Macbook Pro M1 only detecting the first monitor to be plugged

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Macbook Pro M1 only detecting the first monitor to be plugged

This has been asked before, both Grant Bennet-Alder &

BobTheFisherman referenced MacBook Pro 13-inch - Technical Specifications - Apple

stating that it will only support the internal monitor and one external.

This is not true. I have connected my MacBook Pro M1 (2020) to a Targus Docking station and have used two external monitors successfully. (https://us.targus.com/products/usb-c-universal-dv4k-docking-station-with-60w-power-dock180usz) Why am I unable to use a J5create JCA366 to do the same They both connect via USB-C. (https://en.j5create.com/products/jca366).

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.3

Posted on Apr 27, 2022 12:58 PM

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Answer 1

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Grant Bennet-Alder

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Apr 27, 2022 1:41 PM in response to Mrsbf

The Targus uses DisplayLink, which creates a "fake" display buffer in RAM, and sends it out to the stunt-box using ordinary interfaces, where it is put back onto a "legacy" display interface by custom chips. That can be acceptable for slow-to-change data like program listings, spreadsheets, and even stock quotes, but not for anything that moves, and definitely not for gaming.

The j5Create does not use DisplayLink, and has footnotes in its product description that say its Multi-Monitor Assistant software is Windows ONLY.

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Answer 2

Mrsbf Author

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Apr 28, 2022 9:00 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you. I thought I was losing my mind trying to figure out why I could do it at work but not at home. with my MacBook Pro 2020. ( Home = J5 JCA366 | Work = Targus) It was very frustrating. I guess now I have to use my 2017 MacBook Pro with the J5 at home and the 2020 MacBook Pro at work. That was a full Apple miss on this new model. Thank you again Grant Bennet-Alder.

By the way:

I am able to use MB 2020 with the Targus and view movies, and video games. I have been able to have a movie running on one external monitor and play games on the other external monitor
I am able to use the J5 on my MacBook 2017 with two external monitors. J5 Downloads the mac drivers for the "USB Display Device" (https://en.j5create.com/products/jca366) This allows at least the older MacBook Pro to run two external monitors.

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Answer 3

Apr 28, 2022 9:12 AM in response to Mrsbf

RE: can watch a movie AND play a game using the adapter at work

--> we will contact your boss to get you more to do

RE: can connect two displays to my MacBook Pro 2017

Yes, that Mac has more display generator hardware, and inherently supports more displays than the 13-in MacBook Pro "original" M1 [which is limited to ONE external display].

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Macbook Pro M1 only detecting the first monitor to be plugged

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