The Mac Mini does not have a display that’s is always connected. There’s been some change which allow the new Airs to bypass that connected display, but its unknown if it is a hardware or software change.
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M3 MacBook Air Supports Up to Two External Displays With Lid Closed
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Most likely because they couldn’t turn off the built-in display. Why, I don’t know but it might be hardware that allows monitor switching like a KVM switch. The Mac mini is a headless computer, lacking that built-in display. Even then, the mini is restricted to one Thunderbolt and one HDMI because one of the two display controllers is hardwired to the HDMI port and can’t be switched away from it. The M3 supports two displays, period. It’s just a question of whether you make it one internal/one external or two external. Either way, it’s two.
That may be the case, but its a ******** oversite by Apple that took them 4 years to address. In professional industry is rapidly switching to laptop as opposed to desktops with dual monitor docking stations as the standard issue setup. The fact for 3 years people either had to suck it up with the entry level computers (which is enough for 90% of professionals) or use janky Displayport docks was just pure Apple laziness.
Only with Apple do users have to deal with such a limitation on a premium-priced laptop in the first place.
I honestly kept wondering why it took me so long to decide on going back to Mac for a laptop. (This is after having an iPhone, Watch, Apple TV, and iPad again)
When I looked at those RAM prices, I was sitting there like "Oh. That's why."
Now that Apple has figured out how to build a useful iGPU that can support two external displays (something even Celerons have been able to do for years and years), maybe they can tear apart a ThinkPad and figure out how Lenovo was able to build in a 1080P webcam without needing to notch the display.
How is it a limitation if it works? My buddy has an M2 Air with only 8 gigs of ram and he uses Final Cut for editing 4k video all the time just fine. He also uses Motion a fair bit, lots of office products, etc.
It's quite relevant. The price of entry-level Macs has absolutely plummeted over time, and yet a vocal contingent of people still people complain because their preferred spec-bump costs a little bit of money 🤣
To use Two display monitors.
Now one will need to buy Apple Touch ID approved bluetooth keyboard and (any bluetooth mouse) to properly use 2 monitors.
Don't forget that cost too
So now the Macbook Pro M3 version only is total useless machine as it does 1 monitor. Which apple engineer signed off on this decision.
Now one will need to buy Apple Touch ID approved bluetooth keyboard and (any bluetooth mouse) to properly use 2 monitors.
Don't forget that cost too
So now the Macbook Pro M3 version only is total useless machine as it does 1 monitor. Which apple engineer signed off on this decision.
I mean like I said, I paid for the 16 GB of RAM because my workflow called for it, but hell no to paying for the price of that extra internal storage.
Well right now, my wife uses her macbook air plugged in to a external monitor. At times we close the lid, assuming the monitor will shut off, what happens is monitor gets active. I have to physically disconnect the monitor. But with magic keyboard - you just hit the lock button and it turns off the monitor. To use 2 monitors with MBA - I will suggest Apple Touch ID wireless keyboard is recommended. Mouse can be any bluetooth mouse.
Engineers don't sign off on those decisions. Marketing does.
Wait wut, it’s finally happening!!! 2 external displays. I did just buy a 2nd hand MacBook Pro M1 Max though.
Apple's new MacBook Air models with M3 chip include support for up to two external displays with the laptop lid closed.
The previous generation MacBook Air models with M2 chip, the 13-inch model of which Apple still sells, only officially offer support for one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz.
By contrast, the new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models support one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz with the laptop lid open, and two external displays with up to 5K resolution at 60Hz with the lid closed.
Apple announced the two new MacBook Air models today. Pre-orders are now open on Apple's website, with the laptops set to launch on Friday, March 8. Apple today also discontinued the MacBook Air with M1 chip as well as the 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip.
Article Link: M3 MacBook Air Supports Up to Two External Displays With Lid Closed
