Desktop Accessories for a MacBook Air M1

smuj2016 · 12-01-2021 5:37pm #1

Hello All!

I've just ordered a MacBook Air M1. My first new computer in many years, and my first Mac ever! It won't be arriving for over a month, so that gives me time to look for a few accessories for a desktop setup when it's not sitting on my lap! (At the moment I just use my old Windows laptop standalone, but, like me, it ain't getting any younger! :P)

I need a decent monitor - probably about 27-inch - as well as a keyboard, mouse, and USB-C hub. Keyboard and mouse will be wireless. (No keypad needed on the keyboard.) Need to be able to plug a few old USB-2 sticks and SD-Cards into the hub, to transfer data. Suppose a stand for the MacBook might be a good idea too - if only to protect it from me spilling a cuppa all over the desk!

Anyway, if anyone has recommendations regarding the above, they'd be much appreciated - and if I'm missing something, all suggestions welcome! I'm totally out of date, technology-wise, so not really sure what's what these days. The new MacBook will be a giant leap forward for me!

Cheers!

smuj2016 · 12-01-2021 7:14pm

PO!NT wrote: »

I have a MacBook Pro using wireless Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2.

I also use apple AirPod pros as a headset

I use hdmi to usb c cables for dual monitors and an a USB C HUB, 7 in 1 for sd cards and when in office

Thanks. Can I ask, did you pick Apple's Magic keyboard and mouse just as a sorta default choice - being Apple! - or did you look at alternatives?

Also, what brand/model hub are you using please?

Donie75 · 13-01-2021 10:28am

I’m in the exact same situation, looking to buy my first Mac and it looks like I’ll go for the M1 Air. I was looking at accessories last night and a dock/adaptor port seems to be important. There are some that cost over €200 from Anker and other companies. I was looking at the Fitfort 7 in 1 (€27) or they do a bigger 12 in 1 also for around €60.
I have a wireless mouse and keyboard I can use if I need it. Will my old WD 1TB Hard drive work okay with the Air? I presume it will be fine.

Doodah7 · 13-01-2021 12:23pm

I picked up this recently (although from Amazon Spain). I chose this one primarily as it has an ethernet port. Always useful to have and is not on all USB hubs.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08GM2H1Q2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B08GM2H1Q2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Donie75 · 13-01-2021 12:43pm

I pushed the button on the Air M1 this morning and ended up ordering this Anker 7 in 2 USB C Hub
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-MacBook-PowerExpand-Thunderbolt-Delivery-Gray/dp/B07YZ48HCT/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1OA8B2W4WR2ZR&dchild=1&keywords=anker+7+in+2&qid=1610538128&quartzVehicle=72-1783&replacementKeywords=anker+7+in&sprefix=anker+7%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE0TU9RMzE1VUg5TUUmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxMTkxNDUxTDNQVThSTzRPQ1lUJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2MDc2NjQxRFlSWDVKQ0xVMEU4JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

fjon · 13-01-2021 3:55pm

I wouldn't recommend the Apple Magic Mouse. It looks good, but the shape of it will cause you issues if used for a long time, and clicking and scrolling can be fiddly. An MX Master would be much better, and is what I use. The Apple keyboard is fine, but there's also an MX version that is supposed to be very good.

smuj2016 · 14-01-2021 5:24pm

Donie75 wrote: »

I pushed the button on the Air M1 this morning and ended up ordering this Anker 7 in 2 USB C Hub
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-MacBook-PowerExpand-Thunderbolt-Delivery-Gray/dp/B07YZ48HCT/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1OA8B2W4WR2ZR&dchild=1&keywords=anker+7+in+2&qid=1610538128&quartzVehicle=72-1783&replacementKeywords=anker+7+in&sprefix=anker+7%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE0TU9RMzE1VUg5TUUmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxMTkxNDUxTDNQVThSTzRPQ1lUJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2MDc2NjQxRFlSWDVKQ0xVMEU4JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

