Hi all. I have a new Mac m2 with usb c sockets. I also have 2 monitors. If I purchase a second Laptop docking station (same as
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Docking-Station-Adapter-Multiport-MacBook-Gray-10-1/dp/B08MT3PKBB) will i be able to run the 2 monitors as EXTENDED displays, hence allowing my video edit software much better screen space (Davinci Resolve).
Hope that description was clear enough!
Peter
Two docking stations are not necessary to connect two displays. If this Mac laptop has a magSafe even the need for one (to do both power pass-thru to the laptop and get display out through the same port at the same time. ( presuming the monitor can't pass in power). [ For a Mac M2 Mini even less need. ]
If there just two ports only, then you need both power in and video out on a single port. A docking station helps provision up that 'two way street' solution.
For second one there shouldn't be a "how do I power the laptop" issue anymore so another one's utility is what? But for a Mac laptop with an embedding displays the overriding problem is that there is more more display controll 'output' to hand out. (there is a chip limit).
If you are thinking " there are two video plugs on the docking station so I can plug in two monitors" ... I doubt that works. ( the product page says "mirror". The single video stream out the port it likely just duplicated in the dock.). Also doesn't particularly work single port on other more robust docs either.
Caldigit SOHO
"... *macOS does not support MST (Multi-Stream Transport), a requirement in order to offer dual extended monitors via USB-C ..."
www.caldigit.com
Caldigit Thunderbolt 3 Plus : see " Monitor Resolutions" on this page:
www.caldigit.com
It would be possible to run two 1080 (or so ) monitors out through a single MST DPv.1.4 feed if Apple supported that ... but they do not.
If willing to take on overhead of 'virtual display controller' and use DisplayLink, then something like
Seamlessly transform your M1/M2/M3 Pro, Max, or Ultra-powered MacBook into a multi-monitor powerhouse with Kensington’s docking stations and video adapters. Discover our straightforward guide to creating a dynamic dual-display setup and boost your productivity.
www.kensington.com
[ Effectively a 'virtual display controller' pushes the data out over USB 3.x protocols to special adapters. Bypasses the hardware limit but adds resource consumption overhead. ]
The M3 has the exact same two DP stream output limit. For Apple this is a 'feature' not a 'bug'. It is probably not going away any time in the next several generations on the 'plain' Mn SoC.
P.S. Pragmatically have two monitors if have an external monitor and an embedded Macbook one. They are just not the same size. DaVinci Studio version can send the "video clean feed " to a second screen as a full sized preview. If take 'preview' out of tools, timeline , etc screen there is more room for that stuff.
