Apple computer monitors how to#

The ability to tilt the angle of the monitor back and forth, swivel it around for easy viewing, and adjust the height of the monitor in order to avoid an aching back or neck.Īs a rough guide, there is a point at about 2 to 3 inches from the top of the screen that should be at eye level.

If you’re going to spend a lot of time sitting at a desk looking at your lovely new display then you need to keep ergonomics in mind.

Apple computer monitors how to#

Read our article on how to connect a second screen to a Mac which explains everything you need to know about how to identify which ports you have, the adapters you will require, and how to set things up. In this case, If you have a device you want to connect to your Mac, you can connect it to one of the ports on the monitor, which is already connected to the Mac and probably in an easier location for access. If a display uses Thunderbolt to connect to the Mac, it may have additional USB-C or Thunderbolt ports so the display can act as a hub. Less expensive monitors still tend to use HDMI and DisplayPort, and while it’s not too costly to buy adapters that will allow you to connect your Mac, we reckon it’s worth future-proofing your new monitor by getting one that includes at least one USB-C or Thunderbolt port. This can get a bit confusing, but Apple does provide a list of the ports included on most recent Mac models so that you can figure out what you need.Īpple also provides a guide to HDMI and DisplayPort technology, which covers Mac models going right back to 2008, so that should provide all the info you need for all the Macs you use at home or at work. Most recent Mac models have Thunderbolt ports, so if you buy a monitor that has HDMI or DisplayPort interfaces only, then you’ll need an adapter to connect to the Mac. And though USB-C and Thunderbolt cables may look the same, there are actually some important technical differences between them, so it’s important to check which ports your new monitor uses and make sure you buy the correct cables and adapters. The traditional HDMI and DisplayPort connectors used by many monitors are being replaced–or complemented–by USB-C and Thunderbolt ports. How a monitor connects to a Mac can be confusing. For pro-level content creation, productivity, and media viewing: 4K or higher.For more-involved content creation, productivity, and media viewing: 2560×1440 or 4K.For general purpose use, such as web browsing, email, media viewing, small photo and video projects and viewing: 1920×1080 or 2560×1440.You’ll be able to fit more elements on the screen and not waste your time scrolling. Most people tend to go between 24 and 27 inches for home use.įor professionals–graphics, video, audio, even spreadsheets–a large screen will help you be more productive. That seems like a good size for most people, and it’s easy to go up or down from that point.

If you’re looking for a size to start with for your own personal research, we recommend 24 inches. And the same goes for customers who think a small screen is best. Some people think that a big screen is best, but then when they start to use it daily, they find that it’s too big. Your decision will be influenced by how much desk space you have, and how comfortable you are while using the display. Size isn’t everything, as the saying goes, but it’s a good place to start. So it’s worth taking a closer look at some of the factors that you need to think about when buying a monitor for your Mac. Display technology is a bit of a movable feast, with a lot of confusing jargon and technical features to wade through, as well as a variety of different interfaces and cables that are used by Apple itself and the various monitor manufacturers.