Laptop workers needing more screen room
If documents, meetings and other windows compete for space on your laptop, an external display may help. Compare the screen and its stand with the desk space you can actually use.
Who is this setup for?
Workers reconnecting desk peripherals
If you regularly connect a screen, keyboard or other devices, a hub monitor or separate dock may reduce the connections you make at the laptop. Check which video, data and charging functions your particular laptop supports.
Workers with limited desk space
A compact screen or adjustable stand may fit more readily than a larger display. If you are considering an arm, its mount and clamp must also fit the monitor and desk.
What should you check before buying?
Choose the screen and its position first, then work out whether a direct cable covers your connections or whether a compatible hub, dock or adapter serves another need.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Screen space | Compare screen size, resolution and stand footprint with your available desk space. Check whether the screen can sit at a suitable viewing distance. | I need room for documents and meetings, but I still need space to work at my desk. |
| Video connection | Match the laptop’s video-capable output to the monitor input and cable or adapter. Check the exact laptop model’s external-display limit before planning two monitors; a hub does not necessarily increase it. | A second screen is useful only if my laptop can drive it in the arrangement I intend to use. |
| Charging and peripherals | Check the ports on the monitor or dock and their compatibility with your laptop. If you want USB-C charging, compare its power-delivery rating with the laptop’s requirement. | I regularly connect desk devices and would prefer fewer laptop connections, provided charging and video both work. |
| Screen position | Check the supplied stand’s adjustments before adding an arm. For an arm, match the monitor’s mount pattern and weight to the arm, then check the desk clamp and clearance. | I want to position the screen without assuming that an extra mount will fit my desk. |
Setup mistakes to avoid
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Assuming every USB-C port carries video and power
USB-C laptop ports differ in function. Dell Support documents ports on certain laptops that transfer data without providing display output.
Check the exact laptop port’s video capability and charging requirements against the proposed monitor, dock or adapter.
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Buying a second monitor before checking display limits
The number of external displays depends on the laptop and configuration. Apple Support notes that a supported hub does not increase a MacBook Air’s maximum display count.
Check your exact laptop model and intended display configuration before buying for two external screens.
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Choosing by diagonal size alone
A screen also needs to fit the desk and allow a suitable viewing position; its resolution, stand footprint and adjustments affect that choice.
Measure the usable desk area and compare the complete monitor dimensions and stand adjustments, not just the diagonal.
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Assuming any monitor arm will fit
The monitor’s mount and weight, the arm’s supported load and the desk clamp all affect whether an arm can be installed.
Check those specifications for the particular products and desk. Keep the supplied stand if it already places the screen where you need it.
Relevant monitor brands
These models illustrate different screen and connection choices; a brand’s features on one model should not be assumed on another.
Philips
The Philips 27E1N1600AE/00 is a QHD USB-C monitor, while the 27B1U7903/00 is a separate 4K Thunderbolt model.
- Philips specifies USB-C power delivery for the 27E1N1600AE/00.
- Check the exact laptop connection; the 27B1U7903/00’s features do not apply to the other model.
BenQ
The GW2490 is a 23.8-inch Full HD monitor. The different GW2790QT is a 27-inch QHD USB-C option.
- BenQ specifies 65W USB-C power delivery for the GW2790QT.
- Do not assume the GW2490 has the GW2790QT’s connections; compare the chosen model with your laptop’s charging needs.
iiyama
The ProLite XUB3293UHSN-B5 is a 32-inch monitor with a built-in USB-C dock for a desk with several devices.
- iiyama describes dock functions for connecting a laptop and desk peripherals.
- iiyama says those functions vary with the laptop’s USB-C support; allow for the screen’s physical size as well.
LG
The 27UP850K-W is a 27-inch 4K USB-C monitor to consider when display detail matters to the work at hand.
- LG specifies 4K display, data transfer and charging of up to 90W over USB-C.
- Check your laptop’s connection and charging needs rather than assuming that every USB-C feature will be available.
Dell
The Dell P2725HE is a 27-inch Full HD USB-C hub monitor.
- Its USB-C hub format may suit a workspace that needs screen and peripheral connections.
- Full HD is a different resolution from QHD or 4K; compare it with the detail you need at this screen size.
Joybuy options for a laptop workspace
These options include external monitors and a separate USB-C dock. Choose a screen for the space you need, or consider the dock if you already have displays and need compatible connections for them.
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ASUS ZenScreen MB249C IPS USB-C monitor
Consider this external display if you want a USB-C monitor for a home laptop workspace. Check your laptop’s video output and the connection and mounting arrangement you plan to use.
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BenQ MA320UP 32-inch 4K UHD USB-C monitor
The 32-inch 4K UHD screen is an option if you have room for a larger display. Its product name specifies a height-adjustable stand; check the full desk footprint and your laptop’s USB-C compatibility before relying on that connection.
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ASUS ProArt PA278CV IPS WQHD monitor
The WQHD display is worth comparing if you work across several windows or need to inspect visual material. Check its inputs and stand against your laptop and desk, and confirm charging capability before planning a single-cable setup.
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Targus USB-C Universal Dual HDMI 4K dock, 100W pass-through
This is a dock, not a monitor: consider it when you need HDMI connections for external displays. Its name specifies dual HDMI 4K and 100W power-delivery pass-through; check your laptop’s supported display count, USB-C video capability and charging requirements for the intended setup.
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Dell P2425H 24-inch Full HD monitor
For a desk where you are considering a 24-inch external screen, compare this model’s footprint and 1920 × 1080 resolution with your working distance. Its listed connections include USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI and VGA; check what your laptop can output, and confirm charging capability if you need it.
Common questions
Can any USB-C laptop port run a monitor or dock?
No. Check the video capability of the exact laptop port, then match it to the monitor or dock. Dell Support documents USB-C ports on certain laptops that transfer data but do not output video.
Will a dock let my laptop run two external monitors?
Not necessarily. Check the exact laptop’s external-display limit and the dock’s supported configuration. Apple Support says a supported hub does not increase a MacBook Air’s maximum number of external displays.
What should I check before installing a monitor arm?
Match the monitor’s mounting pattern and weight to the arm, then check the desk against that arm’s clamp and clearance requirements. Clamp dimensions differ between arms, so use the specifications for the particular model you intend to buy.
Can my employer charge me for equipment required by a home-working screen assessment?
If a display-screen-equipment workstation assessment indicates that equipment needs to be provided, the Health and Safety Executive says workers cannot be charged for that equipment. Ask your employer which actions its assessment requires for your workspace.