I regret getting a Mac

[Fomalhaut]

The M1 MacBook Air can connect to only *one* external display.

...unless you use DisplayLink as the OP is doing.

I've used a DisplayLink dock with a couple of computer and the quality is pretty good (even for things like video editing). However, I did find it quite finnicky with reliability - sometimes monitors wouldn't wake-up, or rescale, or reposition windows (swapping desktops). In short, it's not fool-proof and is not the best solution if you have other options. Unfortunately, the 2020 M1 MBA and MBP don't have any other options for multiple displays.

 

[Fomalhaut]

I don't mean to be rude or anything, but I've said it so many times that it worked on Big Sur and the thing is none of the GreenCell USB hubs I bought are working either.

I still think you've got the wrong idea about who has the responsibility here. 3rd parties are building stuff to run on Apple hardware. The 3rd parties need to follow Apple, who can publish their changes to allow vendors to support Apple hardware and software.

How could Apple possibly make their software backwards compatible with hundreds or thousands of 3rd party vendors who may have be using different implentations that may or may not comply with the Apple standards?

Apple should strive to make the job easier for vendors by publishing specs, APIs, and release notes with changes, and they should avoid making changes that will force vendor upgrades, at least without giving them sufficient notice of the changes, but they are not ultimately responsible.

Typically, software implementation is abstracted by APIs so that the interface for users can stay the same (or at least be compatible). I suspect that this model doesn't work for low-level drivers, and might well depend on other software standards that Apple doesn't control (e.g. USB protocols).

One reason to avoid cheaper peripherals is not the quality of the hardware, but the quality of the software, and the costs involved in hiring good software engineers.

 

[Bandaman]

MONITORS WORK!

THE USB DEVICES DO NOT WORK, EVEN IF ONE IS CONNECTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​

Yelling doesn't change the fact that you need to buy a dock that doesn't suck.

Seriously ... either downgrade to Big Sur or buy another dock.

 

[Isamilis]

Hey!
The last year I got myself a MacBook Air M1 and I was really impressed with it. After upgrading to macOS 12 I started facing so many issues that I'm almost going insane here.
I am so tired of nothing working. I connect my docking station to my MacBook (even downloaded the drivers) and everything appeared to work.
After the reboot all of my USB devices stopped working. Everything works just fine on my Windows PCs.

Also, everything worked perfectly in Big Sur. I even downloaded DisplayLink manager for macOS 12 specifically.

I am really disappointed in Apple, really. I have never faced such issues before. Even with Lion that people just hated and called it buggy I never had SUCH issues.

If it runs well on Big Sur (previously) you can remove Monterey and install again Big Sur. Don’t forget to backup your data.

 

[iHorseHead]

If it runs well on Big Sur (previously) you can remove Monterey and install again Big Sur. Don’t forget to backup your data.

I can't backup my data because I can't connect external hard drives, so cloud is the only option, I guess.

 

[Bandaman]

I can't backup my data because I can't connect external hard drives, so cloud is the only option, I guess.

Dude, just get a USB-C to USB 3 dongle or whatever it is you need to connect an external drive: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Adapter-Converts-Technology-Compatible/dp/B01COOQIKU/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1DVOGNJUGUGII&keywords=usb+3+to+usb+c+dongle&qid=1639730654&sprefix=usb+3+to+usb+c+dongl,aps,115&sr=8-4

You're overcomplicating this more than anyone in the history of ever.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Delete

 

[cupcakes2000]

I can't backup my data because I can't connect external hard drives, so cloud is the only option, I guess.

So you can’t connect a hard disk directly? Maybe there is a hardware issue with your MacBook that has coincided with the update. Have you verified the ports work with other devices?

 

[Jorbanead]

I can't backup my data because I can't connect external hard drives, so cloud is the only option, I guess.

I think one problem with this thread is it’s still not clear what your issue really is. Can you not plug an external drive into your Mac directly?

 

[Fomalhaut]

I can't backup my data because I can't connect external hard drives, so cloud is the only option, I guess.

Why can't you just connect your drives to the Mac's USB ports? Don't use the dock / hub.

 

[xxray]

This thread is gross. OP comes in with a frustrating problem and then just has people telling him he’s/she’s in the wrong, I have no issues on macOS so it doesn’t matter if you have issues, this is just a conspiracy to hate on Mac since you used Windows before, just use Windows then, etc.

Super ridiculous and rude, and I don’t know how people are lacking in empathy so much. OP, I’m sorry for the macOS issues and people you’re putting up with in this thread. I know how frustrating it can be to have the tech you use everyday just not work.

 

[Bandaman]

This thread is gross. OP comes in with a frustrating problem and then just has people telling him he’s/she’s in the wrong, I have no issues on macOS so it doesn’t matter if you have issues, this is just a conspiracy to hate on Mac since you used Windows before, just use Windows then, etc.

Super ridiculous and rude, and I don’t know how people are lacking in empathy so much. OP, I’m sorry for the macOS issues and people you’re putting up with in this thread. I know how frustrating it can be to have the tech you use everyday just not work.

He's ignoring literally any and all advice in here. That's what's ridiculous. He's been offered many solutions. He ignores all of them and just blames Apple instead of troubleshooting.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

In my personal opinion life is too short to get upset with technology that isn't doing what it's supposed to or what you're expecting. It's simply not worth it.

Big Sur is still fully supported by Apple, and will be for another almost two years. Have you considered downgrading again if your Big Sur experience was so much better?

This philosophy of life is well known by most of us i reckon,yet we still complain and get pissed when something doesn't work ....If you allow me i think I'll print your post so that Everytime I have a big bug i can look at the paper on my wall and think "eh,it's just something outside of me "

 

[project_2501]

This thread is gross. OP comes in with a frustrating problem and then just has people telling him he’s/she’s in the wrong, I have no issues on macOS so it doesn’t matter if you have issues, this is just a conspiracy to hate on Mac since you used Windows before, just use Windows then, etc.

