Ronni DC

Q: Charge AND connect a MacBook 12" to a 2560x1440 DisplayPort screen

I have the new MacBook 12" 2015 model.

 

How do I connect it to my 27" (2560x1440) screen and power the MacBook at the same time?

 

According to Apple both things are possible, I just can't figure out how to do it simultaneously.

 

HT204360.png

MacBook, OS X El Capitan (10.11.2), MakBook 12" 2015

Posted on Dec 15, 2015 12:21 PM

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Q: Charge AND connect a MacBook 12" to a 2560x1440 DisplayPort screen

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Dec 15, 2015 9:53 PM in response to Ronni DC
    Level 6 (14,328 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 15, 2015 9:53 PM in response to Ronni DC

    See Apple Store - MacBook

    http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs/

     

    Adapters:

     

    Screen Shot 2015-12-15 at 8.37.54 PM.png

     

    The USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter lets you connect your MacBook with USB-C port to an HDMI display, while

    also connecting a standard USB device and a USB-C charging cable.

     

    This adapter allows you to mirror your MacBook display to your HDMI-enabled TV or display in up to 1080p at 60Hz

    or UHD (3840x2160) at 30Hz. It also outputs video content like movies and captured video. Simply connect the

    adapter to the USB-C port on your MacBook and then to your TV or projector via an HDMI cable (sold separately).

     

    Use the standard USB port to connect devices such as your flash drive or camera or a USB cable for syncing and

    charging your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. You can also connect a charging cable to the USB-C port to charge your MacBook.

     

    Requires an HDMI cable (sold separately) for connection to your TV or projector. Supports both video and audio output.

     

    Other adapters:

     

    To see any other options, choose to search the online Store or see if options are available in the configuration pages.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Dec 15, 2015 10:36 PM in response to Ronni DC
    Level 6 (14,328 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 15, 2015 10:36 PM in response to Ronni DC

    Just noticed you asked a similar question elsewhere, earlier about the same topic

    and wonder if you actually had a totally different meaning in this later one, since

    most of the topic is near identical to what you posted earlier here:

    Connect MacBook 2015 USB-C to a DisplayPort 2560x1440

     

    There is a way to use a second adapter in-line with another, so they work together.

    If you use the cheap other brand counterparts, they may not carry all the signals

    you may need; that is part of the issue some have when using the new retina MB.

    For those with multiple peripherals or other products, the more standard MB/Pro

    has other options and adapters that work with Thunderbolt ports and USB3.0, etc.

     

    If your display does not use HDMI you could get the VGA version adapter, or

    perhaps use another piggy-back or convert it otherwise.

     

    Not sure if this helps...!

  • by Josh Smiley1,

    Josh Smiley1 Josh Smiley1 Jan 20, 2016 5:26 AM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jan 20, 2016 5:26 AM in response to K Shaffer

    I too am looking for a dual solution.  I still haven't been able to find one.

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Jan 20, 2016 1:49 PM in response to Josh Smiley1
    Level 6 (14,328 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 20, 2016 1:49 PM in response to Josh Smiley1

    You may have to go to an Apple Store or authorized reseller, who has the new USB-C

    display adapters ($79 each) and ask someone to show you how you can use two of

    these to support two external displays. Also, ask if you have to close the lid on the new

    12-inch MacBook retina in order for both external displays to function. If so, this would

    require the use of an external keyboard and mouse product while in clamshell mode.

     

    {The resolution or other factors may vary with the external displays; in some instances

    there may be less proportion at differing frequencies; so results may differ in this.}

     

    There are a few other USB-C accessories, some by other makers whose product may

    comply with the same protocol Apple uses for their peripheral component USB-C. A

    few other makers offer portable computer items that need or support their own accessory

    products; some of them are display adapters. This angle may be worth investigation.

     

    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by Ronni DC,

    Ronni DC Ronni DC Feb 7, 2016 7:19 AM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 7, 2016 7:19 AM in response to K Shaffer

    I just did a google search again after som time has past. I still can't seem to find a cable or adapter that confirms the possibility for the MacBook 12" 2015 to deliver the resolution required for a normal 27" screen:

    • 2560x1440 (27")
    • 60Hz
    • Power the MacBook while it's connected to the display.

     

    Apples adapter only confirms 1080p at 60Hz (which is only 1920x1080). 30Hz would be a downgrade comparing to older Mac's or laptops in generel.

     

    Maybe that just the way it is - which I think draws a sad future for the new USB-C standard.

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Feb 7, 2016 2:13 PM in response to Ronni DC
    Level 6 (14,328 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 7, 2016 2:13 PM in response to Ronni DC

    The loss in resolution is one of the issues some display types and certain MacBook models

    indicate; and another item of note is the lack of support in the new 12-inch MacBook retina

    2015 is the Thunderbolt displays do not work. (Also many times the mini-display-port will

    not carry the Thunderbolt signal; they look similar but are different electrically.)

     

    About the macworld article, linked: note the comments section for several items that may

    be of interest because some have tried various attempts at solutions in the past year...

     

    Sorry about not being better acquainted with this newest model series MacBook; my own

    preferences would likely be more aligned with the hardware configuration of MacBookPro.

     

    Or perhaps a MacBook/Air if the retina display were not an important factor. In some ways

    the old design (still available in Apple Store online) with non-retina 13-in MacBook Pro &

    optical drive, has some merits although dated technologically; you can upgrade RAM, etc.

     

    There may be a different display technology or sequence of adapters that may patch an

    external display and the 12-inch MacBook Retina 2015, together, but the loss of resolution

    may be the deal breaker for those wishing to have larger sharp Hi Res display support.

     

     

    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing!