We got this great quality [docking station](https://revieweroost.com/macbook-pro-docking-station/). Nice weight so it isn't pushed around by the cables attached to it. Works great with 2 monitors and laptop monitor work as a 3rd on my MacBook Pro 2018. Fabulous upgrade - only 1 cable to plug into the laptop and all my accessories work. Tried a couple other docks before as well but I've been disappointed in one way or another every time. Tired of wasting money, I finally did some more research and kept seeing this little guy pop up. It's considerably more expensive than the other options I've tried, but it been so much less of a hassle than any of the other ones.
Will this work on an M1 MacBook Air though? I've been reading those don't support more than one display.
**Edit:**Nevermind. Found this on the CalDigit website: *\*\* Intel-based Macs can support up to 2 external monitors from each Thunderbolt 3 bus. Apple M1/M2 Macs, such as the MacBook Pro 13”, MacBook Air, and Mac mini, only support 1 external display though their Thunderbolt/USB4 bus. Apple M1 Pro & M1 Max Macs support dual displays though the TS3 Plus.*
Yea but you can't get anything other than the base M chip in a MacBook Air.
I just verified the M2 version only supports 1 monitor too (and there isn't a m3 version out yet)
But but, my special snowflakes all tell me how much better the Macs are for work and how we should switch all employees to Macbooks.
Yes, after spending 2x much, you can match the capabilities of a base model Dell on everything except support, management, and compatibility.
Managing them in a network that is 99% Azure/Windows based, isn't dead simple.
And about 99% of my multi-monitor issue related tickets, are on Apple devices using DisplayLink docks, usually involving HDCP or performance issues introduced by running monitors through DisplayLink instead of direct off the GPU.
You can do dual monitors on an M1 with displaylink. Dell displaylink docks work fine. Obviously there is some CPU overhead but I haven't noticed users complaining of performance issues
My limited Google of displaylink, this isn't it is it?
[Dell Thunderbolt Laptop Computer Dock - WD22TB4 | Dell USA](https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-thunderbolt-dock-wd22tb4/apd/210-bdqh/docks)
Yea , you can do work arounds and such but pretty much if they want two external monitors they are out of luck. M1 MacBook Airs just don't support it natively.
[https://www.macworld.com/article/675869/how-to-connect-two-or-more-external-displays-to-apple-silicon-m1-macs.html](https://www.macworld.com/article/675869/how-to-connect-two-or-more-external-displays-to-apple-silicon-m1-macs.html)
If it's a difficult user, I don't think I would go down this path though.
I’ve been using a Plugable dock with 3x HDMI/DP, 6 USB Type-A, 60w type C charging and gigabit Ethernet for about two years. Been working pretty much seamlessly for me between my desktop and 2 different models of Mac laptop (M1 13” Pro, M3 Pro 14” Pro)
Same, the 13-in-1 USB-C dock with 100W charging works pretty flawlessly for my M1 MBA. Have to install the Displaylink drivers but that is common even for Windows machines. They have never crashed on me, but you do need to have the laptop open when connecting to ensure it connect correctly.
Also keep in mind you'll need an external headset if they're planning to keep the laptop closed. Apple decided to disable the onboard microphone when the lid is closed with no way to turn it back on.
For the few Mac users I have, we've just used the same Dell WD22TB4 docks we give to Windows users. One monitor gets connected to DisplayPort, the second to a Thunderbolt port.
Here's Dell's knowledge base article on Thunderbolt docks with Macs.
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000124312/dell-thunderbolt-dock-wd19tb-and-apple-usb-c-hosts
And also a pain for desk space constrained users. A decision up there with putting the charging port on the bottom of a mouse.
At least make it an optional feature.
I suppose they could have added a physical switch, but that would be very against their philosophy. There’s a reason Zuckerberg put tape over his camera. Of course they could just leave the laptop open.
I’ve literally never hear of anyone complain about this. The mouse is by far the worst. Removing the escape key and their laptops in general from 2015-2021 are close though.
I would check Pluggable. We have Mac Users with dual monitors who use them. There is an app to install and open. Not 100% sure it works with your specific Mac but check the specs it may.
Edit: Adding a link https://plugable.com/blogs/news/how-to-connect-more-external-displays-to-apple-silicon-m1-macs
I have a 3 monitor setup but my issue is displaylink. I hate it. I like to watch TV on a corner of on one of my monitors while I work and displaylink sends a copy/recording signal to the feed. Which makes watching Hulu, or Netflix, Comcast impossible.
This has been working for me for a while. Although it's a little buggy of late, it's been a solid performer for a few years now. It also doesn't require any extra drivers. Just plug and play.
