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User profile for user: dgarf25
dgarf25 Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Macbook Air 2017 external monitor / display

Hello - I have a 2017 Macbook Air. I'd like to purchase an external display that is compatible with this laptop and with a 2019 Lenovo Yoga C930. I previously had the HP E273m but found that I was not able to take advantage of the screen space (I believe this is because the resolution was too low).


I'm wondering a few things now:

  1. How do I know if my Macbook Air has a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port?
  2. If I connect to a 4k display, like the LG Ultrafine or Dell U2720Q, will I be able to view things in 4k? Will I experience any problems (e.g. slow/lagged movement on the screen?)
  3. Will the Lenovo be able to connect with the LG or Dell using a single USB-C?
  4. Can anybody recommend a monitor for this situation? I'm also wondering if QHD (2560 X 1440) resolution will get the job done.


I am not very familiar with the territory of screen resolutions, refresh rates, and different port connections beyond some basic internet research. Thank you!

MacBook Air

Posted on Jan 26, 2021 8:52 AM

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User profile for user: neuroanatomist
neuroanatomist
User level: Level 8
49,851 points

Posted on Jan 26, 2021 9:51 AM

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP753?locale=en_US


Your Mac has Thunderbolt 2.


It supports up to 3840x2160 (4K) resolution on a single external display via the Thunderbolt 2 port. TB2 is physically the same as and fully compatible with mini-DisplayPort, so you can connect a mini-DP-to-XX adapter where XX is DisplayPort or HDMI. With the LG UltraFine 4K you can use Apple's TB3-to-2 adapter and a TB2 cable to connect it (see Use the 23.7-inch LG UltraFine 4K Display with your Mac or iPad - Apple Support).


The LG UltraFine won't easily work with a Windows USB-C connection. The Dell display you link has USB-C input for your Lenovo and DP input that will work with your Mac (with a mini-DP-to-DP cable). I'd go that route in your position, unless you plan on abandoning the PC and getting a newer Mac soon.

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User profile for user: neuroanatomist
neuroanatomist
User level: Level 8
49,851 points

Jan 26, 2021 9:51 AM in response to dgarf25

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP753?locale=en_US


Your Mac has Thunderbolt 2.


It supports up to 3840x2160 (4K) resolution on a single external display via the Thunderbolt 2 port. TB2 is physically the same as and fully compatible with mini-DisplayPort, so you can connect a mini-DP-to-XX adapter where XX is DisplayPort or HDMI. With the LG UltraFine 4K you can use Apple's TB3-to-2 adapter and a TB2 cable to connect it (see Use the 23.7-inch LG UltraFine 4K Display with your Mac or iPad - Apple Support).


The LG UltraFine won't easily work with a Windows USB-C connection. The Dell display you link has USB-C input for your Lenovo and DP input that will work with your Mac (with a mini-DP-to-DP cable). I'd go that route in your position, unless you plan on abandoning the PC and getting a newer Mac soon.

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Macbook Air 2017 external monitor / display

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