2020 M1 MBA as "desktop" computer – suitable?

[Cassady]

Would be very appreciative of hearing from someone who has gone this route!

Looking to replace my 2015 15" MBP with 16GB 1TB. 80% of the time, I have it plugged in as a desktop, to two external Dell 1080p 24" external monitors. I am particularly appreciative of the left (2 x TB; 1 x USB3) and right (1 x HDMI; 1 x USB3) configuration, since my work and office setup is sligthly different – and I can plug things in from both sides.

For various reasons, the 2020 M1 MBA is looking like the likely replacement – the 2021 14" MBP will most likely be overkill for my needs (and it's damn expensive this side, after Apple tax). That, and the performance advantage offered by the 2020 M1 MBP over the MBA, is arguably negligible (for my needs).

QUESTION:

Since the MBA will presumably not be able to sit for too long with my peripherals plugged in without power (surely they contribute to drain?) – would I then effectively be limited to whatever externals I can manage via the sole-remaining TB port (since one is being used to charge the MBA)?

So, it's dongle town, but pretty much only via the single TB port? Or is the battery life of the new M1 so remarkable that even with peripherals plugged in at one's desk, you can happily leave it unplugged for long stretches of the day?

 

[stinkhorn9]

Would be very appreciative of hearing from someone who has gone this route!

Looking to replace my 2015 15" MBP with 16GB 1TB. 80% of the time, I have it plugged in as a desktop, to two external Dell 1080p 24" external monitors. I am particularly appreciative of the left (2 x TB; 1 x USB3) and right (1 x HDMI; 1 x USB3) configuration, since my work and office setup is sligthly different – and I can plug things in from both sides.

For various reasons, the 2020 M1 MBA is looking like the likely replacement – the 2021 14" MBP will most likely be overkill for my needs (and it's damn expensive this side, after Apple tax). That, and the performance advantage offered by the 2020 M1 MBP over the MBA, is arguably negligible (for my needs).

QUESTION:

Since the MBA will presumably not be able to sit for too long with my peripherals plugged in without power (surely they contribute to drain?) – would I then effectively be limited to whatever externals I can manage via the sole-remaining TB port (since one is being used to charge the MBA)?

So, it's dongle town, but pretty much only via the single TB port? Or is the battery life of the new M1 so remarkable that even with peripherals plugged in at one's desk, you can happily leave it unplugged for long stretches of the day?

Interesting question (I’m looking at getting an M1 Air)…. I believe you can get docks (I think they’re called) that offer a range of connectivity but that also charge the MacBook merely by dint of being connected (they’d therefore need to be powered themselves…): therefore in that scenario you’d even get by with just one TB port. Whether or not more than one external monitor is supported in this scenario though - I don’t know.

 

[Cassady]

Only just started waking up to the fact that only a single external monitor is natively supported on the M1 MBA?

As someone heavily reliant on 2x 1080p 24” Dell monitors (landscape and vertically oriented), this is very unfortunate. Not sure I could justify getting the MBA under those circumstances. Reading up on options at the moment, which will hopefully allay my concerns…

 

[Sullivan0930]

i use my 2020 m1 MBA as a desktop setup. i run a 27in 2k display and a 20in 1080p secondary. I use this dock that provides power, multiple display inputs, more USB, and only takes up 1 thunderbolt.

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[Cassady]

i use my 2020 m1 MBA as a desktop setup. i run a 27in 2k display and a 20in 1080p secondary. I use this dock that provides power, multiple display inputs, more USB, and only takes up 1 thunderbolt.

j5create USB-C Triple Display Docking Station Black JCD543 - Best Buy

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Thanks. This is helpful. Do you leave the MBA plugged in then/on power through the other port for most of the day/when in “desktop mode”?

 

[wonderings]

Why would you not plug the MBA when using and connecting to external monitors? They will obviously have to be powered, not sure why you would want to run on battery power for the laptop itself.