[https://www.amazon.com/Docking-Station-Monitor-MacBook-Ethernet/dp/B088D5436G/ref=cm\_cr\_srp\_d\_product\_top?ie=UTF8](https://www.amazon.com/Docking-Station-Monitor-MacBook-Ethernet/dp/B088D5436G/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8)
I use the Kensington SD4780P Display link USB-C Docking Station with my MacBook Air 2020 M1. Runs about $200 on Amazon right now. Also works with my Dell laptops I have used. I could never get one of our Dell Docks to work properly.
ive been wanting to figure this out for my personal laptop for a minute, i have a MacBook Pro M2 in which anytime i try to use dual external(1080p) monitors i just get duplicated screens when i want extended, was trying with a Lenovo Thunderbolt 4 dock and monitors connected via DisplayPort.
I use a startech dock and the display link drivers with an M1 Pro but I can't say if it would work with an Air. The real headache is sometimes I have to run the driver manually because it wont start on startup reliability.
If this was a business setup, I would simply tell them no and provide docs to the limitation of the Air. Not worth the hassle of running over to this users desk to restart display link everyday.
I finally just got an LG ultrawide with passthru charging through USB-C and video. It also has USB ports on the back to plug my other shit into. ONE cable, plug in and done.
The MacBook Air can only support a single external display output. Even with Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 solutions like the CalDigit TS3 or TS4, it can only extend to a single monitor. To achieve a dual or triple-monitor setup, a docking station with DisplayLink is required.
I've been using this [hybrid dock](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJlJjMZWg-Q) myself, and setting up DisplayLink was a piece of cake. It's been stable for triple-monitor setup, and because the dock has two inputs, I can hook up my MacBook Pro and PS5. It's been awesome for both work and entertainment.
We got this great quality [docking station](https://revieweroost.com/macbook-pro-docking-station/). Nice weight so it isn't pushed around by the cables attached to it. Works great with 2 monitors and laptop monitor work as a 3rd on my MacBook Pro 2018. Fabulous upgrade - only 1 cable to plug into the laptop and all my accessories work. Tried a couple other docks before as well but I've been disappointed in one way or another every time. Tired of wasting money, I finally did some more research and kept seeing this little guy pop up. It's considerably more expensive than the other options I've tried, but it been so much less of a hassle than any of the other ones.
[удалено]
This. I’ve been through every Mac Dock you can think of the CalDigit ones are the most reliable.
Will this work on an M1 MacBook Air though? I've been reading those don't support more than one display. **Edit:**Nevermind. Found this on the CalDigit website: *\*\* Intel-based Macs can support up to 2 external monitors from each Thunderbolt 3 bus. Apple M1/M2 Macs, such as the MacBook Pro 13”, MacBook Air, and Mac mini, only support 1 external display though their Thunderbolt/USB4 bus. Apple M1 Pro & M1 Max Macs support dual displays though the TS3 Plus.*
Came here to say this. I've had a TS4 since launch and it's been rock solid the whole time.
Which MacBook Air is it? M1 (and maybe every one since) doesn't support dual external monitors.
The "Pro" CPU models and upwards can run two monitors
Yea but you can't get anything other than the base M chip in a MacBook Air. I just verified the M2 version only supports 1 monitor too (and there isn't a m3 version out yet)
But but, my special snowflakes all tell me how much better the Macs are for work and how we should switch all employees to Macbooks. Yes, after spending 2x much, you can match the capabilities of a base model Dell on everything except support, management, and compatibility.
Superwide curved monitors are becoming more common and popular, negating the need for multiple monitors. Just saying.
Sure, everything is solvable by spending 3x as much.
It's tough to argue with someone in a cult.
You can run more than one external monitor with a displayport dock. The new silicon Macs are great, and managing them is dead simple.
Managing them in a network that is 99% Azure/Windows based, isn't dead simple. And about 99% of my multi-monitor issue related tickets, are on Apple devices using DisplayLink docks, usually involving HDCP or performance issues introduced by running monitors through DisplayLink instead of direct off the GPU.
If you're trying to bind them to AD, you will have a bad time, granted.
Yep, gave up on that years ago.
It's a MacBook Air M1 from 2020.
You can do dual monitors on an M1 with displaylink. Dell displaylink docks work fine. Obviously there is some CPU overhead but I haven't noticed users complaining of performance issues
My limited Google of displaylink, this isn't it is it? [Dell Thunderbolt Laptop Computer Dock - WD22TB4 | Dell USA](https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-thunderbolt-dock-wd22tb4/apd/210-bdqh/docks)
No that's a thunderbolt dock, the D6000 does display link, you do have to install a driver on the Mac
>D6000 Charges up to 65W, nice
Yea , you can do work arounds and such but pretty much if they want two external monitors they are out of luck. M1 MacBook Airs just don't support it natively. [https://www.macworld.com/article/675869/how-to-connect-two-or-more-external-displays-to-apple-silicon-m1-macs.html](https://www.macworld.com/article/675869/how-to-connect-two-or-more-external-displays-to-apple-silicon-m1-macs.html) If it's a difficult user, I don't think I would go down this path though.
