Mac mini M1 with a USB-C Docking Station?

[MitzEclipse]

Hi all

I am considering a Mac mini M1 instead of a MacBook for my next computer purchase. This will be the first desktop I'll be purchasing for 15+ years. Since I'm not traveling much anymore plus my iPhone is more than capable when on the move, makes sense to look into the Mac mini - I can get almost the same performance as the MacBook Air M1 but save $500 or so.

I currently have two laptops on my desk for work (HP Laptop) and for personal (MacBook Pro). Today, I swap the USB-C cable between each of the devices to switch between them as I do not use them simultaneously. When I move the USB-C cable, all my accessories, keyboard, mouse etc including a 4k monitor swap over using this docking station: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01IBNK6V0

My question is regarding using a USB-C docking station. In a future setup, I would see two devices on my desk; still the HP Laptop and now the Mac mini M1. I know the Mac mini M1 has it's own HDMI and USB ports, however, if I plug my monitor directly into the Mac mini I would have to unplug the Monitor cable and plug into the dock. Would simply be much more of a faff to transition. Right now, it's just a simple USB-C cable swap.

Would I be able to just plug one USB-C cable into the Mac mini and all my accessories would transfer, including the 4k monitor? Any negatives to this setup such as latency or some of the accessories not working/powered/waking up properly?

 

[pldelisle]

Hi all

I am considering a Mac mini M1 instead of a MacBook for my next computer purchase. This will be the first desktop I'll be purchasing for 15+ years. Since I'm not traveling much anymore plus my iPhone is more than capable when on the move, makes sense to look into the Mac mini - I can get almost the same performance as the MacBook Air M1 but save $500 or so.

I currently have two laptops on my desk for work (HP Laptop) and for personal (MacBook Pro). Today, I swap the USB-C cable between each of the devices to switch between them as I do not use them simultaneously. When I move the USB-C cable, all my accessories, keyboard, mouse etc including a 4k monitor swap over using this docking station: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01IBNK6V0

My question is regarding using a USB-C docking station. In a future setup, I would see two devices on my desk; still the HP Laptop and now the Mac mini M1. I know the Mac mini M1 has it's own HDMI and USB ports, however, if I plug my monitor directly into the Mac mini I would have to unplug the Monitor cable and plug into the dock. Would simply be much more of a faff to transition. Right now, it's just a simple USB-C cable swap.

Would I be able to just plug one USB-C cable into the Mac mini and all my accessories would transfer, including the 4k monitor? Any negatives to this setup such as latency or some of the accessories not working/powered/waking up properly?

While it’s more expansive, I would definitely buy a Thunderbolt dock from OWC instead of a USB-C dock. More bandwidth, faster and more stable dock than any USB-C you could find. Plus, USB control’er in M1 tends to be sluggish, while performance is unaffected in Thunderbolt.

otherwise, I will soon have the same setup as yours. HP work laptop, dual external displays. Both displays connect to HDMI and USB-C on both Mac Mini and HP laptop. I simply switch inputs on the display. Mac Mini has it’s own magic keyboard and magic trackpad, while HP laptop has it’s own Das Keyboard and generic microsoft mouse. If you want to switch keyboard and mouse between both, simply have a little KVM box that plugs in usb 3.0. The only thing I need to switch is the display inputs. No cable switch, no hub needed.

 

[IowaLynn]

I went from 2016 MacBook to 2020 Intel Mini i5/16/512. Fast fluid 4 ports and dual boot Windows. If you don't own and still need laptop for work & travel not an option. But running Windows in Parallels can be a great way to go.

 

[4sallypat]

The StarTech item may work but I personally haven't had much luck with that brand.

I would suggest a better dock that handles more:
Caldigit TS3+

The only caveat is that external display might be limited to 1.
If you want 2 displays you will have to use HDMI cable direct into the M1 Mini.

 

[pldelisle]

The only caveat is that external display might be limited to 1.
If you want 2 displays you will have to use HDMI cable direct into the M1 Mini.

That’s exactly why I personally don’t want a Dock. I need two external displays, so connecting them directly is the only option. I don’t know for OP, but I think it’s far less error-prone to not have a dock and never touch cables and simply switch inputs when needed.

 

[IowaLynn]

I use an LG 27" 4k that has two inputs, one goes to my Surface Laptop and the other to Mac Mini - if only one is "awake" it auto detects and outputs from it, or use OSD to toggle. And yes I was using docks - MS Dock 2 with Surface, and USB-C with MacBook.

 

[MitzEclipse]

Thank you all for the swift responses.
Totally forgot about the multi input option on my 4k monitor. I will do this so that I don't have to switch the HDMI cable all the time. When I pivot between machines, I will still change the USB-C cable but the monitor won't be on the hub anymore.

 

[pldelisle]

Thank you all for the swift responses.
Totally forgot about the multi input option on my 4k monitor. I will do this so that I don't have to switch the HDMI cable all the time. When I pivot between machines, I will still change the USB-C cable but the monitor won't be on the hub anymore.

What you can do if you have the rights and access to install something like Synergy : https://symless.com//synergy/home

It was running very nice the last time I used it. Nice software for switching mouse and keyboard back and forth between two computers. I can’t use it anymore since my work laptop is locked down completely, but maybe you could give it a try. If you can hardwire your LAN connection to both computers, you’ll need a basic switch like https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/NETGEAR-Commutateur-Gigabit-Ethernet-GS105NA/dp/B0000BVYT3

 

[MitzEclipse]

Nope - unfortunately no local admin rights... thx anyway

 

[pldelisle]

Nope - unfortunately no local admin rights... thx anyway

Same boat Then what I found the less complicated is to have dedicated external peripherals. That's why I have a duo of Apple Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad when I use my Mac at night, and my "real" daily driver Das Keyboard for work at day.