Studio Display, MBP, and Docks?

[Hammie]

I am looking to see how others have their single Studio Display setup configured.

I am about a month from getting my Studio Display to use with my 14" MBP. I am moving from dual displays to a single display since my second display usually just had e-mail or messages open. If I need the second (or third) display, I can either use my MBP and/or 12.9 iPad Pro.

I currently have a TB3 Plugable Dock that I used for my dual display setup using DP connections. Since I want to minimize cabling, can I use a single TB3 cable between my MBP and Studio Display, then a USB-C cable between the Studio Display and Dock? I understand I will loose bandwidth because the dock uses a TB3 connection. Or do I need to invest in a TB3/TB4 dock where my MBP plugs into one port and then the dock and display each get plugged into the TB dock?

Would the first scenario work until I can get a TB dock?

Sorry if confusing.

Thanks in advance!

 

[hoo-man-b-ing]

Do you still need the dock? If you’re trying to minimize clutter and you don’t have a dedicated use for it, you might consider removing it. If after a period of, day, 2 months you still haven’t used it, you might consider selling it.

I use my MacBook Pro as my keyboard/mouse and have it connected to the Studio Display via the included Thunderbolt cable for data/charging. I also have an Ethernet adapter connected to my MacBook Pro, but that’s it. It’s clean, simple, and works well.

 

[Hammie]

Do you still need the dock? If you’re trying to minimize clutter and you don’t have a dedicated use for it, you might consider removing it. If after a period of, day, 2 months you still haven’t used it, you might consider selling it.

I use my MacBook Pro as my keyboard/mouse and have it connected to the Studio Display via the included Thunderbolt cable for data/charging. I also have an Ethernet adapter connected to my MacBook Pro, but that’s it. It’s clean, simple, and works well.

Yes, I do need it. I have a number of USB-A devices that I still need connected.

Now that I think about it, I guess I could consider whether I could use a smaller USB hub that would plug into the back of the monitor instead of the dock. This would get one device off my desk as you can see the dock under my current monitor. Some are actually just being used for charging, while others (like the webcam) would just go away. Hmmm... Now you have me thinking.

 

[joevt]

Why not connect the Mac -> dock -> Studio Display?
You probably won't notice the tiny amount of latency that putting a dock between the Mac and Studio Display adds. That latency would only affect Studio Display connected devices (audio, camera, USB-C ports).

 

[xraydoc]

The Studio Display has only USB-C ports. Not Thunderbolt. So if the OP’s dock is a TB3 dock, it probably won’t work plugged in to the Studio Display’s ports.

But, if OP only needs a few extra USB-A ports, just use adapters on each of the ASD’s three USB-C ports.

 

[Hammie]

Why not connect the Mac -> dock -> Studio Display?
You probably won't notice the tiny amount of latency that putting a dock between the Mac and Studio Display adds. That latency would only affect Studio Display connected devices (audio, camera, USB-C ports).

Current dock only has HDMI and Display Port for video output. There is no Thunderbolt out, just in.

 

[joevt]

Current dock only has HDMI and Display Port for video output. There is no Thunderbolt out, just in.

Oh, right. You have a TB3 Plugable Dock which is one of those docks that wastes a Thunderbolt output by converting it to DisplayPort or HDMI instead of giving you the choice to use the second Thunderbolt port for a Thunderbolt display/device or for a USB-C display/adapter/device. At least it's a DisplayPort output so maybe if the HDMI adapter they used doesn't work well, you can connect a better HDMI adapter to the DisplayPort output.

CalDigit TS4 is similar, except it has a Thunderbolt 4 controller which has 3 downstream Thunderbolt ports so you still have 2 remaining Thunderbolt ports after CalDigit hard wired the third for DisplayPort output.

 

[Hammie]

So, I was able to finally pick up the Studio Display. I am very pleased with the purchase. I got the base model -- glossy screen and only tilt stand for $1599 USD.

I may look at adding the CalDigit Element Hub and mount it under my desk. Because I removed the Plugable Dock from my setup, I have a clear view of the space behind my monitor and see way too many cables (even after some cable management). I think simplifying it to the power and a single TB cable will make me happier, just not my wallet. LOL!