Macbook Air M1 Desktop setup

[ctjack]

Hello,

I was considering M1 Air, but can not plan my desktop setup for this. I am going to use my usb mouse, usb keyboard and external 1080p hdmi monitor. So i already need 2 usb-A slots to connect them. Also, one of the usb-c ports will probably will serve for external Display output (hdmi). Since i have used 2 ports already, i need to charge it somehow.

Can you please give me some ideas on how to resolve this connection/ports scarcity issue for cheap? I mean i know that TB3 dock would solve my problems or some sort of bluetooth keyboards and mice, but i don't want to spend extra money on bluetooth/TB3 dock stuff to make this thing work.

 

[kodabear]

I don't know that you have any other choices. The least expensive alternative would be a dock to cover your needs.

 

[d1sahib]

Something like this Anker USB C Hub should do it:

Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5 Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader

A8346

www.amazon.com

I have a Dell monitor with a thunderbolt port and a couple of USB ports which I use for my wired keyboard and mouse. This way there is just a single TB3/USB-C cable to the Mac and it provides power also.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Something like this Anker USB C Hub should do it:

Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5 Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader

A8346

www.amazon.com

I have a Dell monitor with a thunderbolt port and a couple of USB ports which I use for my wired keyboard and mouse. This way there is just a single TB3/USB-C cable to the Mac and it provides power also.

Do you have a M1? I have read of many forum members having problems with their M1 after using various hubs.

 

[IowaLynn]

Hello,

I was considering M1 Air, but can not plan my desktop setup for this. I am going to use my usb mouse, usb keyboard and external 1080p hdmi monitor. So i already need 2 usb-A slots to connect them. Also, one of the usb-c ports will probably will serve for external Display output (hdmi). Since i have used 2 ports already, i need to charge it somehow.

Can you please give me some ideas on how to resolve this connection/ports scarcity issue for cheap? I mean i know that TB3 dock would solve my problems or some sort of bluetooth keyboards and mice, but i don't want to spend extra money on bluetooth/TB3 dock stuff to make this thing work.

You are a better candidate for Intel Mini. Or splurge. Amazon Store Card lets for spread some purchases like a good TB3 hub over 6 or 12 months.

Catalina for some reason refused to work with my 2015 USBC hub - a better Anker unit solved that. I picked up a nice $34 BT mouse. Buy one thing each month.

 

[ctjack]

Do you have a M1? I have read of many forum members having problems with their M1 after using various hubs.

Thank you for pointing this out. The problem of this kind of hubs (unpowered) they will stop working when plugging too many things. It is possible to connect my scenario for it, but according to amazon reviews, it will crush from time to time and restricted to 50Hz. This type of hubs fried motherboards on 2 Airs for one person on Reddit when charging through it.

You are a better candidate for Intel Mini.

I wanted to try M1 but not Intel. Laptop is preferable due to portability.

Or splurge.

Splurging to make this thing work - makes my mind crazy. I am ok to buy apple dongles, but the problem it doesn't accommodate 2 usb-A + Hdmi + charging at once.

Amazon Store Card lets for spread some purchases like a good TB3 hub over 6 or 12 months.

Paying it over 12 months still means that i am out of pocket for $200+ for a dock, which i don't need.

 

[ctjack]

Thanks everyone. Found out that this Apple dongle supports charging through it, so i will need this dongle and usb-c to usb-a and i am ready to go.

 

[Zazoh]

Honestly — Ditch the corded mouse and keyboard. If your not running clamshell don’t need. If you are, Bluetooth solutions are not that expensive. Even better yet, get a mini, as @IowaLynn points out.

If you read through 1,000s of postings on this forum, as I have. The number one cause for problems later on are kludging old technology with new to make it work.

 

[ctjack]

Ditch the corded mouse and keyboard. If your not running clamshell don’t need.

Wow thanks. Do you mean putting Air in front and using it's kb and trackpad?

If you read through 1,000s of postings on this forum, as I have. The number one cause for problems later on are kludging old technology with new to make it work.

I am at a temporary place, may have to move out far away. I really don't want to lug with me tech. accessories but throw them away when moving for $1. So cheap wired keyboard will work best for it, while i have mx518 usb mouse.

 

[Zazoh]

Wow thanks. Do you mean putting Air in front and using it's kb and trackpad?

I am at a temporary place, may have to move out far away. I really don't want to lug with me tech. accessories but throw them away when moving for $1. So cheap wired keyboard will work best for it, while i have mx518 usb mouse.

Got it. Yes can just extend or mirror the external display. And use your laptop as you normally would.

 

[brig2221]

Something like this Anker USB C Hub should do it:

Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5 Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader

A8346

www.amazon.com

I have a Dell monitor with a thunderbolt port and a couple of USB ports which I use for my wired keyboard and mouse. This way there is just a single TB3/USB-C cable to the Mac and it provides power also.

I've got this same USB C Hub and it works great for me. Gives me two USB-A ports, 1 USB-C, and 1HDMI port, and power passthrough. Think it's around $30? Anyhow, it does the trick for me!

 

[d1sahib]

Do you have a M1? I have read of many forum members having problems with their M1 after using various hubs.

Waiting for my M1. I am using this configuration with an Intel Mac Mini.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Waiting for my M1. I am using this configuration with an Intel Mac Mini.

Hopefully, it will work well when you get your M1. I have only used my Satechi hub 3 brief times. I am being careful as I don't want to run into a M1 stuck ion a blank back screen or worse, a dead one. Fingers crossed my Satechi will not cause any problems.

 

[ioioos]

Something like this Anker USB C Hub should do it:

Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5 Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader

A8346

www.amazon.com

I have a Dell monitor with a thunderbolt port and a couple of USB ports which I use for my wired keyboard and mouse. This way there is just a single TB3/USB-C cable to the Mac and it provides power also.

I've been thinking of moving to the same set up as you.

I'm thinking of getting a dell 32" Ultrasharp with built in KVM and paring it with an M1 Mac Book Air. Could I ask, do you know if I could do this with Air lid shut, and would it come out of sleep mode if I wiggled the mouse plugged into the Monitor? Thanks.

 

[geejay9876]

I just ordered this dock for 40 EUR

C31NANODOCKPD | i-tec USB-C Metal Nano Dock 4K HDMI + Power Delivery 100 W | i-tec

C31NANODOCKPD (EU) | i-tec USB-C Metal Nano Docking Station - 1x HDMI 4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2016 @ 60 Hz, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x microSD Card Reader, 3x USB 3.0 ports, 1x USB-C Power Delivery port (100W), compatible with Thunderbolt 3

i-tec.pro