New MacBook- external monitors

We don't know. When it's released then we'll all know what it can or cannot do. But it is not intended to replace a desktop system. There will be an adapter for Thunderbolt.

Everyone,

I have some interesting information as I have been trying out ultra widescreen monitors with my new 2015 12" MacBook.

But first, Kappy above unfortunately is incorrect with his assertion. At this time there is NO ability for the new MacBook to drive the Apple Thunderbolt Display or other monitors through a Thunderbolt connection. The video signal that the MacBook is able to generate is incompatible with Thunderbolt, period. This has been widely discussed in various forums on the web if you want to find out more about why this is the case. Also, I this MacBook can only drive one monitor unlike the MBP's that can drive 2 through Thunderbolt.

So, I just got home from testing this LG monitor and I can happily tell everyone that this configuration WORKS with the new MacBook:

LG 34" CLASS 21:9 ULTRAWIDE™ WQHD IPS CURVED LED MONITOR (34.0" DIAGONAL)

3440x1440 Resolution (WQHD)/ 21:9 Aspect Ratio/ 300cd/m2 Brightness/ IPS Panel/ 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio/ Anti-Glare/ HDMI/ Display Port/ Thunderbolt/ Black Finish

I was able to drive this LG monitor and use my MacBook screen (two separate desktops). We tried mirroring and it was funky so not sure why. But, I also was able to drive the LG in "clamshell" mode using an external keyboard and mouse (this is when the Mac was closed). The image filled the entire screen! I tested out UHD videos (>4K) off of YouTube and they worked great (although the videos we tried didn't come to the vertical edges we think due to their format). I didn't see any skipping in the video. This little laptop is a beast!

To make this happen, I used the new Apple HDMI "dongle" with USB-C with an HDMI cable to connect to the monitor. We also got a good audio stream coming out of the monitor from the videos as well.

Note that in order to get this to work in "clamshell" mode, per Apple here <How to use your Mac notebook computer in closed-clamshell (display closed) mode with an external display - Apple Suppor…>, we had to have the MacBook power supply plugged into the HDMI dongle via USB-C.

There is another UHD monitor that is similar to this one from Samsung that we didn't get time to try.

Based on this I'm very optimistic that the MacBook can drive many of the other HD monitors out there that have less resolution through the HDMI connection like above. But this LG monitor is sweet!

What assertion is that? I stated we don't know. In what way is that statement wrong?

You had said we don't know. But it has now been 3 months and I have seen frequent posts that this new model only supports one external monitor.

If you find out anything different, let the thread know. Thx!

That's your problem, not mine, slick. And, I don't recall the number of monitors being part of the topic nor you accusation about what I said. I think I shall report your remarks as inconsiderate.

You asked about doing two monitors. I clarified this from what I know and have found out since. That's all.

Just trying to help the thread out but if you want to call that inconsiderate, so be. Have a great day and thank for the reply!

Are you a bit goofy? Here's what I posted:

We don't know. When it's released then we'll all know what it can or cannot do. But it is not intended to replace a desktop system. There will be an adapter for Thunderbolt.

Note that the word "monitor" doesn't even appear nor any statement about how many monitors a MacBook can handle. You come here asking us to give you time and answer questions that today you can easily answer for yourself. We don't work for you. Info on the MacBook is now available on Apple's website and at your local Apple vendor. There is no need to do anything with this thread but forget about.

You asked about doing two monitors.

Kappy never asked anything about that. You're confusing him with the original poster, "Fontaine_Can."

Any updates?

Hi everyone and ttrq01

I am very intersted by the results of your test with your macbook 12" and the LG 21:9 screen you mentionned.

Can you confirm that you used apple usb-c to HDMI adapter? Can you tell us a bit more about the resolution and refresh rate your were able to obtain? My understanding is that with the HDMI adapter and a resolution beyond 1080p, you can't get anything better than 30Hz. I understood that in this case it's not sufficient for everyday work.

Thanks for the infos.

Will the MacBook work with a 24 inch Apple Display?

Can you tell me, where to find a Thunderbolt adapter for the MacBook 12" 2016?

AFAIK the MacBook does not have Thunderbolt 3 and there are no adapters to connect Thunderbolt devices to it.