If you are looking for a good monitor, the best option at the moment is to opt for a model that offers USB-C connection, not only for current MacBook or new Apple MacBook Pro, but also for future computers since this connector it is clearly becoming a standard that will continue to be implemented in the next equipment of the company.
Today, most monitors still have an HDMI and / or DisplayPort connection, but the future (and the present) is in that USB-C-looking Thunderbolt 3. With a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C display, you can use a single cable to connect to your 12-inch MacBook Pro or MacBook which at the same time can power your equipment. Although they both use the same physical connector, Apple's Thunderbolt 3 technology offers some benefits for MacBook Pro users. Here are some of the best 4K and 5K USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 monitors available for MacBooks so far. 12 ″ and the new MacBook Pro.
LG-Apple monitors
We will start with the most "obvious", the monitors that Apple and LG introduced at the same time that the new MacBook Pros were unveiled.
LG 4 ″ UltraFine 21,5K Monitor (€ 561,00)
Apple collaborated with LG to make this new 4-inch 21,5K display that includes USB-C to connect the new MacBook Pro and 12-inch MacBook with a single cable. In addition, at the moment it is at a reduced price, being one of the best options on the market. Yes indeed, lacks HDMI and DisplayPort connections so you will need the appropriate adapters to use it with older Macs.
It can be purchased now through the Apple website but the estimated shipping is between 6 and 8 weeks.
- IPS panel with 4.096 by 2.304 resolution compatible with millions of colors
- Brightness: 500 cd / m²
- Color gamut: wide color gamut (P3)
- Ports: one USB-C, three USB-C (USB-2, 480 Mb / s)
- Power: up to 60W over USB-C for device power and charging
- Speaker configuration: stereo
- Power: integrated power supply
- Dimensions: 38,8 cm (height) x 50,5 cm (width) x 21,9 cm (depth with stand) / 4,4 cm (depth without stand)
- Weight: 5,6 kg
LG 5 ″ UltraFine 27K Monitor (€ 1.049)
This is the only option available with Thunderbolt 3. This technology uses the same physical connector as USB-C, but offers support for the 5120 x 2880 resolution of this 27-inch display making it the only 5K monitor you can drive with a single Thunderbolt 3 cable (included).
As pointed out from 9to5Mac, the rest of the 5K options available on the market require adapters for use with the new MacBook Pro.
With the 15-inch MacBook Pro, you can handle two of these displays, while the 13-inch model allows for a single 5K display.
Its price is also on offer for a limited time on the Apple website.
- IPS screen with resolution 5.120 x 2.880
- Brightness: 500 cd / m²
- Color gamut: wide color gamut (P3)
- Ports: one Thunderbolt 3 port, three USB-C ports (USB 3.1 Gen 1, 5 Gb / s)
- Power: up to 85W over Thunderbolt 3 for device power and charging
- Integrated camera
- Stereo speakers
- Height: 46,4 cm
- Width: 62,6 cm
- Depth: 23,9 cm (with stand), 5,4 cm (without stand)
- Weight: 8,5 kg
LG 27UD88-W 27 ″ 4K (597 €)
One of the monitors 4K best known that you can buy right now also has the LG seal, it is the model 27UD88-W 27 inches which is currently available at a price of 597 euros on Amazon.
This monitor is a good alternative to the UltraFine model, mainly due to size and price; what's more, It has HDMI and USB 3.0 ports, in addition to USB-C. It is also one of the few monitors that the 12-inch MacBook can handle at 4K and 60Hz.
These are just three of the best monitor options with quality, at least 4K and USB-C connectivity so you can expand the screen and possibilities of your new MacBook Pro or MacBook 12 ″. Coincidentally, the three options come from LG, although along the way there are already other monitors that bear the Lenovo or HP seal.