How do I try connecting display's video cable directly to the Mac when it can't be done?

I don't have a 2018 MacBook Air. I'm shopping for one. I cannot afford to purchase a $1300 computer that may or may not allow me to possibly hook up it depends my peripherals asterisk. So, I appreciate your answer. As I mentioned, I need to know what adapter I can purchase that has USB, HDMI to be able to use hundreds of dollars of existing items i.e. printer, keyboard, mouse, HD backup, HD external for expanding the small internal HDs that now are installed, a webcam and a monitor. I wish I could afford the computer AND the $399 plugable adapter AND $269 in AppleCare but I can't. :-)

So, you think I can put in an 8-port USB Hub into the USB port to run all these items that are USB? in the Apple USB-C Digital AV Adapter?

I need to use it as both. Just like I have used the 2009 MacBook Pro. It has worked perfectly as a harddrive and laptop when needed. I cannot afford both. Re: the external. That is why I'm looking for an adapter that utilizes both the USB-C ports... either as a one piece that connects and you don't lose one, or another USB-C to USB connector will have to go into that port.

There is no Apple laptop that doesn't offer minimal connection options anymore. Hence, the need for an adapter. There sure are a lot of sites that awesomely advertise their awesomeness as "enterprise" solutions. This shouldn't be any different than hooking up a laptop to a monitor and mouse, and the external that has the boring Powerpoint presentation on it when traveling to a conference. :-)

yes, this would most likely work, except with my wallet. I have talked to the guys at the local Apple store. All the answers are "visa, mastercard or American express" "can't guarantee anything" "it depends" "maybe" "here's something for another $300" "or this would work for $2000" "or not" "it depends" ... it truly is amazing.

Yes, cost is a major issue but I haven't done Windows since 1998 and cannot return to it now. Besides, by the time you purchase the laptop and everything with a decent machine with Windows, you have the horrifying nightmare of Windows and about the same costs. I didn't know about the 14 days however. That's possibly a way to go. Purchase the adapters, get the laptop and give it go ... return if needed. Good tip.

And all for ridiculous fees. Case in point: Microsoft Word. You can "rent" it for $60 a year or you can purchase outright for $129. I just upgraded to Word 2016 last year from 2008. Savings from not being "in the cloud": over $400. What did I miss? I can't make the tool bar a different color or add emoticons on it. :-) And, I might add, as is usually the case when things are upgraded for just the sake of it, there are certain things that used to take 1 step now take 3 ... Another: Photoshop. Fortunately I "purchased" and upgraded Photoshop 10 years ago, when I no longer needed the creative suite. I use it about 15 times a year. I can't afford $1700 for their program or "just simply" pay $30/month now ... insane.

I'm not. I'm shopping for one to go with the $1300 MacBook Air to connect all the USB items that I currently am using and an HDMI monitor before I spend a dime. Research.

Macmall has always been a "go to" for me... I will check Monoprice out as well. The problem, however, as you can see is what to ask for ... thanks.

Thank you all for your insight. When I accidentally clicked helpful on another post, it changed to solve, so I can't individually thank you.