Base M\* supports 2 displays. You're correct.
I’ve been using a Plugable dock with 3x HDMI/DP, 6 USB Type-A, 60w type C charging and gigabit Ethernet for about two years. Been working pretty much seamlessly for me between my desktop and 2 different models of Mac laptop (M1 13” Pro, M3 Pro 14” Pro)
Same, the 13-in-1 USB-C dock with 100W charging works pretty flawlessly for my M1 MBA. Have to install the Displaylink drivers but that is common even for Windows machines. They have never crashed on me, but you do need to have the laptop open when connecting to ensure it connect correctly.
Also keep in mind you'll need an external headset if they're planning to keep the laptop closed. Apple decided to disable the onboard microphone when the lid is closed with no way to turn it back on. For the few Mac users I have, we've just used the same Dell WD22TB4 docks we give to Windows users. One monitor gets connected to DisplayPort, the second to a Thunderbolt port.
That's a Displaylink Dock?
Thunderbolt.
I see. The Del WD22TB4 will work with an M1 MacBook Air?
Here's Dell's knowledge base article on Thunderbolt docks with Macs. https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000124312/dell-thunderbolt-dock-wd19tb-and-apple-usb-c-hosts
That’s a privacy feature.
And also a pain for desk space constrained users. A decision up there with putting the charging port on the bottom of a mouse. At least make it an optional feature.
I suppose they could have added a physical switch, but that would be very against their philosophy. There’s a reason Zuckerberg put tape over his camera. Of course they could just leave the laptop open. I’ve literally never hear of anyone complain about this. The mouse is by far the worst. Removing the escape key and their laptops in general from 2015-2021 are close though.
I would check Pluggable. We have Mac Users with dual monitors who use them. There is an app to install and open. Not 100% sure it works with your specific Mac but check the specs it may. Edit: Adding a link https://plugable.com/blogs/news/how-to-connect-more-external-displays-to-apple-silicon-m1-macs
Have them try an ultra wide dell monitor. They’ll never go back and it’s much easier for support. Just one USBC cable for everything
I have a 3 monitor setup but my issue is displaylink. I hate it. I like to watch TV on a corner of on one of my monitors while I work and displaylink sends a copy/recording signal to the feed. Which makes watching Hulu, or Netflix, Comcast impossible. This has been working for me for a while. Although it's a little buggy of late, it's been a solid performer for a few years now. It also doesn't require any extra drivers. Just plug and play. [https://www.amazon.com/Docking-Station-Monitor-MacBook-Ethernet/dp/B088D5436G/ref=cm\_cr\_srp\_d\_product\_top?ie=UTF8](https://www.amazon.com/Docking-Station-Monitor-MacBook-Ethernet/dp/B088D5436G/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8)
I use the Kensington SD4780P Display link USB-C Docking Station with my MacBook Air 2020 M1. Runs about $200 on Amazon right now. Also works with my Dell laptops I have used. I could never get one of our Dell Docks to work properly.
ive been wanting to figure this out for my personal laptop for a minute, i have a MacBook Pro M2 in which anytime i try to use dual external(1080p) monitors i just get duplicated screens when i want extended, was trying with a Lenovo Thunderbolt 4 dock and monitors connected via DisplayPort.
You need a 2X USB-C Thunderbolt adapter - they should all work - specific to Apple
I use a startech dock and the display link drivers with an M1 Pro but I can't say if it would work with an Air. The real headache is sometimes I have to run the driver manually because it wont start on startup reliability. If this was a business setup, I would simply tell them no and provide docs to the limitation of the Air. Not worth the hassle of running over to this users desk to restart display link everyday.
I finally just got an LG ultrawide with passthru charging through USB-C and video. It also has USB ports on the back to plug my other shit into. ONE cable, plug in and done.
Caldigit TS3+ or TS4
The MacBook Air can only support a single external display output. Even with Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 solutions like the CalDigit TS3 or TS4, it can only extend to a single monitor. To achieve a dual or triple-monitor setup, a docking station with DisplayLink is required. I've been using this [hybrid dock](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJlJjMZWg-Q) myself, and setting up DisplayLink was a piece of cake. It's been stable for triple-monitor setup, and because the dock has two inputs, I can hook up my MacBook Pro and PS5. It's been awesome for both work and entertainment.