2020 M1 Macbook Pro / 1 external 4k monitor + 1 cintiq 22HD possible?

I am a professional animator and filmmaker. I have a 2015 Macbook Pro that I've used for years. Connected to it is a 4k monitor AND a 22HD Cintiq via usb-c ports and a dongle. Love this setup - it works great.


I just bought an M1 Macbook Pro and now this setup doesn't work. I've read there is only support for one external monitor. How can the "new and improved" MBP have this limitation if it's supposed to be a "PRO" level machine.


Also, why remove 2 ports? This makes it impossible to attach all the peripherals I need without having to buy expensive hubs, etc.


Am I missing something? Considering just going back to PC. This is awful.



MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.1

Posted on Jan 24, 2021 1:38 AM

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Posted on Jan 24, 2021 8:12 AM

DaveMullins wrote:

How is a $2k+ laptop a low end machine? This is how apple describes the laptop I just bought...

“Designed for those who defy limits and change the world, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is by far the most powerful notebook we have ever made. With an immersive Retina display, superfast processors, advanced graphics, the largest battery capacity ever in a MacBook Pro, Magic Keyboard, and massive storage, it's the ultimate pro notebook for the ultimate user.”

And why in your opinion is removing functionality from a so called “pro” laptop defendable? The entire reason why artists and musicians use these machines is that they are capable of professional level work.

Your smug comments are not appreciated.

Thanks everyone else for the thoughtful comments. Yes, I'll be returning it.


"I just bought an M1 Macbook Pro"


The 16" MBP is an Intel Mac— that's not what you bought.


The M1 is the low end entry level chip as the transition takes place.


This includes:

 MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) Model Identifier: MacBookPro17,1 

    MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

    Mac mini (M1, 2020)  



Mac has never been in-expensive choice. Currently you will get more bang for your buck with an Intel Mac.


If you want to be cutting edge in the technology you made the right choice w/ the M1—reading the tech spec is always advised before you drop "$2k+ laptop".


Take advantage of the return policy—

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 24, 2021 8:12 AM in response to DaveMullins

DaveMullins wrote:

How is a $2k+ laptop a low end machine? This is how apple describes the laptop I just bought...

“Designed for those who defy limits and change the world, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is by far the most powerful notebook we have ever made. With an immersive Retina display, superfast processors, advanced graphics, the largest battery capacity ever in a MacBook Pro, Magic Keyboard, and massive storage, it's the ultimate pro notebook for the ultimate user.”

And why in your opinion is removing functionality from a so called “pro” laptop defendable? The entire reason why artists and musicians use these machines is that they are capable of professional level work.

Your smug comments are not appreciated.

Thanks everyone else for the thoughtful comments. Yes, I'll be returning it.


"I just bought an M1 Macbook Pro"


The 16" MBP is an Intel Mac— that's not what you bought.


The M1 is the low end entry level chip as the transition takes place.


This includes:

 MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) Model Identifier: MacBookPro17,1 

    MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

    Mac mini (M1, 2020)  



Mac has never been in-expensive choice. Currently you will get more bang for your buck with an Intel Mac.


If you want to be cutting edge in the technology you made the right choice w/ the M1—reading the tech spec is always advised before you drop "$2k+ laptop".


Take advantage of the return policy—

Jan 24, 2021 5:06 AM in response to DaveMullins

DaveMullins wrote:

I am a professional animator and filmmaker. I have a 2015 Macbook Pro that I've used for years. Connected to it is a 4k monitor AND a 22HD Cintiq via usb-c ports and a dongle. Love this setup - it works great.

I just bought an M1 Macbook Pro and now this setup doesn't work. I've read there is only support for one external monitor. How can the "new and improved" MBP have this limitation if it's supposed to be a "PRO" level machine.

Also, why remove 2 ports? This makes it impossible to attach all the peripherals I need without having to buy expensive hubs, etc.

Am I missing something? Considering just going back to PC. This is awful.




The M1 MBP supports only one external Display, ref the tech specs

MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) - Technical Specifications



You have a limited 14-days for a full refund or exchange for one that suits your needs better.

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)



I will add —the M1 is the introductory SoC low end Mac's as the transition is under way.

You can fully anticipated more robust tech specs as the next gen of the Mx get released. There is no surprise here.



Jan 24, 2021 8:27 AM in response to DaveMullins

I picked up a nice hub from OWC and continue to be very happy with my NEW M1 MacBook Pro. The extended battery life on this machine is wonderful, the keyboard, the speed, how cool it runs (never had the fan come on)


Yes, you can go to the MacBook with Intel and get a few more ports (for the time being). You can also wait for the 2nd or 3rd Version of MacBook Pros and I would guess they might have a few more ports and the ability to support more monitors.


You may find this of interest - A way to use more than 1 Monitor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEhoFz6ldSU

Jan 24, 2021 2:24 AM in response to DaveMullins

Hi DaveMullins

I have encountered the same issue, unfortunately. I am hoping that this will change sometime in the future.

It does seem very restrictive and opposite to what Apple usually goes for with new and improved model upgrades.

Maybe someone out there has been able to figure out a workaround. And there's always the suggestion from Jack-19

to post on Apple Product Feedback. I might just do that myself.

Have a great day.


Thomas

Jan 24, 2021 7:49 AM in response to leroydouglas

How is a $2k+ laptop a low end machine? This is how apple describes the laptop I just bought...


“Designed for those who defy limits and change the world, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is by far the most powerful notebook we have ever made. With an immersive Retina display, superfast processors, advanced graphics, the largest battery capacity ever in a MacBook Pro, Magic Keyboard, and massive storage, it's the ultimate pro notebook for the ultimate user.”


And why in your opinion is removing functionality from a so called “pro” laptop defendable? The entire reason why artists and musicians use these machines is that they are capable of professional level work.


Your smug comments are not appreciated.


Thanks everyone else for the thoughtful comments. Yes, I'll be returning it.

Jan 24, 2021 8:33 AM in response to mdhurst

Thanks for the info!


I considered this route but the second monitor I'm using is a cintiq which I use to animated and storyboard and I think these workarounds will ultimately be problematic without native support of dual external monitors. Plus the cintiq requires an additional usb connection so the ports get used up pretty quickly.


This laptop is going to be really problematic for professionals in my industry until they get this sorted out. I would have waited for 2nd or 3rd gen but the battery in my 2015 MPB is bulging and I have to buy now.

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2020 M1 Macbook Pro / 1 external 4k monitor + 1 cintiq 22HD possible?

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