Optimizing a Dual Monitor Setup and Addressing Wireless Keyboard Latency on a MacBook Air: Expert Advice Needed
Transitioning from a MacBook Pro to a MacBook Air can introduce several hardware compatibility challenges, especially when it comes to external peripherals and display configurations. Recently, I made this switch and managed to establish a functional dual monitor setup despite the absence of a built-in HDMI port on the MacBook Air. However, I encountered persistent issues with wireless keyboard responsiveness, which I seek to resolve with expert guidance.
Setting Up Dual Monitors on the MacBook Air
Current Configuration:
- Primary Monitor: Connected via a USB-C to HDMI hub (existing accessory).
- Secondary Monitor: Connected through a newly acquired Honeywell USB-C hub, featuring multiple ports including USB-C, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, and Power Delivery.
Both displays are functioning correctly, providing an efficient dual-screen workspace. This setup allows for an extended desktop environment suitable for productivity and multitasking.
Addressing Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Connectivity Issues
Peripherals Used:
- Logitech wireless keyboard (Model K235)
- Asus wireless mouse
Problem Encountered:
When connecting both wireless device dongles into the Honeywell USB-C hub, I experience severe input lag—keyboard inputs are delayed by several seconds, and sometimes they don’t register at all. To troubleshoot, I disconnected the mouse dongle and connected the mouse via Bluetooth, which resolved the mouse lag issue. However, the keyboard continued to exhibit significant lag even when its dongle was the sole device connected, regardless of whether I used USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports on the hub.
Interestingly, the built-in MacBook Air keyboard performs flawlessly, and the same Logitech keyboard and dongle operate perfectly on a Windows laptop, indicating that the peripherals themselves are functional.
Inquiry and Recommendations
Given these observations, I am contemplating whether switching to a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard might be the most effective solution to avoid USB dongle-related interference. Alternatively, I wonder if there are other configurations, adapters, or settings I should consider to mitigate this lag problem.
Questions:
- Would a Bluetooth keyboard eliminate the lag issues on a MacBook Air?
- Are there known compatibility issues or interference concerns when using multiple USB dongles on hubs like Honeywell?
- Could specific USB ports or hubs impact wireless device performance?
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