MBP M1 Pro 16" Desktop Setup

[dpavid]

Bought one last minute prior to a trip so I could work remotely and was impressed. Time to set up a 2nd workstation around this to put it through the wringer.

This is what I want to achieve.

1. Dual 4K 32" monitors, mostly for screen real estate, no gaming.
   1. Samsung M8, read overpriced for specs and much cheaper options.
   2. LG, Samsung, & Dell makes a few worth considering. No need for Apple Studio Displays.
2. Docking Station
   1. Caldigit TS4 (waiting to find one for sale) + Caldigit TB4 Element Hub. Seems like a winning combination.
3. Apple Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Pad + Magic Mouse. Already bought.
4. I have a 64TB RAID that's on TB2. Bought the Apple TB3 adapter to connect to Caldigit TS4. I assume it'll work just fine.

Looking for your advice and suggestions.

Caldigit overpriced and overrated?
Is anything cheaper than the Samsung M8 equivalent or better to consider?
How can I make this build better?

 

[Lunchb0x8]

I use the Brydge Stone TB4 for my dock, it is great.
On that, I am running two HP Z32 31.5" 4K screens via USB-C from the dock.

Others may have better or cheaper options for both, but, this works for me.

 

[Chancha]

CalDigit's TS3+ has built a reputation as one of the best among the TB3 docks all things considered. We all assume the TS4 will continue on its stability and reliability. The only worthy opponent in that era is the OWC/Akitio Dock Pro with 10GbE which is literally the only dock that has it. So unless you got some ports that the TS4 cannot cover for you, then it is an easy choice.

The Samsung M8 is a really interesting product with a lot of features. But it obviously is not the best display out there if the focus is on image reproduction or general display quality. Since you already for a stand alone dock for the desk so with 32" you may do well with one gen or two older LG and Dell that has no type-C.

 

[Diablo360]

I’m running 4 x LG Ultrawide 49” (5120 x 1440) on a 16” M1 Max (max spec other than the SSD). Also using a Caldigit Element hub to connect the 4th monitor. You’ll be fine if you only have 2 x 4K monitors. You can run one from each USB C port. As for docks, there were many cheaper alternatives, but it seemed like most people had good luck with the Caldigit docks. Pricey, but seems to be working great so far, and was the only way I could get full resolution on the 4th monitor.

 

[GumaRodak]

just curious, these setups do not look very mobile…why laptop then?

 

[TinyMito]

I don't need a dock, I'm running 4K 32" 144Hz (48-144Hz variable refresh rate supported by M1 Pro).

Monitor is M32U connected to my Mac with a 1.8m USB-C 3.1 Gen1

 

[Diablo360]

just curious, these setups do not look very mobile…why laptop then?

In my case I was replacing an outdated Max Pro 5,1 that was causing too many problems. Was leaning towards a Mac Pro 7,1 but didn’t want to pay top dollar for an outdated Intel machine, and didn’t necessarily need the expandability of a Mac Pro. I just needed a super powerful machine with maxed out ram (64gb) and graphics (32 core) to run various charts and apps, and 4 x 5k monitors.

Was able to find my 16” Macbook Pro at BH Photovideo with no wait (this was a big factor). Ordered the highest spec except the SSD (2tb). It would have taken 2-3 months to order From Apple. Might have considered a Mac Studio but I ordered the laptop a few days before they released the Studio, and ended up being happy with the MBP.

My 16” MBP is way faster than my 12 core Mac Pro and runs super smooth, and best of all, NO HEAT, even with 4 monitors running 24/7. The new M1 MBPs are truly amazing and it’s good to have all of this power in a smaller and portable form factor (if I ever need to lug it around).

 

[dpavid]

just curious, these setups do not look very mobile…why laptop then?

For me band-aide solution while I wait to see what a potential new MacPro on Silicon will bring. Studio Ultra is tempting but I feel I might have buyer remorse for not waiting. MBP M1 Pro works perfectly fine for now.

 

[dpavid]

UPDATE: I got dual Samsung M8's with a Caldigit TS3 Plus for now. Waiting for a TS4 and element hub to get in stock. Works great and smooth. Great desktop real estate.

 

[brooklyn360]

I don't need a dock, I'm running 4K 32" 144Hz (48-144Hz variable refresh rate supported by M1 Pro).

Monitor is M32U connected to my Mac with a 1.8m USB-C 3.1 Gen1

just checking to see how you feel with that monitor. I'm looking to get a monitor for my gaming pc and my MBP. I don't know if to go with the m32u or if there is something else you would recommend.
appreciate your help.

 

[TinyMito]

just checking to see how you feel with that monitor. I'm looking to get a monitor for my gaming pc and my MBP. I don't know if to go with the m32u or if there is something else you would recommend.
appreciate your help.

Monitor has been great here, colour is pretty close to my MacBook Pro 14 just less bright.