Only One External Monitor?

[1240766]

Hearing people talk about a downgrade on the new M1 MacBook with one external monitor support.

My workspace til a month ago had three external monitors and the laptop screen (running Linux), I was very skeptical about changing my workflow to a single monitor...I took the plunge and bought a 49”, a 43” and a 38” monitor to replace my three external... the 49” was wayyyy too big and not a good resolution, the 43” was gorgeous but tall and I wanted curved so I tried the 38” Dell, and wow...completely changed my workspace and workflow...

I now rather have one large and nice monitor than 2 or more smaller ones...

 

[digitalbreak]

I always use only one external monitor. Keeps me focused. I use a 32” though but eager to go bigger the next time I want to buy one ?

 

[4sallypat]

My eyes must be getting old as I used to run a 16" MBP with an Apple Thunderbolt 27" display until the M1 Mini came out and it replaced it with 2 large displays because I could not see the 16" screen on my desk even with everything magnified 150%....

Here's my dual display setup (27" WQHD + 32" UHD) where I don't have to squint to read text:

 

[deeddawg]

+1

I used to use a 27" QHD + a smaller 1080p in portrait mode, MBP15 clamshell, external Apple keyboard & trackpad. Then Covid happened and my wife needed an extra monitor so she got the 1080p.

When I bought my M1, I started using that open + the 27 and found I really didn't miss the 2nd external monitor. Plus I'm glad to be able to use touchID easily

Some folks do need multiple externals of course, but I'd suggest revisiting assumptions - some may find the need isn't really.