Where to Buy an Affordable Thunderbolt 3 Monitor in Australia?

HiddenOrchid on 28/04/2021 - 07:32

Tl;dr - where can I buy an affordable thunderbolt 3 screen in Australia? Apple offered to sell me one for 1100 - but I’m too cheap for that. The Umart website doesn't let me search for these monitors, and I just ended up confusing the staff at JB and Officeworks.

Hi everyone,

For years, I’d been complaining about the need the buy adapters and dongles for the USB-C macs - so, I was pretty surprised when I started a new job and connected my mac to the screen via USB-C and noticed that the screen was charging my computer, while acting as a second screen. I noticed that there were regular USB ports on the back of the screen, and when I plugged a flash drive in to the screen, my computer recognised it.

I thought this was pretty neat. I need to replace my screens at home so I started looking into how I’d get one of these fancy new ones.

I looked into it, and apparently this is ‘Thunderbolt 3’ technology. I googled it, but I couldn’t find a local seller with the recommended thunderbolt 3 compatible models. I tried Umart, but I couldn’t find a Thunderbolt 3 option. When I went into JB Hifi to ask about this, the sales staff were just confused and just kept on trying to sell me dongles. The same thing happened in two other JBs, and an Officeworks. I spoke to Apple, and they understood what I wanted, but the cheapest Thunderbolt screen they sold was $1100.

So Ozbargain, does anyone know where I would be able to get an affordable thunderbolt-3 screen in Australia?

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • timgriffin on 28/04/2021 - 07:45
    +1

    I have the LG 27UL850-W 27" and I can plug my Macbook in with a single USB-C cable and it charges + uses it as an external display. Also has USB-A ports out the back of the screen so I can connect peripherals. It's $639 on Amazon right now.

    • Pikaloo on 28/04/2021 - 08:57
      +1

      i had one. i do not recommend it theres a widespread issue after 2-3 years the corner of the screen goes red and dies slowly. i replaced it with a Dell.

      • timgriffin on 01/05/2021 - 09:07

        Have had my 2 for 9mo and no issues so far

      • tungdang on 21/04/2022 - 16:12
        +1

        I have the same issue but it happened with Dell monitor U2718Q. Its warranty expired so I had to buy a new one.

  • HiddenOrchid on 28/04/2021 - 08:14

    Thanks Tim, I’ll look into it :)

  • raisinberry777 on 28/04/2021 - 08:59
    +5

    It doesn't need Thunderbolt - just USB-C. Thunderbolt is a bit like a fancier version of USB-C that supports having more things attached at once, however, if you just need a monitor, charging and a few USB ports then a USB-C monitor will suffice.

    What Mac are you using? It is important that the monitor supports a sufficient charging wattage for your device.

  • soan papdi on 28/04/2021 - 11:24
    +1

    I recommend this screen every chance I get. Reasonably priced with 31.5in, 4K, USB-C, USB-3 ports at the back, height/tilt adjustments, in-built speaker (but volume control is very awkward, only via monitor buttons). Using it right now and it is great. I was considering Dell U3219Q but this one is just as good but cheaper.

    Philips 328P6VUBREB IPS LED FHD Monitor
    https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07GG5ZNS5/

    EDIT: it does up to 60W power out, so if you laptop is plugged in all day, battery should be charged just fine. I use a 2017 MBP which comes with an 85W charger but 60W seems to be sufficient.

  • uncompressed on 28/04/2021 - 12:05
    +1

    I use a Dell U2720Q that does this. One single USB-C cable connected from the display to my Macbook Air M1. Chargers the Macbook Air and also extends the desktop.

    • timgriffin on 01/05/2021 - 09:09

      Heard lots of good things about this one!

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