USB C Monitor Recommendations

Lrycyt on 30/06/2020 - 09:34

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to add a monitor to my home office setup, but was wondering whether anyone has any recommendations on which monitor to get.

I have a MacBook Pro (2016), which uses USB C so I thought a USB C monitor would be easier rather than having an extra dongle.
I also plan to connect my Nintendo Switch dock to the monitor.

My budget is approximately $300 - $400, the lower the better.

Now I’ve seen many different specs of monitors including high refresh rate, different types of panels, etc, but I think these are more catered towards the action/RPG gamers. Considering I’m just playing the occasional Nintendo game, I doubt I would need the best technology (definitely not at my budget anyway).

With that being said, I’m looking for a monitor no larger than 29 inches.

Would anyone have any recommendations for a USB C monitor? Or even a regular monitor if it’ll be more bang for my buck?

Thanks in advance!

Computing Computer Peripheral LCD Monitor

Comments

  • meong on 30/06/2020 - 09:45

    Did you know that Nintendo Switch dock are not compatible with a lot of USB-C docks or monitors so in the end you will end up just using HDMI?

    • rycyt on 30/06/2020 - 10:08

      Thanks for your reply. Yes I’m aware about that. The main intention of the USB C is for the Macbook, I intended to connect the Switch via HDMI.

    • Caped Baldy on 30/06/2020 - 10:18

      The skull n co jumpgate is an option. I bought it from their store but this is cheaper.
      https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Skull-Co-Jumpgate-Dock-Portable-…

      Can take out the dongle to connect to a usb-c laptop. Only has two usb A ports, hdmi and usb c in and another usb c out.

      OP would then want a monitor with speakers or use the audio jack for headphones or external speakers.

      • meong on 01/07/2020 - 05:15

        I had this, and asked for a refund. It was great as a Nintendo Switch dock but failed to perform other things such as the actual dock functions for USBs and SD Card.

  • Cheap Cheep on 30/06/2020 - 10:10

    USB-C DisplayPort/Thunderbolt 3 monitors are still relatively new and thus tend to be in the higher price bracket. You also have a MBP that requires at least 61W to charge, so that's another thing you need to take into account. A lot of USB-C monitors still only output around 40W.

    As the previous guys said, you'll need HDMI to plug the Switch into. So you're looking for monitor with both USB-C/HDMI.

    The current Dell deal is probably the best bang for buck: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/548117 but it's out of your budget unfortunately. Specs are decent on that monitor, as it's aimed at business not gaming. Since the Switch only does 60fps it'll be fine for your needs.

    However also spotted a number of cheaper USB-C monitors on Kogan if you're willing to take a punt:
    https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/kogan-27-qhd-ips-usb-c-freesync…
    https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/kogan-24-qhd-ips-usb-c-freesync…

    and a few 1080p Dells that also fall into your budget:
    https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/dell-p-series-27-169-1920x1080-…
    https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/dell-ultrasharp-238-169-1920x10…

  • Rockets84 on 30/06/2020 - 10:11

    Dell P2719HCE 27" with USB-C, Display Port & HDMI inputs. 1080P $399.

    https://www.mwave.com.au/product/dell-pseries-p2719hce-27-fu…

  • rycyt on 30/06/2020 - 11:26

    Thanks for the replies everyone.

    I should clarify I was indeed looking for a monitor with both HDMI and USB C ports (HDMI for the Switch, USB C for the MacBook).

    I figured that USB C is relatively new so the options are pricier and somewhat more limited.

    Would it be a smarter move to get a regular monitor, connect the MacBook and Switch to the monitor via HDMI (probably use a splitter since most monitors only have one HDMI input), and call it a day?

    That way I could probably spend the money on a better quality monitor instead of just the USB C tech.

    However I’m unsure if there’s a downside to connecting my MacBook to the monitor by this way (USB C - HDMI versus USB C - USB C).

    Once again really appreciate everyone’s help here.

    Thanks

    • Rockets84 on 01/07/2020 - 09:58

      Yes USB-C type montiors you will have a more limited range to choose from and they do tend to more expensive as it's still a newish technology.

      Would it be better to get a regular monitor? Probably as you'll have a bigger range to choose from especially when it comes to stuff on special. I'd be tempted to get a monitor that has HDMI and DisplayPort or 2 HDMI ports. Connect the Mac via DisplayPort and use HDMI for the Switch, however USB-C to DisplayPort cables aren't on the cheapest side either at around $60 but neither are HDMI to USB-C cables. Just change inputs on the monitor. The only downside to this would be that some USB-C monitors can power the laptop as well so it keeps the number of cables down. The USB-C Dell monitors include a USB-C cable too so take that into account.

  • rycyt on 30/06/2020 - 11:33

    Also, with the whole USB C benefit of powering multiple devices with one power adapter, is it possible for me to plug the MacBook with the wall adapter and have it power the monitor at the same time? Or does the monitor have to be plugged in which then charges the MacBook?

    • Mostly Melbourne on 30/06/2020 - 11:44

      Only works with the latter scenario on certain monitors that have Power Delivery function

  • airtime on 24/08/2021 - 19:06

    Not within your budget but I am using a Dell U2722DE for pretty much the exact same use case.

    MacBook Pro 2018 15" model hooked up by USB-C.
    Nintendo Switch via HDMI using a $30 Switch HDMI dongle I bought from Amazon. Note - you need to attach a genuine Nintendo USB-C power supply to the power input of the Switch HDMI dongle - this is a common limitation across all these devices; Nintendo put something non-standard into the power supplies and the Switch won't operate correctly without it (confirmed by trying 2 third part USB-C power supplies)

    I choose that monitor because it also has wired ethernet builtin. So connecting a single USB-C cable gives me everything I need from webcam, wired Ethernet, power, monitor, speaker output, plus a couple of other USB peripherals such as Focusrite 4i4 audio interface.

    Very happy with solution. I can disconnect by MacBook Pro and connect one of my Windows notebooks, very convenient and versatile. 1 connection does it all.

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