That looks like a good hub at a decent price. Anker certainly seem to have good reviews generally. I'm still trying to decide what monitor to buy before I buy a hub, as some of the monitors have hubs built into them, which might suffice for my needs with minor additions. Thinking of getting a USB-C monitor that will also provide power to the MacBook. Something like the Dell P2719HC - (although currently out of stock on Dell's own site).

https://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/dell-27-usb-c-monitor-p2719hc/apd/210-aqgc/monitors-monitor-accessories

smuj2016 · 14-01-2021 5:27pm

fjon wrote: »

I wouldn't recommend the Apple Magic Mouse. It looks good, but the shape of it will cause you issues if used for a long time, and clicking and scrolling can be fiddly. An MX Master would be much better, and is what I use. The Apple keyboard is fine, but there's also an MX version that is supposed to be very good.

Thanks for the tips fjon!

smuj2016 · 14-01-2021 5:30pm

Doodah7 wrote: »

I picked up this recently (although from Amazon Spain). I chose this one primarily as it has an ethernet port. Always useful to have and is not on all USB hubs.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08GM2H1Q2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B08GM2H1Q2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for that. I don't need ethernet myself, (currently), but always worth bearing in mind!

Doodah7 · 14-01-2021 6:52pm

From the Bargain Alerts forum:

https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2058149884/1/#post115920154

This annoyed me!!ðŸ˜¡

smuj2016 · 14-01-2021 10:43pm

smuj2016 wrote: »

... Thinking of getting a USB-C monitor that will also provide power to the MacBook. Something like the Dell P2719HC - (although currently out of stock on Dell's own site).

https://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/dell-27-usb-c-monitor-p2719hc/apd/210-aqgc/monitors-monitor-accessories

Actually, I've just seen that when a few people have run in to problems with Dell monitors connected to Macs, Dell's stance is that they don't officially support Macs, so you're on your own! So, although Dell monitors are often recommended for MacBooks on youtube, I think I'll give them a miss myself!

Passenger · 03-02-2021 11:52am

Did you happen to decide on a monitor or other accessories? Looking at options myself.

smuj2016 · 03-02-2021 12:53pm

Passenger wrote: »

Did you happen to decide on a monitor or other accessories? Looking at options myself.

Nope, not yet! One of the issues I had was that, probably because of both Christmas presents and so many people working from home - and Covid disrupting the general supply chain - the monitor choices actually available (in stock) were somewhat limited. So I decided to put it on the back burner and take a look again in a few weeks time. (I'm still waiting for my Mac delivery, although I finally got a message yesterday saying it had been shipped! so no major hurry for me.)

04-02-2021 1:07pm

Can't link as I'm a new user.

Accessories bought and about to:

USB C Hub
Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 USB-C Ethernet Hub (Ger., no import duties)

NAS
WD My Cloud Home

RGB Wireless Mouse
Still deciding!

WezzyB · 04-02-2021 3:47pm

Bought from Amazon de also, got this USB C hub:
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B08FWMWGTD

works fine, would like to buy a USBC power brick too, something i can do the following with:
Charge MBA ~30W
Charge work laptop ~90W
Charge Phone ~18W+

Might wait a few months for new products, basically want something portable but that could supply enough Watts for two laptops

punch bob · 04-02-2021 6:14pm

I only have magic mouse 2 - I like how you can interact more with macbook by gestures although it’s shape is not ergonomically effective.

As I needed an extra screen for my university works, I use my iPad Air as a second display which is perfect for me.

smuj2016 · 04-02-2021 8:15pm

punch bob wrote: »

I only have magic mouse 2 - I like how you can interact more with macbook by gestures although it’s shape is not ergonomically effective.

As I needed an extra screen for my university works, I use my iPad Air as a second display which is perfect for me.

I was thinking about getting the Magic Mouse myself. Haven't decided yet. YouTube reviews are mixed, and it seems a bit of a Marmite product - you either love it or hate it! Most YouTubers seem to praise the Logitech MX Master range - about the same price as the Magic - but I think I'll either go with the Magic or start off with a budget mouse. I haven't actually used a mouse for years - just my laptop's trackpad - so it might take some getting used to again!

Desktop Accessories for a MacBook Air M1

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