Second Monitor Screen Resolution: M1 Air- Questions

Question

Level 1

8 points

Second Monitor Screen Resolution: M1 Air- Questions

I need to get a more color accurate monitor for work. I noticed that the supported scaled resolutions for the M1 Air are 1680 by 1050, 1440 by 900, and 1024 by 640.

Does that mean that I can only get external monitors that have those resolutions? If not, will there be any issues if I get alternative resolutions? I am looking at the Acer here, https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/conceptd-series/conceptdcm2, which has 1920x1200 resolution.

I appreciate any help!

Posted on Aug 1, 2021 6:33 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Aug 1, 2021 6:58 PM in response to richie0801

Hi richie0801,

Can you please describe where you found the scaled resolutions? If it's in System Preferences, the supported (shown) resolutions may vary by monitor.

In my personal experience, I've had no issues using my M1 MacBook Air with a 4k (3820x2160 I think) monitor, whether native or downscaled to 1920x1080.

I think the monitor you're looking at should work perfectly fine; however review their refund policy just in case something doesn't work out as expected.

Reply

Answer 2

Aug 2, 2021 4:23 AM in response to richie0801

The M1 MacBook Air external video support from the specs:

Video Support

Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at millions of colors and:

One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz

Thunderbolt 3 digital video output

Native DisplayPort output over USB-C
VGA, HDMI, DVI, and Thunderbolt 2 output supported using adapters (sold separately)

I am currently using the new LG 27UP600 4K/HDR400 display with my M1 MacBook Air and it works great. And you can output a variety of screen resolutions as some find using at 4K, text is a bit too small. Or you can buy a lower resolution display which typically less expensive (unless you are looking at extreme color accuracy or intense gaming) which typical standards are 2560x1440 or 1920x1080.

One note, don't skimp on cables and purchase a certified USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort cable. While you may find some inexpensive cables that may work, not all will perform well and can have various issues.

Reply

Answer 3

richie0801 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 2, 2021 8:12 AM in response to Encryptor5000

That's great to know that it worked for you because I don't see that screen resolution on the M1 air technical specifications. I saw them on this page: https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/specs/

Am I misunderstanding what that is saying? What are those specifications referring to? Does that mean if it isn't one of those, then there will be some inaccuracies in the resolution?

Reply

Answer 4

Aug 2, 2021 1:05 PM in response to richie0801

richie0801 wrote:

......

Am I misunderstanding what that is saying? What are those specifications referring to? Does that mean if it isn't one of those, then there will be some inaccuracies in the resolution?

As noted in the spec, under Video Support, "One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz".

What ever display resolution options that are available will depend on the resolutions supported by the particular display.

Example, connecting my M1 MacBook Air to my 4K TV only has the options of 4K (UHD) and 1080 (FHD).

Now, as an example, my LG display supports "inputs" from my M1 MacBook Air of:

3840x2160

3008x1692

2560x1440

2304x1296

2048x1152

1920x1080

1680x945

1600x900

1504x846

1280x720

1152x648

also, for some display resolution terminology when shopping:

UHD = 3840x2160

QHD = 2560x1440

FHD = 1920x1080

Reply