 

[Cassady]

Why would you not plug the MBA when using and connecting to external monitors? They will obviously have to be powered, not sure why you would want to run on battery power for the laptop itself.

Monitors are powered, as are the external HDDs – but just wanted to confirm that most using the MBA as a desktop, have one port dedicated to power, and essentially only work of the other with a dongle/dock.

 

[Sullivan0930]

Thanks. This is helpful. Do you leave the MBA plugged in then/on power through the other port for most of the day/when in “desktop mode”?

The dock provides power. So when you have it plugged in you are getting constant power, whatever video outputs you use, everything. 1 usbc used on your MBA to do everything. As long as you plug a power source into the dock you are good to go. My MBA charger is connected into the USBC on the dock.

 

[Cassady]

The dock provides power. So when you have it plugged in you are getting constant power, whatever video outputs you use, everything. 1 usbc used on your MBA to do everything. As long as you plug a power source into the dock you are good to go. My MBA charger is connected into the USBC on the dock.

I did not realise that – very good to hear. Obviously dependent then on the particular dock one purchases, but this makes things easier. Thanks!

 

[Neverless]

I'm using mine with a single Samsung 32" 4k monitor. The monitor is connected through a USB C cable that also charges my Mac. So, is a very minimalistic setup. The 4k monitor is as close as it gets to a retina display.
The monitor sits above my MacBook and this makes it very convenient to work on both. I don't need another monitor as this is sufficient for my needs. If I need to have more windows, I can split screen for two apps on the 32 monitor. I recommend the magnet app for easy splitting.
I use my Mac for heavy work, for web dev and UX design, and never felt it was slow.
I had before another M1 with 8gb of ram but that wasn't sufficient at all for me. I've upgraded to 16gb and now is more than enough.

 

[Fishrrman]

Perhaps it's just me, but I would NOT consider a MacBook Air to be a suitable "replacement" for a desktop Mac.

First off, not enough ports.

If you want "a desktop", then BUY a desktop Mac.
iMac or perhaps Mac Mini.

Perhaps the 24" m1 iMac would do for you.
Or an m1 Mini.

If it was me, I'd wait a few more months for the new larger-display iMac that's coming soon, or perhaps the m1pro Mini (also rumored to be coming soon).

 

[apparatchik]

Why not go with an M1 Mac Mini + something else for the 20% of the time you need to be mobile?

I've using MBAs in clamshell desktop mode for the most part of the last decade, writing this on one hooked up to a 32" monitor right now. I've been so much in desktop mode the last few years (around 95% of the time), that my next computer will be the still-to-be-announced high-end Mac Mini.

I'll either keep my current Intel MBA for when on the go or I'll just bring a Mac Mini + iPad as a monitor combo when mobile.

There are several neat setups where you can make the Mac Mini + iPad option work, even when there's no power outlet around. You'll also have an iPad alone for lighter tasks like email, video conferencing and such. The iPad's also have amazing displays.

The Mac Mini already supports two monitors out of the box (no dongle needed), has ethernet, has a fan, so better sustained performance, and it can be had for as little as $550-600 if you shop around.

 

[stinkhorn9]

i use my 2020 m1 MBA as a desktop setup. i run a 27in 2k display and a 20in 1080p secondary. I use this dock that provides power, multiple display inputs, more USB, and only takes up 1 thunderbolt.

j5create USB-C Triple Display Docking Station Black JCD543 - Best Buy

Shop j5create USB-C Triple Display Docking Station Black at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.

www.bestbuy.com

I’m no expert, but that looks like a great bargain!

 

[lybentius]

I use my M1 MBA as a desktop 90% of the time with it in clamshell mode and one external monitor. I can confirm that battery life is stellar. I’m using Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter so I can charge and connect my display and another USB-A peripheral with one port.

 

[wonderings]

Perhaps it's just me, but I would NOT consider a MacBook Air to be a suitable "replacement" for a desktop Mac.

First off, not enough ports.

If you want "a desktop", then BUY a desktop Mac.
iMac or perhaps Mac Mini.

