Macbook Air 2013 - Dual Monitor Setup Help

[derspook]

Hi All,

I've read numerous threads about this and still am a bit confused. Is it possible to daisy chain two displayport displays to an MBA 2013?

It seems like it is supposed to be compatible with Thunderbolt Displays, but I don't want to shell out another grand for another one.

I'm looking for a dual monitor setup at my job and I've given my Thunderbolt Display to my boss to use in a dual monitor setup on his MBP Retina in exchange for getting two more affordable displays for myself.

So anyways I pretty much have a sub 1000 dollar budget to make this work. I'm think 1080p displays would be the best option.

 

[TokMok3]

I'm not an expert at this, but I was trying to connect 2 monitors to my macbook air, at the end I decided to buy a Asus 29 inch display, which is really nice. You could try the Targus Universal usb 3.0 DV Docking Station.

 

[Boyd01]

I have a 2013 MBA and it can only support one external monitor via DVI or MiniDisplayport. This was discussed at length here in 2013 and I followed it pretty closely since I edit video and wouldn't mind having two screens.

It can support two Thunderbolt displays however. Apple says you cannot plug an ordinary display into the pass through port on the Thunderbolt display. But I have read you can plug another device, like a disk into the pass through port, then plug an ordinary display into the disk's pass through port. Not sure if this really works myself however.

If you don't want to buy thunderbolt displays, the only way to connect a second external monitor to the 2013 MBA is through the use of a USB monitor adapter. This may be acceptable for some things and not so good for others due to lag/latency. No personal experience with them.

 

[Significant1]

Displayport from version 1.2 support Daisy chaining.

 

[loby]

Displayport from version 1.2 support Daisy chaining.

This will work, I have a 2013 MacAir and I was able to use two monitors, plus the laptop display (3 total if you count the Air's screen). Like Apple has stated, you would need their thunderbolt Monitor. I would have kept the monitor and just get another display and like someone has said before "add it to the thunderbolt through port". I added a Dell U2414 using the Mini DisplayPort to Displayport. The Dell has I believe a 1.2 displayport so it makes it nice to daisy chain two Dells if adventurous.

It is also true that you can use another through port on any thunderbolt accessory and hook up another monitor. I also did it with a Segate thunderbolt adapter for the backup plus hard drive model and was able to hook up the extra monitor.

So..is possible, but it also depends on your requirements. Surprisingly, the Intel 5000 card in it is not bad for most things, but will be limited when extending and adding more monitors. I did not have a problem with everyday tasks, but if you do more extensive video editing, then of course need a stronger system.

 

[Abazigal]

You might want to consider getting a thunderbolt dock instead.

I am currently using a elgato thunderbolt dock at work. It has 2 thunderbolt ports and 1 HDMI port. Minus one for connecting to your laptop, that leaves 1 thunderbolt port and 1 HDMI port for 2 monitors (one will have to connect via HDMI-to-minidisplay).

This should support 2 1080p displays just nicely. Plug in a powered USB hub for your other peripherals and you are pretty much set.

 

[Significant1]

Technically the hardware supports displayport daisy chain/multi stream without any thunderbolt involved, however I have no proof that OSX supports it on Macbook air.