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Using Multiple Screen to Multitask like a PRO
Working on one screen can get pretty crowded. You could be typing up a document while doing some research online all while watching a YouTube video. Here your options are either to make everything really small or constantly switch between windows, both of which are unfavorable options. If this is an issue for you, you may want to consider getting an additional monitor for your Mac. So, here's a guide to everything you need to know.
https://youtu.be/dLmg7HNbyvs
To get started, you're obviously going to need to pick out a monitor. Newegg has a great guide that's super detailed. I will link it below. But, here are something's you want to look out for, the marketed use case, physical screen size, resolution, shape, display technology, and mounting options. Most importantly, however, is making sure you get a monitor that you can easily plug into your Mac. Chances are if you're reading or watching this, the other details probably don't matter as much.
The connection you're most likely to run into is HDMI, commonly found on monitors and TVs. But, HDMI isn't the only port you will find on your monitor. You may find monitors with DisplayPort, HDMI's rival in the computer field, or USB-C/ThunderBolt 3. You may even run into an older connection like a blue trapezoid with 15 pins. This is a VGA port. Or its younger brother, DVI, a long white rectangle with a variety of pin arrangements.
Then, unless you have a monitor and Mac with an HDMI port, you're going to need an adapter to connect your display to your computer. If your Mac is from the past 6 years, you definitely have a USB-C port. So, you will need an adapter that can adapt this port to a connection on the back of your monitor. For instance, if your external monitor has a blue VGA connection, look for a USB-C to VGA adapter. If your external monitor has a white DVI port, look for a USB-C to DVI. You get the idea. If you're going the USB-C route, you may want to consider some sort of USB docking station or hub that would make reconnecting your portable device like a laptop easier.
However, if you're looking to connect an older Mac to a display, look for a port labeled with a lightning bolt. This is likely a Thunderbolt 2 port. If you have one of these you will need an adapter that adapts that port to a connection on the back of your monitor. For instance, you may need a Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI adapter, if you have HDMI on your external monitor.
If your Mac doesn't have an HDMI, USB-C, or Thunderbolt 2, chances are your computer is really old. You're looking at either Thunderbolt 1 or Mini Display Port. If you go back far enough, you may even find a VGA port on your device. But, if you fall into any of these categories, you may want to consider an upgrade.
Lastly, if you're deep into the Apple ecosystem, you may have an AirPlay display you can use as an external monitor. You can check out my last video for more on that. However, working with a wireless display is never the best option for long-term use.
If you got lost during any part of that, leave a comment below of what computer you have and what you plan on using the monitor for, and someone will help you out. Also, while down there, you can hit the thumbs up and subscribe for more videos like this.
Now that you have your monitor and it is connected to your Mac, you should see something appear on it. If not, try double-checking that the cables are snuggly plugged in and ensure you're on the correct video source. You may want to check your monitor's manual for more.
At this point,
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By Apple Guide
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Working on one screen can get pretty crowded. You could be typing up a document while doing some research online all while watching a YouTube video. Here your options are either to make everything really small or constantly switch between windows, both of which are unfavorable options. If this is an issue for you, you may want to consider getting an additional monitor for your Mac. So, here's a guide to everything you need to know.
https://youtu.be/dLmg7HNbyvs
To get started, you're obviously going to need to pick out a monitor. Newegg has a great guide that's super detailed. I will link it below. But, here are something's you want to look out for, the marketed use case, physical screen size, resolution, shape, display technology, and mounting options. Most importantly, however, is making sure you get a monitor that you can easily plug into your Mac. Chances are if you're reading or watching this, the other details probably don't matter as much.
The connection you're most likely to run into is HDMI, commonly found on monitors and TVs. But, HDMI isn't the only port you will find on your monitor. You may find monitors with DisplayPort, HDMI's rival in the computer field, or USB-C/ThunderBolt 3. You may even run into an older connection like a blue trapezoid with 15 pins. This is a VGA port. Or its younger brother, DVI, a long white rectangle with a variety of pin arrangements.
Then, unless you have a monitor and Mac with an HDMI port, you're going to need an adapter to connect your display to your computer. If your Mac is from the past 6 years, you definitely have a USB-C port. So, you will need an adapter that can adapt this port to a connection on the back of your monitor. For instance, if your external monitor has a blue VGA connection, look for a USB-C to VGA adapter. If your external monitor has a white DVI port, look for a USB-C to DVI. You get the idea. If you're going the USB-C route, you may want to consider some sort of USB docking station or hub that would make reconnecting your portable device like a laptop easier.
However, if you're looking to connect an older Mac to a display, look for a port labeled with a lightning bolt. This is likely a Thunderbolt 2 port. If you have one of these you will need an adapter that adapts that port to a connection on the back of your monitor. For instance, you may need a Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI adapter, if you have HDMI on your external monitor.
If your Mac doesn't have an HDMI, USB-C, or Thunderbolt 2, chances are your computer is really old. You're looking at either Thunderbolt 1 or Mini Display Port. If you go back far enough, you may even find a VGA port on your device. But, if you fall into any of these categories, you may want to consider an upgrade.
Lastly, if you're deep into the Apple ecosystem, you may have an AirPlay display you can use as an external monitor. You can check out my last video for more on that. However, working with a wireless display is never the best option for long-term use.
If you got lost during any part of that, leave a comment below of what computer you have and what you plan on using the monitor for, and someone will help you out. Also, while down there, you can hit the thumbs up and subscribe for more videos like this.
Now that you have your monitor and it is connected to your Mac, you should see something appear on it. If not, try double-checking that the cables are snuggly plugged in and ensure you're on the correct video source. You may want to check your monitor's manual for more.
At this point,