Perhaps the 24" m1 iMac would do for you.
Or an m1 Mini.

If it was me, I'd wait a few more months for the new larger-display iMac that's coming soon, or perhaps the m1pro Mini (also rumored to be coming soon).

It depends on what you are doing with the computer. No issue with a MacBook Air for a desktop machine if your needs are not heavy. It can give you the best of both worlds, dock it at work, work on a big screen with a full size proper keyboard and mouse, when you need it disconnect and work portable. I used a MacBook Pro for years this way with no complaints.

 

[jgdeschamps]

Would be very appreciative of hearing from someone who has gone this route!

Looking to replace my 2015 15" MBP with 16GB 1TB. 80% of the time, I have it plugged in as a desktop, to two external Dell 1080p 24" external monitors. I am particularly appreciative of the left (2 x TB; 1 x USB3) and right (1 x HDMI; 1 x USB3) configuration, since my work and office setup is sligthly different – and I can plug things in from both sides.

For various reasons, the 2020 M1 MBA is looking like the likely replacement – the 2021 14" MBP will most likely be overkill for my needs (and it's damn expensive this side, after Apple tax). That, and the performance advantage offered by the 2020 M1 MBP over the MBA, is arguably negligible (for my needs).

QUESTION:

Since the MBA will presumably not be able to sit for too long with my peripherals plugged in without power (surely they contribute to drain?) – would I then effectively be limited to whatever externals I can manage via the sole-remaining TB port (since one is being used to charge the MBA)?

So, it's dongle town, but pretty much only via the single TB port? Or is the battery life of the new M1 so remarkable that even with peripherals plugged in at one's desk, you can happily leave it unplugged for long stretches of the day?

I now have purchased two M1 MacBook Airs. One for my daughter and one for myself. She still does online schooling (7am to 2pm,) does homework and some Apple Arcade gaming from time to time, and she charges her MBA every day and a half, online classes video streaming and all. No devices attached. Though I cannot give you exact info regarding her battery percentages.
I use mine for work (AutoCAD LT, very large Excel spreadsheets for construction project bids, e-mail) and for my music recording hobby at home. And that second part is where you get some answers to your question: I connect two types of audio interfaces: a USB-powered Presonus Audiobox 96, and a Behringer UMC404HD powered by its own power adapter. I don't use dongles, I just replaced my regular printer-type USB cables for new ones with USB-C connectors on one end. But let's talk about the USB powered interface... when I use the Presonus Audiobox, along with a Launchpad X MIDI controller, both completely powered by the MBA's USB ports, I've noticed that for a 2 hour session using Logic Pro with guitar, bass and drum plugins (native and third party,) and 48V phantom power turned on when using microphones, it consumes just a bit more energy than an equivalent 2 hour office work load (and by the way, the MBA can load literally 10 times more Logic Pro plugins than my previous Intel MBA and iMacs.) That amounts to about 12% to 15% of battery charge, again, for two hours of usage with the MBA powering two external devices and display brightness set to automatic. That would set it to about 14 hours (give or take) of battery life powering two external devices. On average, that would take up around 7% of battery charge per hour.
There have been times when I don't do music playing/recording at night, only office work, and charge the MBA every two days when it reaches 20% or 25% battery charge. I easily use it 7 hours a day at the office. When I charge it, I let it go up to 85% or 90% max. So I'm getting on average 14 hours of usage on a 65% charge cycle, display set at 40% brightness. That takes it up to a tad higher than 4% battery charge per hour for regular internet browsing, mail, spreadsheets and some light CAD work.
Hope it helps.

