M1 driving two external monitors without a hub?

[Staindsoul]

Really bummed to find out the new M1’s do not support 2 x USB-C monitors.

Anyone know if you can run a MBA in clamshell mode with one monitor via USB-C and the other monitor with a USB-C to HDMI dongle like this?

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I am not going to buy a $200 display link hub just to get two external monitors to work.

 

[deeddawg]

Nope. One external on the two-port MBA/MBP unless you go down the DisplayLink road.

The four-port models may be different when they transition.

I use my M1 MBP open with a 27" QHD display and it works well. Easier to use TouchID that way vs clamshell.

 

[Captain Trips]

I use my M1 MBP open with a 27" QHD display and it works well. Easier to use TouchID that way vs clamshell.

Along these lines, I have used my M1 MacBook Pro with an AOC Ultrawide 34" monitor (3440 x 1440, 60 Hz, TB to DisplayPort and TB to HDMI cables).

Very nice so far if I want more screen space than the MBP screen.

 

[Staindsoul]

What a bummer. I cannot believe Apple crippled the M1 with lack of external monitor support. Oh well, shipping the MBA back and keeping my 2018 MBA

 

[deeddawg]

What a bummer. I cannot believe Apple crippled the M1 with lack of external monitor support. Oh well, shipping the MBA back and keeping my 2018 MBA

Yes, if you truly need dual external extended desktop monitors, then the current two-port MBP/MBA models aren't for you. The Mini will do it of course, but that doesn't help folks needing portability.

Perhaps Apple figures there's few non-power-users needing dual external displays, and that one external is sufficient for most buyers of two-port models. *shrug* We won't know for sure.

I suspect (speculation) this may be something used as a differentiator against the (expected) higher-tier four-port models yet to transition.

 

[Staindsoul]

Yes, if you truly need dual external extended desktop monitors, then the current two-port MBP/MBA models aren't for you. The Mini will do it of course, but that doesn't help folks needing portability.

Perhaps Apple figures there's few non-power-users needing dual external displays, and that one external is sufficient for most buyers of two-port models. *shrug* We won't know for sure.

I suspect (speculation) this may be something used as a differentiator against the (expected) higher-tier four-port models yet to transition.

Well when all previous generation MBA’s supported multiple monitors... I admittedly didn’t even check before purchased the new M1 MBA.

So the Mini supports dual monitors? Hmm... yes it’s essential for me.

 

[wyrdness]

What a bummer. I cannot believe Apple crippled the M1 with lack of external monitor support. Oh well, shipping the MBA back and keeping my 2018 MBA

I was a bit annoyed by this too, but have gone for an ultra-wide monitor. Fortunately I persuaded my employer to pay for it, as part of my working-from-home setup. To be fair, that it pretty much all I'm using it for.

 

[Staindsoul]

I already have the 2 x 27” setup. I just ordered the new Mac Mini M1. Arrives tomorrow. The MM is almost half the price as the MBA I ordered. If it works I will just keep my 2018 MBA rather than trade it in.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

That's rather annoying. Especially since it can push 6k screens, but not 2 1080p screens. That to me screams artificial limitation, not bandwidth limitation.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

What do you think, is this (annoying) limitation based in software so that it could get healed in later macOS versions? Or did Apple cripple the hardware here?

 

[thejadedmonkey]

What do you think, is this (annoying) limitation based in software so that it could get healed in later macOS versions? Or did Apple cripple the hardware here?

It's either a driver issue, or a first gen teething issue... Or Apple crippling their low end product because that's what Apple does. The hardware is capable of driving both displays. That's not to say that Apple hasn't artificially limited the hardware to 1 monitor, but there's no technical reason why it can't drive two monitors. It has enough power, bandwidth, and is already driving two monitors if you count the built in one.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

already driving two monitors if you count the built in one.

Thank you! Of course. Especially in clamshell mode, there should be no hardware problem.

Or Apple crippling their low end product because that's what Apple does.

Well, Apple's decision. M1 MBA, base model, could be interesting for my office but only if it drives two monitors without fuss (as the Intel base model did but that was too weak otherwise). Higher Apple Silicon laptops of 2021 that would be officially able to do so will be too expensive for us, therefore we will stay with Windows.