The new USB-C connector is appearing on an increasing number of laptops and tablets. This has many benefits, but it also means that all old devices and gadgets that do not have a USB-C connection can no longer be used without an adapter. We created this blog post to help you understand how to connect an external display to your MacBooks or iMacs, for example. Everything from HDMI adapters to USB-C adapters and even gadgets to help you get the most out of your laptop can be found here. Continue reading to learn more.
Use two monitors to increase your productivity
In many offices it is already the norm: the use of 2 monitors. Using 2 monitors has several advantages and can, among other things, increase your productivity. You can read about the other benefits of using 2 monitors below.
Advantages of using 2 monitors
Larger display = more work surface
This may seem very obvious, but it is an important factor. Because with 2 monitors, you obviously have more working space, which you can use without any problems. Of course you can use several programs at the same time side by side on one display, but for more organization and better security it is better to have a separate screen available. With an extra screen you can use the programs as usual in full screen mode and thus have a better overview.
SB Supply Tip: Video conferencing becomes even easier with an extra display! Use the screen with your webcam to view the conference, whether it's via Skype, Zoom, Google Hangout or another platform and the other screen to view a presentation, notes or anything else! Invest in a high quality webcam.
More comfort at work - protect your back
Unfortunately, we all know it: you sit for hours in front of your laptop, whether it's for work, university or even leisure and it's only when you really stretch the next time that you realize what a bad position you were in! A second monitor can also help with this problem, especially if you work primarily with a laptop. Often you sit a bit hunched over in front of the laptop, and if the laptop has a small display, your posture becomes even worse. With a second (or third) screen, you have a larger area to view files without having to sit in a hunched position. Think about your health!
SB Supply Tip: Make sure your desk, office chair, keyboard, display and everything else you need to work is at the right height! A comfortable, high-quality chair is also recommended. Our recommendation are gaming chairs, they are designed to provide good posture and high comfort even when you are sitting for hours.
Can I combine my MacBook / iMac with a display of another brand?
Yes, that's no problem! Although some Apple products do not allow you to combine them, in this case it is absolutely no problem. Only one factor is important here: the right adapter. To find the right adapter, you need to consider two things, namely the two connectors.
Which adapter should I connect to an external monitor?
To connect your laptop to an external monitor, you need an HDMI port. Unfortunately, this does not come with every laptop, so you may need an adapter. Which one you need depends on your laptop. The latest MacBooks are equipped with USB-C. To connect to an external adapter, you'll need a USB-C adapter. Older models are equipped with a Thunderbolt Mini DisplayPort, so you'll need a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter for these devices.
USB-C to HDMI adapter
In our assortment you will find several adapters that allow you to make this connection. These all have the same purpose: they allow you to connect a USB-C device, such as a new MacBook, to an HDMI port. However, the individual adapters differ in their additional features, which you'll find in the respective product descriptions.
Discover all of our USB-C adapters.
Our recommendation:
Apple USB-C to VGA Multiport Adapter
This adapter lets you make three individual connections. 1 connection with a USB-C port, 1 with USB-A and 1 with HDMI. Perfect if you want to connect not only an external monitor, but also other devices. Discover the adapter.
The fastest possible Internet connection - with Ethernet
You no longer want to rely on your WLAN? Then you should consider an Ethernet connection. Connect your device directly with the Ethernet cable to establish a stable, secure and fast Internet connection. Especially in your home office, where you cannot work at the usual office speed, it is worthwhile to work with Ethernet!
Advantages of an Ethernet connection
One may wonder whether an Ethernet connection is necessary at home. But it is especially worthwhile at home, because Ethernet provides a secure and reliable connection even in places where the Internet is down from time to time. It also prevents hacker attacks that can occur over unprotected WLAN connections, so you can get your work done without worry.
Discover our USB-C to Ethernet adapter.
Connect a MacBook / iMac with 2 external displays
Want to add 2 more displays to your MacBook or iMac? That's no problem, because SB Supply offers a solution for that too. With the Dual HDMI adapters you have the possibility to connect 2 external monitors to your laptop or computer! It doesn't get any more practical than that!
Get more out of your laptop - without an external monitor
Of course, it is not necessary to extend the laptop with an external monitor. Just using a laptop, of course, has its advantages. To optimize the work with the laptop, we offer some practical accessories.
Laptop stand
We recommend that anyone who spends a lot of time on their laptop invest in a laptop stand. This allows you to improve your posture and still work easily. It is also perfect for combining the laptop with an external mouse or keyboard.
In our assortment you will find different laptop holders, suitable for your model! Take a look at the laptop holders and find the right one for your home office, office desk or home!
External Keyboard
The fact that every laptop is equipped with a keyboard is of course very practical. However, this does not mean that you have to rely on this keyboard alone. For example, do you miss the numeric keypad or do you prefer a slightly larger keyboard? Then you can invest in an external keyboard. Discover our keyboards. Be aware that not all keyboards have the typical Dutch QWERTY standard.
Our recommendation: For those who do not need a full keyboard, but miss the numeric keypad, a numeric keypad is particularly suitable. These are available in the following MacBook colors: space gray - silver - gold.
Adapter
Even if you don't need an adapter to connect to an external screen, adapters can be very useful. We recommend anyone who has a laptop with a USB-C connection just to equip it with USB-C adapters. Discover all of our USB-C adapters.
Get the most out of your home office
Especially in the home office, it can be difficult to work as optimally as in the office. To help you make this transition easier, we've created a blog post to help you find the right accessories and gadgets for your home office. Read our blog post.
Do you have any questions or suggestions? We'd love to help! We are at your disposal Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday until 5:00 p.m. by phone, email and live chat!