 

[stinkhorn9]

I now have purchased two M1 MacBook Airs. One for my daughter and one for myself. She still does online schooling (7am to 2pm,) does homework and some Apple Arcade gaming from time to time, and she charges her MBA every day and a half, online classes video streaming and all. No devices attached. Though I cannot give you exact info regarding her battery percentages.
I use mine for work (AutoCAD LT, very large Excel spreadsheets for construction project bids, e-mail) and for my music recording hobby at home. And that second part is where you get some answers to your question: I connect two types of audio interfaces: a USB-powered Presonus Audiobox 96, and a Behringer UMC404HD powered by its own power adapter. I don't use dongles, I just replaced my regular printer-type USB cables for new ones with USB-C connectors on one end. But let's talk about the USB powered interface... when I use the Presonus Audiobox, along with a Launchpad X MIDI controller, both completely powered by the MBA's USB ports, I've noticed that for a 2 hour session using Logic Pro with guitar, bass and drum plugins (native and third party,) and 48V phantom power turned on when using microphones, it consumes just a bit more energy than an equivalent 2 hour office work load (and by the way, the MBA can load literally 10 times more Logic Pro plugins than my previous Intel MBA and iMacs.) That amounts to about 12% to 15% of battery charge, again, for two hours of usage with the MBA powering two external devices and display brightness set to automatic. That would set it to about 14 hours (give or take) of battery life powering two external devices. On average, that would take up around 7% of battery charge per hour.
There have been times when I don't do music playing/recording at night, only office work, and charge the MBA every two days when it reaches 20% or 25% battery charge. I easily use it 7 hours a day at the office. When I charge it, I let it go up to 85% or 90% max. So I'm getting on average 14 hours of usage on a 65% charge cycle, display set at 40% brightness. That takes it up to a tad higher than 4% battery charge per hour for regular internet browsing, mail, spreadsheets and some light CAD work.
Hope it helps.

Interesting to seee that you use your MBA for Logic Pro - how is it handling it? And what spec is the machine?

 

[Mactech20]

Only just started waking up to the fact that only a single external monitor is natively supported on the M1 MBA?

As someone heavily reliant on 2x 1080p 24” Dell monitors (landscape and vertically oriented), this is very unfortunate. Not sure I could justify getting the MBA under those circumstances. Reading up on options at the moment, which will hopefully allay my concerns…

I do Apple support for a smaller University. I have used a couple of the adapters that allow the M1's to run two external displays but imo it isn't really worth it. Just spend the extra to get the 14 inch MacBook Pro. You will then avoid any future headaches to the adapter when macOS updates come out. Plus you won't be hamstrung to two ports.

Bottom line is: MacBook Air would work, but two monitors isn't officially supported by Apple and thats a deal breaker for me.

 

[hollowsocket]

If you need two big monitors, I agree with others above that you should bite the bullet and get Mac Mini + MBA for mobile, or 14"/16" MBP.

My set up is going to be using the MBA M1 as my keyboard (not clamshell) with a mouse and an generic 4k external monitor. Not as much real estate, but the smaller screen with the MBA will allow me to run file management and other management software on the smaller screen, with larger Office and .pdf type files on the 27" (two windows side-by-side often).

 

[jgdeschamps]

Interesting to seee that you use your MBA for Logic Pro - how is it handling it? And what spec is the machine?

The entry level one, with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD.
Performance is excellent with all Logic Pro plugins. Depending on sampling rate, heavy-load plugins like Amp Designer barely reach 7%@48KHz CPU loads for stereo instances. My previous Intel MBA went up to 25 to 30%@48KHz on mono instances. Alchemy barely reaches 2% CPU loads on analog lead patches. Vintage and regular EQs, compressors, limiters, etc. barely reach any CPU usage at all (and these are the most important for recording and mixing duties.) Chromaverb can go anywhere from 4% up to 11% on very crazy patches. Logic's HD performance meter has not registered any load since I use the M1 MBA. I've only seen (ir)regular performance for third party plugins or DAWs that are not optimized for the M1 architecture. For example, I own three Neural DSP non-M1 plugins (Cory Wong, Gojira and Parallax) and CPU performance wasn't a dramatic change. Instead of using 25% loads, they use 18% loads, regardless if Logic is in native M1 or Rosetta start up mode. Still, very usable since I only use Parallax along either Wong or Gojira. But on the other hand, software like Ableton Live 11, used to place a 3% load by itself sitting idle on the MBA with the Intel CPU. On the M1 MBA, it uses a 30% CPU load constantly doing nothing. If you load any plugin, it jumps to +60% loads.
EDIT: By the way, these are unplugged CPU loads... so the M1 MBA is running completely on its battery. I know it's no Mac Pro, but it's not bad at all.

