Second monitor for M1 iMac - specs?

[OneSon]

I currently have an M1 iMac. I'm looking to add a second monitor - ideally 24". Most of the options I'm seeing are 1080p - would this be ok or would it mess up the way Mac OS looks? 4k 24" monitors seem quite rare.

Also, is USB-C the best option for connecting it to the iMac?

 

[OldMike]

I answered a similar question with a somewhat inexpensive 4k monitor that I use here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/anyone-going-to-setup-a-2nd-monitor-on-the-m3-imac.2410619/post-32719827

It is not USB-C though, so you would need to use either a Thunderbolt to HDMI / DisplayPort cable, or some type of Thunderbolt dock / port expander that also has HDMI or DisplayPort. I have drive enclosures that have DisplayPort on them, docks that have both and also USB-C to HDMI cables, and they all work fine.

This is one of the USB-C to DisplayPort adapters that I have used in the past (only cost $10):
https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/ADPTCDP14

Not sure why the link is bringing me to a laptop - but if you cut and paste the link into your browser it will pull up the right product: Newer Technology USB-C to DisplayPort 8K Display Adapter