Super ridiculous and rude, and I don’t know how people are lacking in empathy so much. OP, I’m sorry for the macOS issues and people you’re putting up with in this thread. I know how frustrating it can be to have the tech you use everyday just not work.

Agreed.

 

[Fomalhaut]

I think one problem with this thread is it’s still not clear what your issue really is. Can you not plug an external drive into your Mac directly?

The thread started with the wrong premise - right from the choice of title (designed for click-bait?). The OP wants something to work the way they expect, and is frustrated by the fact that Apple doesn't meet their (incorrect) assumptions about how things should work.

We still don't clearly know what the OP is trying to connect to (models numbers, connection diagram etc.) and exactly what the issues, errors are.

Let's see the USB details in the MacOS system report, output from "ioreg -p IOUSB ".

There is some very muddled thinking going on.....

 

[iHorseHead]

So you can’t connect a hard disk directly? Maybe there is a hardware issue with your MacBook that has coincided with the update. Have you verified the ports work with other devices?

Yes, everything works on other devices. All the hard drives and my keyboard, but not on my M1 MacBook Air. Even the USB hubs that I bought don't work

 

[iHorseHead]

I think one problem with this thread is it’s still not clear what your issue really is. Can you not plug an external drive into your Mac directly?

No, none of the USB devices work. My headphones won't even charge, but once I plug my docking station in a PC everything works perfectly.
On a Mac only the external displays sometimes work and my MacBook chargers.

 

[Fomalhaut]

This thread is gross. OP comes in with a frustrating problem and then just has people telling him he’s/she’s in the wrong, I have no issues on macOS so it doesn’t matter if you have issues, this is just a conspiracy to hate on Mac since you used Windows before, just use Windows then, etc.

Super ridiculous and rude, and I don’t know how people are lacking in empathy so much. OP, I’m sorry for the macOS issues and people you’re putting up with in this thread. I know how frustrating it can be to have the tech you use everyday just not work.

Well, the OP shouldn't have started with the inflammatory title "I regret getting a Mac", and launched into a blame-game rather than a concise explanation of their problem, their configuration and what they have tried to resolve it, before asking the wider audience (courteously) for their help and advice.

They appear to be fixated on their frustration, rather than prsenting the problem in detail.

These questions need to be written like a technical support case:

1) Overview of the problem area, and what they are trying to do
2) The configuration that they have (device, models numbers, connections)
3) The issues / errors that they are seeing
4) What they have tried in an attempt to resolve the issue.

This format is far more likely to engage the inquisitive minds on the forum and provide some suggestions.

 

[iHorseHead]

He's ignoring literally any and all advice in here. That's what's ridiculous. He's been offered many solutions. He ignores all of them and just blames Apple instead of troubleshooting.

I am not ignoring anyone. Don't make stuff up.

 

[iHorseHead]

Well, the OP shouldn't have started with the inflammatory title "I regret getting a Mac", and launched into a blame-game rather than a concise explanation of their problem, their configuration and what they have tried to resolve it, before asking the wider audience (courteously) for their help and advice.

They appear to be fixated on their frustration, rather than prsenting the problem in detail.

These questions need to be written like a technical support case:

1) Overview of the problem area, and what they are trying to do
2) The configuration that they have (device, models numbers, connections)
3) The issues / errors that they are seeing
4) What they have tried in an attempt to resolve the issue.

This format is far more likely to engage the inquisitive minds on the forum and provide some suggestions.

When I did no one helped me and only got one response saying that it's a well known issue in macOS 12 and Apple will probably fix it.
If you cant help me then please stay out of it and stop trashing the thread.

 

[killawat]

You couldn't pay me to use one of those DisplayLink adapters. The implementation is 'hacky' compared to a proper thunderbolt 3 dock.

 

[iHorseHead]

Dude, just get a USB-C to USB 3 dongle or whatever it is you need to connect an external drive: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Adapter-Converts-Technology-Compatible/dp/B01COOQIKU/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1DVOGNJUGUGII&keywords=usb+3+to+usb+c+dongle&qid=1639730654&sprefix=usb+3+to+usb+c+dongl,aps,115&sr=8-4

You're overcomplicating this more than anyone in the history of ever.

How would that help if the USB hubs didn't work?

 

[Fomalhaut]

No, none of the USB devices work. My headphones won't even charge, but once I plug my docking station in a PC everything works perfectly.
On a Mac only the external displays sometimes work and my MacBook chargers.

The question was whether you can plug your devices into the Mac directly, not using any hubs or docks, but using passive adapters (USB-A to USB-C) if necessary.

If the disk can't connect to the your Mac's USB-C/TB3 ports directly then either the Mac is faulty or your exteranl devices are.

OP - you need to describe exactly what you are doing - which devices, which cables, which adapters/docks/hubs (model numbers). Or just send photos of the set up so we can see what you are doing.

You need to set a baseline that does not involve the hubs/docks to check that your computer and peripherals are working. Then we can start to isolate the problems with the dock/hub.

 

[Fomalhaut]

How would that help if the USB hubs didn't work?

Because a USB-A to USB-C is a simple passive cable that maps the pins on one kind of USB connector to the same features on a USB-C connector. There is no electronics or software driver involved - it's nothing more than a bundle of wires.

I'm assuming that your external drives / USB-devices have USB-A plugs/cables attached to them? Just buy something like these:

... and connect your devices directly to the MBA.

If that works then at least you know your external devices and computer are working OK.

 

[Bandaman]

How would that help if the USB hubs didn't work?

I’m done. Enjoy listening to no one.