This video is incorrect, if not misleading. All Pro, Max or Ultra Apple Silicon macs can run multiple displays on 1 Thunderbolt/USB4 port. The only models hardware limited to 1 external display are M1 and M2 macs, with the M3 laptops being able to run 2 external displays provided the lid is closed. That being said, Display Link drivers/dock have several issues that are not talked about on this video, chief among which, Display Link tech compresses the display signal into a video codec that is then uncompressed in the dock hardware, to be displayed on the displays. This means that ALL DisplayLink docks WILL generate compression artifacts and distortion in color, this makes them inadequate for any sort of creative work. Also, DisplayLink works by "recording" the display, which means that copyrighted content (including Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, etc) will not be displayed on any display connected via DisplayLink. Another issue with it is that "Unlock with Apple Watch" does not work when using DisplayLink, which means that you have to either type your passsword or reach for the touch ID button, if available. Lastly, the last problem with DisplayLink is that since it's compression works by only sending changing areas of the displayed image, when there is a lot of movement on the screen the quality of the video feed will drop dramatically, and might also compromise the performance of other tasks running, making it even more inadequate for creative work (or even showing your screen saver, which my M2 Pro Macbook Pro could not manage while connected to 2 diaplays via DisplayLink). If you work with any sort of creative workflow that requires visual fidelity and video/GPU performance, DisplayLink is not an ideal option, for that, Thunderbolt docks are your only real alternative, as they will connect via traditional DisplayPort or PCIe-HDMI connections, using no compression and therefore not compromising the quality of the image, the tradeoff you may have to make if you're running an M1 or M2 non Pro+ mac is that you can only have 1 external display.
If anyone is interested on further info, here's a video by Max Tech where he reviews a thunderbolt dock capable of running Quad displays on the mac: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wQX_UZeBt3c.html
@@Nik_HeroHonestly the tradeoffs with display link docks should be talked about more. The information is quite difficult to obtain, it took me months to understand what was really going on under the hood.
Hey, thank you so much for your comment-you just saved me upwards of $200! Closing the lid did the trick, and I'd also add that it seems like the charger needs to be plugged in as well, at least on my MacBook Air M3 base model. Thanks again!
Dude I have an old docking station and I was about to buy a new one. I had an old work headset with a usb to usbc adapter i ripped it off and put it on the usb cable I had hooked up to my windows computer. Didn't know about the display manager thing so I tried it out and it instantly worked thank you so much !
The "Ivanky Dock Fusion Max 1" is by far superior, with 2.5gb ethernet & 20ports with 1 included cable & it has thunderbolt 4 chips well (especially for mac) check it out, also if it's in your budget pairing them together is the true perfect setup. Decent video though.
Hey, in your previous video from last year, you have mentioned that if you don't want to buy the docking station that can connect 2 or 3 monitors independently, you need an USB to HDMI Adapter display link compatible. Are there any newer options? I imagine things advanced and could be slightly cheaper? I just got the new MacBook air M3 and I'm planning to buy a docking station for my office. However, I sometimes work from home, and I already have one docking station (not compatible with multiple displays for Mac unfortunately). What adapter could I buy, so I don't break the bank purchasing the docking station and an adapter? I need 2 screens for my work and I want my laptop to stay open. I've seen the prices really range, and there are many USB C to HDMI adapters. I'm confused which one would actually work... I'd really appreciate your help. I will be buying one of those docking stations you recommend below, thanks.
That Minisopuru doc gets so hot you can't touch it. I'm returning it immediately. I tried 2 different ones hoping my first copy was a defect. I don't trust it with my MacBook Pro and other devices.
do not use HDMI ports if you need accurate colors for your work. HDMI is good for gaming or movies. not for professional color accuracy works. always use Display ports if available
@@rodrigosilveirafagundes5001 hi, i haven't used it with any MacBook, i am not an Apple user, but it will work with any DisplayLink docks, as reddit users says
Which of these could be used as a switch as well if I wanted to connect a windows laptop and macbook pro M1? I don't necessarily need operate both computers at the same time but I would like to be able to press a button to be able to switch between computers and continue using the same keyboard / mouse.
Talking about docking stations and their capability for gaming while the video is targeted for MacBooks... Nobody in their right mind will game competetive on a mac!
