How to set up desk with dual monitors. 2023 MBP

[t76turbo]

My work situation is evolving and I need to get a desk with dual monitors instead of just using the laptop by itself.

I bought a MacBook Pro a handful of months ago (M3 Pro). My first Mac ever.

Just curious what is the best way to set up a desk with the MBP, dual monitors, speakers ( I think the speakers I have now have a headphone jack for input), and probably a mic. (will probably use an apple keyboard and mouse which I assume are bluetooth). Might have to add an external camera for meetings as well. I will NOT be using the monitor built into the MBP while using at the desk.

Is it easiest to just plug peripherals into the MBP directly plus maybe a usb-c hub or similar?
Or would it be better to get a docking station and everything goes to it?

 

[Bigwaff]

Is it easiest to just plug peripherals into the MBP directly plus maybe a usb-c hub or similar?
Or would it be better to get a docking station and everything goes to it?

Yes. One monitor via USB-C or Thunderbolt and the other via HDMI, connected directly to your MBP. Docking station is personal preference, but if you want two displays connected to docking station, the type of dock (Thunderbolt or USB) you need may be determined by the specs of your displays.

How many displays can be connected to MacBook Pro - Apple Support

The number of external displays that you can use at the same time depends on your Mac model and the resolution and refresh rate of each display.

support.apple.com

 

[ChrisA]

My work situation is evolving and I need to get a desk with dual monitors instead of just using the laptop by itself.

I bought a MacBook Pro a handful of months ago (M3 Pro). My first Mac ever.

Just curious what is the best way to set up a desk with the MBP, dual monitors, speakers ( I think the speakers I have now have a headphone jack for input), and probably a mic. (will probably use an apple keyboard and mouse which I assume are bluetooth). Might have to add an external camera for meetings as well. I will NOT be using the monitor built into the MBP while using at the desk.

Is it easiest to just plug peripherals into the MBP directly plus maybe a usb-c hub or similar?
Or would it be better to get a docking station and everything goes to it?

""two monitors" could mean that one of the monitors is the MBP's built-in screen. You could do that or you could run the MBP in "clamshell mode" (with the lid shut). If you do that then you can find a nice stand that will mount the MBP in end, hinge-side down so it take less space on the desk.

If you do buy a wireless keyboard and trackpad (The Apple trackpad is very good, better even than the one on the MBP.) then do remember that every few days you will need to charge one of them, so plan to keep at leat one USB part open for that.

As for a camera, almost any camera with a USB connection can be used as a webcam. Spend whatever you need to to get the quality you like. But about quality. "lighting matters more then anything." A light that is physically large is best. The larger it is the softer is the light. Then comes sound. The #1 rule of microphones is "The closer the better" so clipped to your shirt sounds much better then on the camera, because it is like 3X closer. which dramatically reduces ambient noise. It depends on the quality you are after.

 

[mmkerc]

The solution Bigwaff suggested will work fine assuming you will not be disconnecting your MBP frequently. Pluggin in and out with all your accessories gets old fast. There was a company, Henge, that made true docking stations for Macs I do not believe they have any for the new M-series units and their hub docks (at least in 2020) required and HDMI adapter.

I would look at getting a hub if you do disconnect frequently, suggest either the Belkin TB4 Pro, or the CalDigit TB 4. Both are pricey but if you have a lot of peripheral devices, I think it's worth it.

 

[t76turbo]

""two monitors" could mean that one of the monitors is the MBP's built-in screen. You could do that or you could run the MBP in "clamshell mode" (with the lid shut). If you do that then you can find a nice stand that will mount the MBP in end, hinge-side down so it take less space on the desk.

If you do buy a wireless keyboard and trackpad (The Apple trackpad is very good, better even than the one on the MBP.) then do remember that every few days you will need to charge one of them, so plan to keep at leat one USB part open for that.

As for a camera, almost any camera with a USB connection can be used as a webcam. Spend whatever you need to to get the quality you like. But about quality. "lighting matters more then anything." A light that is physically large is best. The larger it is the softer is the light. Then comes sound. The #1 rule of microphones is "The closer the better" so clipped to your shirt sounds much better then on the camera, because it is like 3X closer. which dramatically reduces ambient noise. It depends on the quality you are after.

Thank you for all the detail.

Definitely will be using 2 external monitors and not using the monitor on the laptop when sitting at the desk.

Good point on the accessories. I was thinking an Apple 'magic' mouse and 'magic' keyboard. Never used them before but might as well jump into the Apple hardware. Wasn't thinking about using the trackpad but might consider that.

Also good point on the camera and lighting etc..... Can you just plug those things into ports on monitors or a usb hub? Monitors I am looking at are from Asus. ProArt 27". I dont need super high end. So dont need the Apple ones. The Asus monitors have the following connections: 'Extensive connectivity including DP over USB-C with 90W Power Delivery, DisplayPort, HDMI and USB hub'

 

[t76turbo]

The solution Bigwaff suggested will work fine assuming you will not be disconnecting your MBP frequently. Pluggin in and out with all your accessories gets old fast. There was a company, Henge, that made true docking stations for Macs I do not believe they have any for the new M-series units and their hub docks (at least in 2020) required and HDMI adapter.

I would look at getting a hub if you do disconnect frequently, suggest either the Belkin TB4 Pro, or the CalDigit TB 4. Both are pricey but if you have a lot of peripheral devices, I think it's worth it.

I do think I will disconnect it semi frequently. Not multiple times a day but probably a couple times a week. Thank you for the recommendations on docks. Will look those up. Thank you.

 

[roman.stapunov]

Also good point on the camera and lighting etc..... Can you just plug those things into ports on monitors or a usb hub?

Yes, it will work if you connect mac to monitor via type-c (dp/pd) on monitor

 

[icanhazmac]

Highly personalized choices that are endless so take in what others have said and see what fits you best.

My setup:

MBP in clamshell
2x 1440 Dell monitors each usbc to displayport
Speakers BT
Logitech MX Keys BT
Logitech MX Master 3s BT

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/post-your-mac-setup-past-present-part-20.1772959/page-167?post=30912283#post-30912283