USB 3.0 > hub > adapter > HD external monitor?

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USB 3.0 > hub > adapter > HD external monitor?

Hello, our office bought a brand new 13" MacBook Air (MacBook Air - Technical Specifications - Apple). I'm thinking of buying a USB 3.0 hub so that I can connect it to a spare HP EliteDisplay S240n but not sure if I'd be able to connect everything technically.

Could I

connect my MBA to a hub via USB 3.0
connect the hub to a USB 3.0 to HDMI / DisplayPort adapter
connect the adapter to my monitor

My preference is to get a USB 3.0 hub so that it can be easily shared with my colleagues on non-Thunderbolt computers.

Or are there under Thunderbolt 2-compatible hubs that have USB ports and either a HDMI, Mini-DisplayPort, or DisplayPort port under $100? Thanks!

Posted on Feb 26, 2018 6:54 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 28, 2018 10:37 AM in response to prohnc

The USB ports on a MacBook Air do not output video. They are data ports only.

If you need to use an external monitor with the MacBook Air it can only be done through the Thunderbolt 2 port.

There are docks under $100:

Amazon.com: gofanco Mini DisplayPort(Thunderbolt 2) Video Dock/Docking Station with HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0 and Gigab…

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Answer 2

Feb 28, 2018 1:36 PM in response to prohnc

If you do not connect the USB cable, then the USB and ethernet ports on the dock will not work, but the HDMI and Thunderbolt ports will still work for Video output.

http://www.gofanco.com/media/files/manuals/g4-0020b.pdf

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Answer 3

prohnc Author

Level 1

22 points

Feb 28, 2018 10:38 AM in response to Phil0124

Thanks Phil!

If I was too lazy to plug in the USB portion of the gofanco dock to my MBA and only connected the Thunderbolt 2 cable, could I still use the HDMI / DisplayPort ports with an external monitor?

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USB 3.0 > hub > adapter > HD external monitor?

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