "2-port" iMac to anyone.
Just "not enough ports" for a [supposedly] "desktop" computer.
No ethernet, either.
Honestly... what were they thinking...?