Summary of Issue with MacBook Air M3 and External Monitors

[MrTonyDaMan]

am currently facing an issue with my MacBook Air equipped with the latest M3 chipset, which is significantly impacting my development work. The problem arises when trying to use two external HDMI monitors through an Anker docking station that features two HDMI ports. Despite my attempts, the displays only mirror each other rather than extending to show different windows on each monitor.



Details of the Problem:




• MacBook Model: MacBook Air 15" with M3 chip with specs maxed out

• Docking Station: Anker 364 USB-C Hub docking station with two HDMI ports.


• Symptoms: The two external monitors mirror each other instead of functioning as extended displays. I have tried different settings and nope not working.



Attempted Solution:


Using an Anker docking station designed to handle multiple HDMI outputs. However, this setup results in mirrored displays rather than independent extended screens.



Additional Challenge:



I am unable to find a compatible 49-inch curved monitor with Thunderbolt connectivity that supports my requirements and fits my budget. The options available either do not have Thunderbolt ports or are too expensive.



Objective:



To find a solution that allows my MacBook Air M3 to effectively utilize dual external monitors as extended displays and to locate an affordable, compatible 49-inch curved monitor with Thunderbolt connectivity.



Specific Requirements:



• Purpose: Development work, not gaming.

• Monitor Configuration: I need a setup where I can display three different windows on one monitor screen.

• Budget: Looking for an option under $1,000.



Request for Assistance:



I am seeking recommendations or links to affordable 49-inch curved monitors with Thunderbolt connectivity that support extended display functionality. The ideal solution should fit within my budget and cater to my development work needs. Any guidance or direction to suitable products would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bigwaff]

The problem arises when trying to use two external HDMI monitors through an Anker docking station that features two HDMI ports. Despite my attempts, the displays only mirror each other rather than extending to show different windows on each monitor.

M3 MBA only supports two displays. To use two external displays, you need to close the lid and use the laptop in "clamshell" mode.

Use dual monitors with your MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M3 chip - Apple Support

You can connect two external displays simultaneously when you close the lid of your MacBook Air.

support.apple.com

Other alternative is to purchase a USB dock w/ support for DisplayLink technology or purchase a Thunderbolt 3/4 dock.

 

[MrTonyDaMan]

M3 MBA only supports two displays. To use two external displays, you need to close the lid and use the laptop in "clamshell" mode.

Use dual monitors with your MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M3 chip - Apple Support

You can connect two external displays simultaneously when you close the lid of your MacBook Air.

support.apple.com

Other alternative is to purchase a USB dock w/ support for DisplayLink technology or purchase a Thunderbolt 3/4 dock.

Is there a 49" inch monitor out there that i can use to have different open windows that would work with the Macbook air M3? Like this for example -->

SAMSUNG 49-Inch Odyssey G9 Series DQHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor, 1ms(GtG), VESA DisplayHDR 1000, 240Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Height Adjustable Stand, LS49CG954ENXZA, 2024​

 

[JPack]

Specific Requirements:



• Purpose: Development work, not gaming.

• Monitor Configuration: I need a setup where I can display three different windows on one monitor screen.

• Budget: Looking for an option under $1,000.

Unfortunately, that's not happening. Since you're doing dev work, you need an IPS ultrawide. That's already impossible for the budget, then tack on the Thunderbolt requirement. If you want 49-inch, your only real option is ThinkVision P49w-30.

To put it briefly, MacBook Air M3 doesn't support dual monitors. Nobody wants to use it in clamshell mode.

Your options are to buy a MacBook Pro or buy the P49w, both of which are more than $1,000.

 

[JPack]

Is there a 49" inch monitor out there that i can use to have different open windows that would work with the Macbook air M3? Like this for example -->

SAMSUNG 49-Inch Odyssey G9 Series DQHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor, 1ms(GtG), VESA DisplayHDR 1000, 240Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Height Adjustable Stand, LS49CG954ENXZA, 2024​

You want something designed for macOS, like Dell U4924DW that has software to arrange windows and firmware support.

 

[kiranmk2]

am currently facing an issue with my MacBook Air equipped with the latest M3 chipset, which is significantly impacting my development work. The problem arises when trying to use two external HDMI monitors through an Anker docking station that features two HDMI ports. Despite my attempts, the displays only mirror each other rather than extending to show different windows on each monitor.



Details of the Problem:




• MacBook Model: MacBook Air 15" with M3 chip with specs maxed out

• Docking Station: Anker 364 USB-C Hub docking station with two HDMI ports.


• Symptoms: The two external monitors mirror each other instead of functioning as extended displays. I have tried different settings and nope not working.



Attempted Solution:


Using an Anker docking station designed to handle multiple HDMI outputs. However, this setup results in mirrored displays rather than independent extended screens.



Additional Challenge:



I am unable to find a compatible 49-inch curved monitor with Thunderbolt connectivity that supports my requirements and fits my budget. The options available either do not have Thunderbolt ports or are too expensive.



Objective:



To find a solution that allows my MacBook Air M3 to effectively utilize dual external monitors as extended displays and to locate an affordable, compatible 49-inch curved monitor with Thunderbolt connectivity.



Specific Requirements:



• Purpose: Development work, not gaming.

• Monitor Configuration: I need a setup where I can display three different windows on one monitor screen.

• Budget: Looking for an option under $1,000.



Request for Assistance:



I am seeking recommendations or links to affordable 49-inch curved monitors with Thunderbolt connectivity that support extended display functionality. The ideal solution should fit within my budget and cater to my development work needs. Any guidance or direction to suitable products would be greatly appreciated.

IT sounds like your issue is using a docking station - these typically use Displayport MST to drive multiple displays from a single USB-C port. For whatever reason, MacOS doesn't support MST. Your cheapest solution would be to change your setup as follows:
Monitor 1 connected to the dock via HDMI; dock connected to MacBook via USB-C cable
monitor 2 connected to MacBook via HDMI to USB-C dongle

In this mode, you will need to close your MacBook lid to enter clamshell mode. Now, how your 3 windows look spread across two monitors is up for debate (can you have one window full screen and two windows half screen?)