Expanding Your MacBook's Screen Real Estate: How to Choose the Perfect External Monitor

Published: 10 March 2023

Last Updated: 16 June 2023

Photo by Alexandru Acea

Expanding your MacBook's screen real estate with an external monitor can significantly boost your productivity and make your workflow smoother. With more screen space, you can have multiple windows open at once, organize your workspace better, and have a more immersive visual experience. However, with so many different options available, it can be challenging to choose the perfect external monitor for your MacBook. In this article, we'll explore some essential considerations to keep in mind and provide you with some top picks for the best external monitors for MacBook on the market.

Benefits of using an external monitor with MacBook

Using an external monitor with your MacBook can offer many benefits, such as:

  • More screen space: Having more real estate on your display means you can have multiple windows open side by side, making it easier to multitask and get more work done efficiently.
  • Improved visual experience: A larger screen and higher resolution can make a big difference in how you experience visuals, especially for tasks like video editing or graphic design.
  • Better posture: An external monitor can help improve your posture, as you can adjust the screen height and angle to suit your needs.
  • Increased productivity: With more screen space and a better visual experience, you're likely to get more work done efficiently, leading to increased productivity.

Considerations when choosing an external monitor for MacBook

Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing an external monitor for your MacBook:

  • Screen size: Consider the screen size you need based on your work requirements and available desk space.
  • Resolution: Look for a monitor with a high resolution to ensure sharp and clear images.
  • Connectivity: Check the connectivity options of the monitor to make sure it's compatible with your MacBook.
  • Color accuracy: If you work with visuals, look for a monitor with excellent color accuracy.
  • Price: Consider your budget and look for an external monitor that offers the best value for money.

Top picks for external monitors for MacBook

Here are some top picks for the best external monitors for MacBook:

  1. LG UltraFine 4K: A 24-inch monitor with a resolution of 4096 x 2304, designed to work seamlessly with macOS.
  2. Dell UltraSharp U2720Q: A 27-inch monitor with a 4K resolution and excellent color accuracy.
  3. HP EliteDisplay S14: A portable 14-inch monitor that connects to your MacBook via USB-C.
  4. ASUS Designo MX27UC: A 27-inch monitor with a 4K resolution, excellent color accuracy, and a stylish design.
  5. BenQ PD3200U: A 32-inch monitor with a 4K resolution and a variety of connectivity options, including USB-C.

How to set up an external monitor with a MacBook

Here are some steps to follow to set up an external monitor with your MacBook:

  1. Connect the monitor to your MacBook using the appropriate cable or adapter.
  2. Go to "System Preferences" > "Displays" and select "Detect Displays."
  3. Adjust the display settings as needed, such as the resolution and scaling.
  4. Arrange your windows on the external monitor to suit your work requirements.

Tips for using an external monitor with MacBook

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your external monitor with your MacBook:

  • Customize your display settings to suit your preferences and work style.
  • Use the Dock and menu bar to make navigating between windows easier.
  • Use keyboard shortcuts to switch between applications quickly.
  • Arrange windows strategically to optimize your workspace.

Conclusion

Expanding your MacBook's screen real estate with an external monitor can significantly boost your productivity and make your workflow smoother. By choosing a monitor with high resolution, you can enjoy sharp and clear images, which is especially important if you work with visuals. In this article, we've explored some essential considerations to keep in mind when choosing an external monitor for your MacBook and provided you with some top picks for monitors with high resolution. With the right external monitor, you can optimize your workspace and enjoy a more immersive visual experience. Remember to customize your display settings and use keyboard shortcuts to make the most out of your external monitor. Happy computing!

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