Apple also offers a similar VGA-compatible cable for $69. If you prefer sticking with Apple-branded adapters, you can choose from Apple’s $69 USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, which supports connecting a standard USB peripheral, HDMI display, and USB-C charging cable. At $19.99 each, these adapters have worked well and at reasonable cost. I found it easiest to connect two pre-existing VGA/DVI-compatible displays to a 2017 MacBook Pro using a pair of Monoprice USB Type-C to 4K HDMI, DVI, VGA adapters ( Figure A).

Note: This adapter doesn’t receive power over Thunderbolt, so it doesn’t permit charging a Mac by connecting another device, such as a Thunderbolt display. For $49, the adapter provides the ability to connect external displays using a Thunderbolt 2 cable connection to the new Macs. If you find yourself short of ports needed to connect external displays, especially because you’re trying to connect a wired external keyboard or mouse, consider converting to using Bluetooth connectivity for such devices, thereby freeing ports that would have been dedicated to those peripherals.īut what if you want to connect one or more existing displays via VGA, DVI, or HDMI to a new MacBook Pro equipped with only Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports? This is when adapters and docking stations come into play.Īpple offers a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. ICloud Usage Policy (TechRepublic Premium) Why I’m buying Apple’s new M1-powered iPad Air The latest Apple event is great news for professional users SEE: Mobile device computing policy (TechPro Research) Must-read Apple coverage Entry-level 2017 MacBook Pros (without the Touch Bar) only have a pair of Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, one of which is required to connect the charge cord, whereas the Touch Bar-equipped (and all 15″ model) versions include four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports these ports can be used for charging, DisplayPort connectivity, and connecting Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 peripherals. Problems may also occur because you run out of ports. Problems occur because Apple updated 2017 MacBook Pro models to use Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports exclusively, while older Macs use a variety of display ports, including HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt 2, which aren’t compatible with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) instead, different cables and/or adaptors are required. Here are ways to connect a variety of VGA-, DVI-, and HDMI-compatible monitors.īuy or use a new MacBook Pro, and you’ll likely encounter trouble connecting external displays using cables and adapters that worked well with older MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros. How to connect external displays to a 2017 MacBook ProĬonnecting external displays to a new MacBook Pro can be confusing.

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