MacBook Pro 13 Inch M1 with 2 x LG UltraFine 4k 21.5 inch Monitors.

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Level 1

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MacBook Pro 13 Inch M1 with 2 x LG UltraFine 4k 21.5 inch Monitors.

I have a 13 Inch 2019 MacBook Pro base model.

I currently run this with 2 x LG Ultrafine 21.5 Inch 4K monitors. One plugged into each Thunderbolt port. Giving me 3 screens in total, including the laptop screen.

I am looking to purchase the New M1 MacBook Pro, which replaces the model I have. However the tech specs show that it will only support 1 external monitor (upto 6K).

Is it really the case that the NEW MacBook, will not support as many monitors as the one it replaces?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 18, 2020 10:26 AM

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Answer 1

rehctelf

Level 1

63 points

Nov 18, 2020 11:16 AM in response to DarrenWilkes

I had that same setup but with 2x Ultrafine 24" and bought the new MBP M1 without seeing that new limitation in the specs (I'm an idiot). Now, my workflow is completely hosed. However, I can confirm that you can get a 3rd screen by using 1 external monitor and sidecar with an iPad Pro, but obviously that is nowhere near the same thing ;-(

AAAAARGH!

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Answer 2

Dec 2, 2020 8:26 PM in response to DarrenWilkes

I just got the M1 13" MBP and I have the same monitors, and it is only broadcasting to 1 of the monitors. I have them daisy chained. I don't understand why it's not on both, but this might be a deal breaker.

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Answer 3

Nov 18, 2020 10:33 AM in response to DarrenWilkes

Yes, if you want hardware-accelerated displays, that REALLY is the case.

You get ONE external display on this entry-level model, plus the built-in. It now appears that is you use closed clamshell mode your get ... ONE external display.

If you need more screen Real estate and want to use this model, attach one display with a higher resolution.

Otherwise, stay tuned, a higher-end model is likely, ... well ... sometime.

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Answer 4

DarrenWilkes Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 19, 2020 5:01 AM in response to rehctelf

Thanks for clarifying guys, seems the new M1 is a step back in some terms. My Old Macbook 12 inch with its single USBC could run 1 external monitor and that was at 5K and that was 5 years ago.

Looks like I will need to wait for the 16 or new 14 inch MBP, before I am able to upgrade!

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Answer 5

DarrenWilkes Author

Level 1

12 points

Dec 3, 2020 12:25 AM in response to shawncates

My understanding of the LG Ultrafine 4K monitors is that you cannot daisy chain the 21.5 inch models, like mine, however you can with the 24 inch newer version.

It does appear that however they are configured the new M1 MacBook will not run 2 monitors, as the older,Intel version, did.

I am sure a lot of people will only realise this once they get the MacBook home, most will assume it can do all the things the old model could do.

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MacBook Pro 13 Inch M1 with 2 x LG UltraFine 4k 21.5 inch Monitors.

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