 

[Sullivan0930]

I’m no expert, but that looks like a great bargain!

yeah i mean its not a top brand or anything but ive had 0 issues in the year ive been using it.

 

[stinkhorn9]

The entry level one, with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD.
Performance is excellent with all Logic Pro plugins. Depending on sampling rate, heavy-load plugins like Amp Designer barely reach 7%@48KHz CPU loads for stereo instances. My previous Intel MBA went up to 25 to 30%@48KHz on mono instances. Alchemy barely reaches 2% CPU loads on analog lead patches. Vintage and regular EQs, compressors, limiters, etc. barely reach any CPU usage at all (and these are the most important for recording and mixing duties.) Chromaverb can go anywhere from 4% up to 11% on very crazy patches. Logic's HD performance meter has not registered any load since I use the M1 MBA. I've only seen (ir)regular performance for third party plugins or DAWs that are not optimized for the M1 architecture. For example, I own three Neural DSP non-M1 plugins (Cory Wong, Gojira and Parallax) and CPU performance wasn't a dramatic change. Instead of using 25% loads, they use 18% loads, regardless if Logic is in native M1 or Rosetta start up mode. Still, very usable since I only use Parallax along either Wong or Gojira. But on the other hand, software like Ableton Live 11, used to place a 3% load by itself sitting idle on the MBA with the Intel CPU. On the M1 MBA, it uses a 30% CPU load constantly doing nothing. If you load any plugin, it jumps to +60% loads.
EDIT: By the way, these are unplugged CPU loads... so the M1 MBA is running completely on its battery. I know it's no Mac Pro, but it's not bad at all.

That’s really encouraging! I’ve been mulling over the 14” M1Pro Vs a base M1 Air + slightly specced up M1 Mini choice (which would more closely resemble my current situation) - each scenario for roughly the same cost - and perhaps even just the Air would do! (Though I’d perhaps spec it up a little if there were no second machine.)

 

[jgdeschamps]

Live 11.1 is M1 native since mid-February. Regular session on my M1 MBA Air using from 8 to 16 tracks (Live Intro version here) goes somewhere between 25% up to 75% CPU usage, depending on which instruments/effects you use. Definitely not as optimized as it used to be on Intel CPUs, but at least it doesn't jump to 60%+ CPU usage when using two tracks under Rosetta like the previous non-native version. Logic is still the DAW of choice for M1 Macs (if you go by CPU performance vs. track and plugin count.) I'll update a couple Wave plugins this weekend to native M1 versions to check how those behave and will post back with results.

Edited, March 16th 2022: The following is not exaggeration nor Apple Kool-Aid drinking side effects... After updating Logic Pro to yesterday's release (March the 15th 2022, v.10.7.3,) Amp Designer CPU loads improved dramatically. If you check out my previous post from December 9th, 2021, I was experiencing loads of roughly 7% when using Amp Designer at 24bit @ 48KHz resolution/sampling rates. It went down to barely 2% loads. If I increase sampling rates to 192KHz, it's reaching 6% CPU loads (1% less than the past version at 48KHz.) Again, this is for Amp Designer and a Behringer UMC404HD USB interface with my entry level MBA. The update states it includes optimizations for the M1 Max and M1 Ultra processors, but I think they optimized way more than that, and the regular M1 chips are taking advantage of it too. Mac Studio is definitely a beast for pro audio. Will probably have CPU loads of maybe around 2% or less for intensive modeler or sampler plugins optimized for Apple Silicon, at very high sampling rates.