My MacBook Air 2022 (M2) is connected to an Apple Studio Display via Thunderbolt. I have an additional Dell monitor I would like to connect for a second monitor. I can connect it via a USB-C Connection and it displays image, but won't work at the same time with the Studio Display. I think I need a display device, but I don't know what to use.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.2
SteveL7 wrote:
The things I was reading acknowledged that the M2 could only support one monitor, but they presented the docking station as a workaround.
There are workarounds that add second-class display outputs – but no workarounds which add, or can add, first-class hardware-supported ones.
Examples of such would be the DisplayLink dual-HDMI adapters from OWC and SonnetTech, and the DisplayLink dual-DisplayPort adapters from SonnetTech. These involve having third-party software set up virtual displays on your computer. The software periodically sends out compressed updates (using the vendor's proprietary format) to a "magic decoder" chip set in the adapter/hub/dock. The chip set unpacks the video into a more regular form, to drive HDMI or DisplayPort monitors. (Note: despite the similarity in names, DisplayLink is a different thing from DisplayPort.)
There may be artifacts and lags if you try to use these adapters for fast-changing high-resolution content. (Even the vendors may tell you that these adapters are not the best solution for playing high-end games.)
If Apple releases an update to macOS that breaks the third-party software, you'll be dependent on the vendor (or their technology partner) to update that software.
If you try to play DRMed video from commercial streaming services, you might also run into an issue where DRM throws a hissy fit and refuses to let you play video as long as the extra monitors are attached.
SteveL7 wrote:
The things I was reading acknowledged that the M2 could only support one monitor, but they presented the docking station as a workaround.
There are workarounds that add second-class display outputs – but no workarounds which add, or can add, first-class hardware-supported ones.
Examples of such would be the DisplayLink dual-HDMI adapters from OWC and SonnetTech, and the DisplayLink dual-DisplayPort adapters from SonnetTech. These involve having third-party software set up virtual displays on your computer. The software periodically sends out compressed updates (using the vendor's proprietary format) to a "magic decoder" chip set in the adapter/hub/dock. The chip set unpacks the video into a more regular form, to drive HDMI or DisplayPort monitors. (Note: despite the similarity in names, DisplayLink is a different thing from DisplayPort.)
There may be artifacts and lags if you try to use these adapters for fast-changing high-resolution content. (Even the vendors may tell you that these adapters are not the best solution for playing high-end games.)
If Apple releases an update to macOS that breaks the third-party software, you'll be dependent on the vendor (or their technology partner) to update that software.
If you try to play DRMed video from commercial streaming services, you might also run into an issue where DRM throws a hissy fit and refuses to let you play video as long as the extra monitors are attached.
SteveL7 wrote:
Thanks. That wasn't the news I was hoping for. A lot of misinformation out on the web.
Yes there is a lot of misinformation on the Internet. The Apple specifications for the M2 Macs clearly state that one external display is supported.
MacBook Air 13- and 15-inch with M2 - Tech Specs - Apple
SteveL7 wrote:
The things I was reading acknowledged that the M2 could only support one monitor, but they presented the docking station as a workaround.
I suppose they're getting their information from the web also.
They should use this site more often:
BobTheFisherman wrote:
How many displays can be connected to MacBook Pro - Apple Support
"Using a hub or daisy-chaining displays doesn't
increase the maximum number of displays that you can connect. Connect
the display with the highest resolution first."
Your model Mac supports one external monitor. Adding docks or adapters will not increase that number.
John Galt wrote:
Well, you've come to the right place. Sometimes it seems like it's the world's best kept secret though.
If I'm not mistaken I don't believe any model MBA ever supported more than one external monitor.
That's true for MacBook Airs with Apple Silicon processors. The 2018 – 2020 ones with Intel processors could drive two monitors with up to 4K resolution, or a single 5K monitor.
Well, you've come to the right place. Sometimes it seems like it's the world's best kept secret though.
If I'm not mistaken I don't believe any model MBA ever supported more than one external monitor. That's a key distinction between the MBA and MacBook Pro.
SteveL7 wrote:
The things I was reading acknowledged that the M2 could only support one monitor, but they presented the docking station as a workaround.
Probably posts by sellers/makers of docking stations.
The things I was reading acknowledged that the M2 could only support one monitor, but they presented the docking station as a workaround.
Thanks. That wasn't the news I was hoping for. A lot of misinformation out on the web.
This is very helpful information.
Connect MacBookAir 2022 (M2) to two external monitors
