What monitors/what adaptors/what connections do I need to use an external monitor with my 13" 2017 MacBook Air?
I've been working with Best Buy but have yet to make any combination work. I do not have a USB-C.
Thanks
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.1
Thunderbolt
These Mac models have Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports:
Use these ports with displays and other devices that connect using a Thunderbolt 
cable.
Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort 
. They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and port. However, this port does support Mini DisplayPort for video output, so you can use a Mini DisplayPort cable to connect a Mini DisplayPort display.
What is the connector type on the end of the monitor cable?
Thunderbolt
These Mac models have Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports:
Use these ports with displays and other devices that connect using a Thunderbolt cable.
Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort . They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and port. However, this port does support Mini DisplayPort for video output, so you can use a Mini DisplayPort cable to connect a Mini DisplayPort display.
What is the connector type on the end of the monitor cable?
mariainva Said:
"External monitor for 2017 MacBook Air What monitors/what adaptors/what connections do I need to use an external monitor with my 13" 2017 MacBook Air? I've been working with Best Buy but have yet to make any combination work. I do not have a USB-C. Thanks"
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What to Try:
If an Apple CinemaDisplay, then perform as instructed here: Configuring a USB-C Only Mac with a 30-Inch Apple Cinema Display - User Tip
I have an HDMI cable and an HDMI to USB adaptor. The laptop does recognize the monitor.
Then they sent me a DisplayPort adaptor, but neither end connects to anything (the monitor or the HDMI adaptor). It's the wrong DVI video adapter converter. I'm starting from scratch again. Thank you
In your copy of the OPs quote it said this: "I do not have a USB-C. Thanks"
Your link is for connect to a Mac with ONLY USB-C. Since they are looking at Best Buy to get a monitor it is highly unlikely they are buying a 30-inch Apple Cinema Display. Or any Apple Cinema Display for that matter.
deggie Said:
"In your copy of the OPs quote it said this: "I do not have a USB-C. Thanks": Your link is for connect to a Mac with ONLY USB-C. Since they are looking at Best Buy to get a monitor it is highly unlikely they are buying a 30-inch Apple Cinema Display. Or any Apple Cinema Display for that matter."
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Didn't Close the Tab:
Had the tab open a bit to long to see the rest of it authored. Oops!
Hi, they sent me a Displayport Adapter with:
DisplayPort (20 pin) Male Latching
and
DVI-I (29-pin) Female
Neither connect to the HDMI cord nor the monitor.
Also - should the MacBook Air recognize when a monitor is connected? Do, if it was working, in System Preferences in Display would I see it? (I did not when I used the HDMI cable and HDMI/USB adaptor) OR is there some setting or command I must provide to tell the laptop that there is a monitor attached?
If I can't resolve this by tomorrow evening's appointment with the Geek Squad, I'll look at buying a PC and stop using Apple. Apple doesn't seem to have an external monitor option, and it's very difficult to get non-Apple people to help.
Thank you for any assistance you can provide
That answers what adapter you are using but does not answer what the cable connecting to the External monitor is. I asked once, the cable that goes from the external monitor on one end plugged into the monitor, what type of connector is on the other end.
I'm currently using a second monitor and I just got through setting up a second monitor for my sister, it was an old monitor that someone left with me. Yes, the Air will detect the second monitor and you can go to Settings > Display to set it up once it is connected. I also use an iPad sometimes as a 2nd monitor. However if you want to buy a PC that is your choice, I don't really give a whit what type of device you use. Just be sure to factor in the cost of the antivirus/antimalware/antispyware charges in your purchase.
You need a Mini DisplayPort cable or adapter for the monitor.
(192236)
Hello, I'm on my 3rd adaptor... unable to figure out what parts I actually need. Some say HDMI won't work.
External monitor for 2017 MacBook Air
