Unsatisfied with 12inch screen... Alternatives?

[countryside]

Hi,

I currently use a 12-inch MacBook (2017) and before that used a 15-inch MacBook Pro. I am not satisfied with my current laptop due to (what feels like) constant hardware issues. That, topped with my desire for a larger screen, has left me considering a Pro again. I do hours of research online daily for work and school... which is not fun with small text size. I also find split screen even worse for text size.

However, I do not need all of that extra hardware (power?) that increases the price and weight... I use my Mac primarily for school and personal use, which does not require any intensive software or gaming.

Are there any rumors for a new 15-inch MacBook? Or an existing Mac I am not aware of? Would you recommend I get the 15-inch, regardless of my non-intensive needs? I am open to that, just do not want to waste money for all these technical capabilities that I will not make use of.

I know that Apple makes iMac, however, portability is something I could not live without.

I have even considered looking outside of the Apple ecosystem, however, I love how intertwined everything is current and would like to keep things that way. Though, if you have recommendations, let me know.

Thanks,
countryside

 

[David58117]

Can you get an external monitor for home use?

Other than that, 13" (nTB) or 15" if you insist on a larger display .

 

[Moonjumper]

An option is an external 15" portable monitor to expand the work area on your computer when needed, but have the small laptop when you really need portability. Here are a couple of Kickstarter options (one thinner, one with more connection options):

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/switch-con/c-force-cf015c-the-thinnest-4k-usb-c-portable-disp

https://www.kickstarter.com/project...go-monitor?ref=85hjr5&utm_source=media+letter

But there are also models already on the market from bigger names, but lesser specs.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-MB169...able+monitor&qid=1558394413&s=gateway&sr=8-13

 

[alecgold]

I do a lot of research as well at the moment, at home and away (work, library) as well.
When away I use my MBP 13” when needed with iPad Pro 11 as extended screen through Duet.
When at home I use my MBP 13”, 27” 5k and if I’m really short on real estate I connect the iPad through Duet as well.

There are some things that I can’t do without the 27”; writing a piece while retrieving information from several documents, having several reference guides etc.
There are many things I can do on the 13” (with iPad if needed).

This way I can keep my portability when needed and have enough space when at home.

 

[Nbd1790]

I'd probably recommend using an external monitor setup at home. I personally use a 15 inch, then dock it into a dual monitor setup when I'm going to be doing a lot of web based research along with photoshop or any audio editing work that requires me to reference emails etc. A dual setup may be overkill for you, but having a good external monitor would probably be extremely beneficial to you.

As far as being on the go, the answer would be simple. Either upgrade to a 13 inch or 15 inch model. External monitors can be had for a relatively decent price (if you're not aiming for a top notch model). If price is your main concern (getting all the extra power you don't need etc) the used market is a great place to look. Mac laptops are no doubt pricey, but you may as well get something that you like.

 

[SalisburySam]

How about a 12.9” iPadPro? New or refurb’d. Couple with a case/keyboard, it’s pretty much what you’re asking for.

 

[countryside]

Hi all,

I appreciate all of the replies. I have to be honest, I did not know that external monitors worked with MacOS.

I plan to get a large desktop monitor for my desk at home... I am also looking into 1 or 2 portable ones for on the go... I like the one @Moonjumper sent me.

Thank you all again for your help! It had not occurred to me at all.

Would yall recommend the LG desktop monitor that has been in the "news" recently? Or is that overkill?

countryside

 

[alecgold]

...
Would yall recommend the LG desktop monitor that has been in the "news" recently? Or is that overkill?

It is overkill and there might be better priced options, but my 27” 5K is really really nice.
Don’t forget to check if your 12” MB can run a certain display. But even a 21” fullhd will help a lot.

 

[tayy]

Dont forget that the new LG monitor requires Thunderbolt 3 which your Macbook dont have. the old 21.5" version was USB-C.

These monitors will charge your macbook.

https://www.amazon.com/LG-27UK850-W-Monitor-Connectivity-FreeSync/dp/B078GVTD9N

https://www.amazon.com/HP-Business-Z27-LED-Monitor/dp/B07CKXCBWB

Plenty of other options out there.

 

[countryside]

Thank you again. I am going with this monitor, which is USB-C compatible and charges my MacBook (also clamshell compatible). 4k UHD.

Does anyone know if my old iMac bluetooth keyboard and trackpad will connect to the monitor? Does it need to connect through MacBook to monitor or directly to monitor?

Additionally, can I plug an ethernet cable into the monitor for increased internet speeds... or is that also not how a monitor works?

 

[alecgold]

Bluetooth will connect to your laptop and will let you work with laptop & screen or in clamshell mode.

There is an Ethernet port on the monitor, so I would expect it to work. Find & read online the technical manual by Philips of this specific monitor to make sure what you need and what it does.

 

[chrfr]

Dont forget that the new LG monitor requires Thunderbolt 3 which your Macbook dont have. the old 21.5" version was USB-C.

The new LG display works with both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C.
Apple lists the system requirements as:

Operating System: macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later

Connection: Thunderbolt 3–enabled Mac, USB-C enabled Mac or iPad Pro

 

[countryside]

Bluetooth will connect to your laptop and will let you work with laptop & screen or in clamshell mode.

There is an Ethernet port on the monitor, so I would expect it to work. Find & read online the technical manual by Philips of this specific monitor to make sure what you need and what it does.

Thanks.

Last question: I am trying to find a USB-C to HDMI, Ethernet, and USB-C charging port... Unfortunately, the ones that have those ports do 4k@30Hz and 1080@30... The monitor is 4k UHD (60Hz refresh rate)... Will it still work or do I need to find something else?

 

[mroy16]

4K@60 requires more bandwidth than USB 3 can handle, so you'll need Thunderbolt 3. You should be able to find TB3 to HDMI or DP, which are the inputs on the monitor. However, I haven't seen any simple dongles that run TB3 video and other things - you'll probably want to look at a full TB3 dock.

EDIT: I just remembered you're using a Macbook, which only has USB-C out. Since you don't have full TB3 output, you can't drive a monitor at 4K@60.

 

[chrfr]

4K@60 requires more bandwidth than USB 3 can handle, so you'll need Thunderbolt 3. You should be able to find TB3 to HDMI or DP, which are the inputs on the monitor. However, I haven't seen any simple dongles that run TB3 video and other things - you'll probably want to look at a full TB3 dock.

EDIT: I just remembered you're using a Macbook, which only has USB-C out. Since you don't have full TB3 output, you can't drive a monitor at 4K@60.

The Macbook can drive 4096x2304 @ 60Hz, which matches the resolution of the old 21" 4k LG display that Apple just stopped selling. The new 24" LG will work too.
[doublepost=1558794947][/doublepost]

Thanks.

Last question: I am trying to find a USB-C to HDMI, Ethernet, and USB-C charging port... Unfortunately, the ones that have those ports do 4k@30Hz and 1080@30... The monitor is 4k UHD (60Hz refresh rate)... Will it still work or do I need to find something else?

You probably won't find a hub to do this due to bandwidth constraints. Any of the Macs which have Thunderbolt 3 (like the MacBook Air) are much less constrained with regard to external connectivity than the 12 inch Macbook is.