MacBook Air M2(2022) - Two Displays with TB4 Dock?

[Aushiker]

I have just brought a MacBook Air M2 in the belief that my Dell WD19 dock, which I had been using with my PC, would allow me to run two displays in extended mode. It would seem not, so I am looking at new dock options.

I am familiar with the various USB-C (DisplayLink) docks but have not been able to clarify whether a Thunderbolt 4 dock would also allow for running two displays without (or with) DisplayLink.

Does anyone have experience of doing this, or is the best option comprising (speed) with a USB-C dock?

Thanks
Andrew

 

[salamanderjuice]

The dock has to support DisplayLink and you need the driver installed. If it doesn't mention DisplayLink on the specs page I wouldn't buy it. You might also be able to use a displaylink adapter plugged into your TB dock

The hard one external monitor limitation on the base M series devices is IMO a huge flaw. A $1000+ laptop should not need a software workaround like DisplayLink to use 2 monitors in 2023.

 

[Aushiker]

Thanks. That was what I suspected, and I agree it really should be unacceptable.

 

[Wokis]

A TB4 dock by itself won't allow this but you can connect a DisplayLink adapter to the dock and enjoy having two working monitors.

This is my setup. I have a reference TB4-dock from Razer that is literally filled with peripherals, among them two thunderbolt-accessoaries, meaning I can't settle with a USB-C dock.

One monitor is going natively through the dock, just a usb-c to displayport cable. Then I have this Startech adapter connected to one of the USB-A ports of the dock. (Note that this particular one is for 1440p@60Hz. 4K60 is a higher-end option.)

Works very well but is costly. In the end I just need to plug in one cable to the mac to get my whole setup working and that is very satisfying.