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Recommended peripherals for Mac Studio for PORTABILITY

J

joeriggs

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 14, 2020
80
16
Hello,

Since there's doesn't seem to be a all in one solution, I'm looking for a portable monitor, keyboard, track pad and or Mouse for the Mac Studio. I use MacBook Pros all the time so I'm very accustomed to their Screen, Keyboard and Track pad, so whatever can approximate that for portability with the Mac Studio would be ideal.

Screen / Portable Monitor
Going to skip the iPad option, since I'd like something in the 14-17 inch range. There's a bunch of USB-C portable monitors out there, I've used a couple myself as a 2nd monitor, and at least the ones I've tried were a let down. I'm a little reluctant to use one as my main monitor but I need the portability, let me know what you use/like.

Keyboard / Mouse or Track Pad
If there is a keyboard with a track pad like the ones in the Macbook Pro available out there, let me know (not looking for bulkier mechanical type keyboard). Otherwise, Logitech seems to be the popular option.

Regarding Bluetooth - I am concerned they I may be on a job and the peripherals won't connect or have poor connectivity for whatever reason, are there keyboards out there that can do wireless but also able to plug in if needed? I'd love to have that that fail safe. Otherwise, I would need to bring a spare wired Keyboard / mouse just in case.

Thank you
 
joeriggs said:
Hello,



Keyboard / Mouse or Track Pad
If there is a keyboard with a track pad like the ones in the Macbook Pro available out there, let me know (not looking for bulkier mechanical type keyboard). Otherwise, Logitech seems to be the popular option.

Regarding Bluetooth - I am concerned they I may be on a job and the peripherals won't connect or have poor connectivity for whatever reason, are there keyboards out there that can do wireless but also able to plug in if needed? I'd love to have that that fail safe. Otherwise, I would need to bring a spare wired Keyboard / mouse just in case.

Thank you
Click to expand...
the current apple wireless keyboards and trackpads operate as wired devices when connected via a usb to lightning cable (same one used for charging)
 
joeriggs said:
I need the horsepower of the M1 Ultra
Click to expand...

If you have the money for Ultra and perhaps need the mobility for fixed locations (home + work), maybe set yourself up with duplicate peripherals at both stops? Keyboard + Mouse shouldn't break any bank, so the monitor is really where the economics question comes into play.

As you say, there are plenty of portable monitors available: generally up to 4K and up to about 16" in size. Great ones with those specs are available for under $500.

As the rumor of Mac Mini PRO & MAX was flying ahead of the Studio launch, I was having similar thoughts because of the need for Windows/PC on the road too. My situation was implying a need to carry BOTH a MBpro AND a PC laptop too. I did NOT want the duplication and I didn't love the idea of taking the "need" computer (PC) while leaving the "want" computer (Mac) at home either.

So I had the vision of paying up for a loaded Mac Mini MAX and it doubling as the laptop on the road... plus a Mac-Mini-like PC packed into one of those thick, travel cases customizable by cutting up some sponge filling inside. This kind of thing...

PortCompCase.jpg


...but that concept came apart when the much expected Mini did not show... though, for you, if you don't need room for a PC too, you might think in that same direction. Cut out space for Studio + monitor + keyboard + mouse.

However, if yours is a 2-location situation, you might find it easier to get a case for Studio and have 2 monitors, 2 keyboard, 2 mice, etc. There are nice cases made for Studio... kind of like bowling ball cases for that cube-shaped "ball." Maybe best monitor where you will use it the most and less expensive desktop monitor at the secondary location?

If it's not mostly a 2-location thing (you really need laptop-like MOBILITY to work at MANY stops), maybe the above case and a great 16" portable screen will scratch that itch pretty well. Or maybe great desktop screen at the primary work location and a portable screen for the road.. very much like having a desktop at home and laptop for the road? If so, your "laptop" will just happen to be powered by M1 Ultra and not slow down to preserve battery or because too much tech is packed into too little space.
 
Last edited:
The Ipad magic keyboard w/ a Ipad, assuming it can be used as a monitor for the Mac Studio
would be a very compact option. Has anyone tried this?

If that does work, are there third party options that make a keyboard and trackpad similar to the iPad magic keyboard (built together with the trackpad at the bottom like a laptop and not on the side)?
 
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