A:AnswerIf you connect external speakers to the Macbook, all audio controls would be through the laptop, not the monitor. The monitor menu buttons/settings would control the built in speakers in the monitor only, and not any external speakers connected to the laptop.
A:AnswerYes, there are multiple touch controls on the bottom right of the screen, including brightness and contrast. Unfortunately, the Brightness and contrast settings ONLY make the screen lighter or darker, colour wise.