If you have bought a monitor recently, the chances are that your new monitor is equipped with an internal USB hub. Gone are the days when you struggled to set up your computer properly or had to buy additional USB hubs because the ports in your computer just weren’t enough for work. Modern monitors have several ports that we can use to solve the issue described above.
What is a USB hub?
Before we explain how we can use the ports on a monitor, it is important to understand what a USB hub is. A USB hub is just like a power strip, but for USBs. It is used when we have a limited number of USB ports available but need additional ports in order to connect more devices. Some monitors have a USB hub built-in which means that we can plug our devices into our monitor and go on with our work!
Why is this feature important?
There has always been a limitation for space on the computer case, and with the development of more compact designs, there is always a constraint on the number of ports available. Another thing that we should also keep in mind is that, as technology has evolved, more and more devices have started using USB connections. Elder generations would relate to the older connectors for keyboard and mouse. But in today’s day and age, it is pretty common to have the mouse and keyboard connected through a USB port. So having extra USB ports is very useful, especially when you don’t need to purchase an extra USB hub.
An added advantage of this feature is that it allows the user to be more organized and compact. It can be a hassle when you have to use the same USB device with multiple desktops because you have to remove the device from a USB port in the computer case every time. With a monitor, this is simpler because it is right there.
With the onset of USB 3.0, there are now monitors with USB 3.0 ports. This feature means that if you want faster connectivity on your older computer and do not have 3.0 ports available, you can use your monitor for faster connections!
Can I use my monitor as a TV?
Some monitors are built in a way that they can be used with a PC or as a TV on their own. If you use the USB port on a smart monitor, you can use it just like a TV which means that you can plug in any device with a video or pictures and view it on the monitor. This feature is particularly handy because you get two devices in one!
Can I use the monitor to charge my devices?
The answer is yes! You can definitely use your monitor as a charging station and charge multiple devices simultaneously. You no longer need to carry a phone charger and look for a socket near your computer. Just a charging cable and you are good to go.
It might be a good idea to check the power of the USB port. Most modern-day smartphones offer fast charging, and while some monitor ports may have ports that support up to 3.0 A charging, simpler monitor ports might still have ports that support up to 2.0 A charging, so your phone might charge a little slower, but it will definitely be charging!
Can I find a USB-C port on my monitor?
Newer versions of monitors have included USB-C ports on them. USB-C is the latest version of the USB port and is also much faster and more compact than its predecessor, the USB 2.0 and 3.0. If you have a USB C-port on your monitor, you can use it to charge your devices or connect additional devices with your computer/ monitor.
Also, the USB-C hub monitor can act as a video cable and power cable in one. All you need is a single cable and it will transmit all data while also charging the monitor.
Do I need to do something before using a port on my monitor?
The answer is yes and no. It depends on what you are using the port for. If you are looking for a port to charge your devices, you don’t need to do anything. You can simply plug your device in, and it will start charging instantly.
If you want to connect additional devices and use them with your computer, you must properly connect your monitor and computer. If you carefully look at the back or the side of your monitor (depending on the model) where USB ports are located, you are likely to find 3 different kinds of ports. One of them will be C-type ports for charging. Another type of port is the one that we usually use, which is the USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port. You will also find an additional type of port, the USB port UP type A. This port is slightly different as it has a square shape (like the cables used for printers). A special cable connects your monitor and your PC using this port. The cable should be included with the monitor. Once this cable is connected, all of the USB ports on the monitor are connected to the PC and can be used to connect devices to the computer and use them. This cable connecting the PC and the monitor is not required if you only want power through the monitor ports.
Can I connect my mouse and keyboard to the monitor?
The answer is yes! One of the most common uses for the monitor USB ports is connecting the mouse and keyboard to the monitor, which makes cable management efficient and convenient!
If I connect my mouse with the monitor, will there be a lag?
In theory, the answer to this question is yes. There is a slight lag when you connect your mouse with the monitor because the signal’s path length increases. However, it should be kept in mind that computers work at lightning-fast speeds, so even after a lag, they are pretty fast.
Even computer gamers who are trained to react instantly and have amazing reflexes do not notice the lag if the mouse is connected to the monitor instead of directly with the PC, which means that for normal people and day-to-day use, connecting the mouse or keyboard to the PC or through the monitor is almost the same thing and can be interchanged.
What other ports does my monitor have?
Some of the other ports on the monitor include:
- HDMI
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is the latest development in the cable industry. Nowadays, most monitors use HDMI ports to deliver HD displays. HDMI cables are easily available and not that expensive.
However, it should be kept in mind that HDMI ports are bulkier than USB ports and can only transmit over short distances.
- Ethernet
Some monitors have ethernet ports that can be used in multiple ways. Their main use is to provide the PC with internet connectivity; however, they can also be connected to a wider range of computers (a shared network) through the ethernet link, and anyone can use the link to display their screen the monitor. The ethernet ports are particularly useful in office settings.
- VGA
If you haven’t updated your monitor in a while, it likely uses a VGA port. The visual graphics array (VGA) is the oldest port with over 15 pins on it. This technology will be outdated soon, as most manufacturers have stopped making monitors with VGA ports.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that USB ports on your monitor are very handy. They make your experience more convenient and offer greater versatility. This is handy for business use, gaming, designing, and a range of other applications.
One or more USB ports on your monitor can offer greater versatility and convenience. While you can get by without USB ports on your monitor, they may make your life a lot easier.
