Screen and possibly a dock for a MacBook Pro

[brums evil twin]

So I have a 2017 MacBook Pro 13inch (non smart toolbar thing)

Its my main computer to work on - I travel but while at home it sits on a stand with a separate keyboard and track pad.

I use an iPad as a second screen sometime - when on teams calls to have the participants on the iPad and the content on the main screen.

The issue I think is real estate while at home. So I would love a simple dock to clean up my desk space and just slot the Mac into - but seems, from what I can find they do not exist. So then a screen on its own might be an answer. Ideally I would like one with thunderbolt connectivity and is of a size to have two programs open (teams and content as an example) or two presentation etc.

So after recommendations and suggestions please.

I would love the apple screens but at over a £1000 they are out of my budget.

Thanks in advance

[Uncle boshy]

I’ve got a similar setup.

I use a Lenovo usb hub I’ve had for a while, £20 off eBay, with a 24” Lenovo screen courtesy of my employer(£200)

Connects with a dvi to hdmi cable, although if buying a dock today would choose one with hdmi.

Then a permanent keyboard and mouse on the dock at home and some cheap Amazon basic speakers and an old webcam sitting o. Top of the monitor.

Should be able to do the whole lot for £250

[brums evil twin]

Cheers - I know I can do it quite cheaply, but looking for a nice screen

Seen a lovely curved Samsung for £600 ish with thunderbolt ports etc.

[Lucas Ayde]

When I need extra ports and HDMI output, I just use a cheap USB-C dongle thing. Has a couple of USB-A ports on it, a USB C and an HDMI output.

Works pretty well on my 2018 MBP. You can spend a bit more money and get ones with Ethernet ports and PD passthrough if you need to be able to chain your power supply through it. I did buy one of those for my Steamdeck but haven't tried it with the Mac yet.

It also works well with my Android phone and tablet too - used it for Dex.

Just look around on Amazon, there are loads of them (many are just rebraded I think). Just pick the one with the specs you want (ethernet, PD passthrough add cost).

[eps]

I looked and looked at the Henge docks - maybe they're called Brydge now..

They seem like a great solution, but you do 'lose' the MacBook screen.

I just use a couple of cables and hook them up - plus as others have said use a dongle where appropriate and you can hook up to VGA, DVI, HDMI, Displayport or whatever you need. I run 2 24" monitors off mine

[LeeM135i]

For my 2021 M1 MacBook Pro I use a USBC multi adaptor thing, I think its this one-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Multimedia-Tethere...

Into this I plug my monitor, HP 27" 1440p using HDMI and a USB webcam. I also plug power directly into the Mac, it can be done passed through the adaptor but I am worried long term it will overload one of the ports.

If I was going to go again I would try and get a USBC monitor so I could do away with the hub. I would also go for something bigger as the M1 MacBook can only handle one monitor and I occasionally find myself with 3/4 big spread sheets open squinting at the screen.

Maybe something like this, but it is big.....

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-ultrasharp-43...

[Craikeybaby]

I use a Philips 279P monitor with my MacBooks, it has the keyboard, webcam and network cables already plugged in to it, so I just have to connect either MacBook via USB-C.

[brums evil twin]

thanks everyone - I have the plug in hubs already - was thinking about a hub/stand so its all wired up and when I come in I just slide the Mac into the stand and its all hooked up. I use a normal hub. at the moment for connection to the backup drive, iPad (as a second screen) USBs for other things etc etc.

Cannot see anything for the M1 Mac - might have to wait until I upgrade!!!

So I think its now more about the monitor - defiantly need USB-C as a minimum with passthrough charging, so just one cable needed and will be a little neater on my desk.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09CPXQSXS/ref...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09CGYHJ84/ref...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08WX16397/ref...

Any of these any good??? I think the Samsung one is lovely - but maybe to big for my desk, but looks so cool!!!!

[Sauce]

I haven't got round to doing this yet but I'd take the Dell followed by the Benq. I don't need to open 4 spreadsheets in a row though so your use case may dictate larger (wider).

https://www.t3.com/features/best-macbook-pro-monit...

If you're used to 'Retina Display' then you might not like anything less than 4k @ >27inches

[Australiam]

This is my set up, which may or may not give you ideas!

Not quite as convenient as a dock, but all the cables are zip tied in place, so it is easy to connect. I am using thunderbolt to HDMI dongles for screens that I already owned.