Cubo - Dual Monitor Utilisation

Using The Dual Monitor Setup

Understanding which Mac models support multiple external displays natively is key. Here's a quick compatibility guide:

M1 & M2 MacBook Air (Base Chip): These models natively support only one external display in addition to the built-in screen. To use two external displays, you must rely on DisplayLink-enabled docking stations or adapters.
M3 MacBook Air (Base Chip): This is where it gets better! The M3 MacBook Air natively supports two external displays, but only when the laptop's lid is closed (clamshell mode).2 If you want to use the MacBook Air's built-in display and two external monitors, you will still need a DisplayLink-enabled solution.
MacBook Pro (M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M3 Pro, M3 Max chips): These "Pro" and "Max" variants of the MacBook Pro offer significantly more native external display support, often ranging from two up to four external displays, depending on the specific chip and model, and typically without the clamshell mode restriction.
Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro: These desktop Macs generally offer robust multi-display support, often capable of driving several external monitors natively.

How to Use 2 Screens

Review the above models that support external displays (M3 airs do but only when the laptop's lid is closed (clamshell mode).

Option 1: M3 Airs (Clamshell Mode)

This is the simplest and recommended method for two external displays on an M3 MacBook Air, as it utilizes the native capabilities of the chip.

Steps to set up:

Connect the Monitors:
- Connect your first external monitor to one of the Thunderbolt/USB-C ports on your MacBook Air using a USB-C cable (or a USB-C to HDMI/DisplayPort adapter if your monitor uses those inputs).
- Connect your second external monitor to the other Thunderbolt/USB-C port on your MacBook Air using a second USB-C cable (or adapter).
Connect Magsafe: Plug your Magsafe cable into your MacBook Air's Magsafe port to ensure it's powered and charging. This is required for clamshell mode to function correctly.
Connect Keyboard and Mouse: Connect your external keyboard and mouse to the USB ports on your monitors (if they have a built-in hub), or to a small USB-C hub connected to one of your MacBook Air's ports, or via Bluetooth.
Configure Displays: Once everything is connected and your MacBook Air recognizes the external displays, go to System Settings > Displayson your MacBook Air. Here, you can:
- Arrange your displays to match their physical setup.
- Choose which display acts as your main display.
- Adjust resolution and refresh rate for each monitor.
- Select whether to extend your desktop across the monitors or mirror your display.
Close the Lid: Once everything is connected and configured, close the lid of your M3 MacBook Air. The internal display will turn off, and your two external monitors will become your active displays.

Option 2: Dual Display with other supporting macs

The MacBook Pro can natively drive two external displays, even when its lid is open, making for a much more straightforward setup than with the M3 MacBook Air.

Steps to set up:

Connect the Monitors:
- Connect your first external monitor to one of the Thunderbolt/USB-C ports on your MacBook Pro using a USB-C cable (or a suitable adapter like USB-C to HDMI/DisplayPort).
- Connect your second external monitor to a different Thunderbolt/USB-C port on your MacBook Pro using a second USB-C cable (or adapter). The M3 Pro MacBook Pro has multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, which all support video output.
Connect Magsafe: Plug your Magsafe cable into your MacBook Pro's Magsafe port to ensure it's powered and charging. While clamshell mode isn't mandatory for two external displays on an M3 Pro, it's always good practice to keep your laptop powered during intensive multi-monitor use.
Connect Keyboard and Mouse: Connect your external keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth, or by plugging them into any available USB-A or USB-C ports on your MacBook Pro or a simple USB hub.
Configure Displays: Go to System Settings > Displayson your MacBook Pro. You should see your MacBook Pro's built-in display and both external displays listed. Here, you can:
- Arrange your displays to match their physical setup (e.g., side-by-side, one above the other) by dragging their icons.
- Choose which display acts as your main display (where the menu bar appears).
- Adjust resolution and refresh rate for each monitor to optimize clarity and smoothness.
- Select whether to extend your desktop across the monitors (most common for productivity) or mirror your display.

With the M3 Pro MacBook Pro, you enjoy the flexibility of having two external displays in addition to your laptop's built-in screen, or you can close the lid and operate entirely from the external monitors if you prefer.