While the dual display setup has become so commonplace it seems standard, debate still rages over exactly what works best. In today’s MacBook Pro setup, a developer experiments with single- and dual-display configurations before coming to the conclusion, on the way to their one true configuration, that size really does matter more than most other considerations.
After experimentation, MacBook Pro user believes two Studio Displays are the way
Developer and Redditor Mother-Till-981 showcased the dual-monitor setup in a post entitled, “I was wrong. Dual monitors are better.” Till runs a 14-inch M1 MacBook Pro driving two Studio Displays, but only arrived at that configuration after some serious experimentation. Conclusion? Size really does matter.
“Up until about 2 years ago I always rocked dual 27-inch or 24-inch monitors,” they wrote. “I then decided to get fancy and go dual 32s. This absolutely ruined it for me, way too much screen and I subsequently sold one and rocked the single monitor and laptop.”
And that worked for a while.
“I positioned the laptop directly under the single monitor. This worked so well, everything was streamlined, no left to right head movements, easy to focus,” Till wrote. “However, the lack of workspace really started to wear on me. Tried using virtual desktops (which are nice), but just didn’t replace having 2 large monitors.”
“This is the way,” intoned a commenter with “faith” in their user name.
Dual monitor setup: Right-sized with pair of 27 inchers
Turned out the secret to dual monitor perfection, at least for Till, comes down to size — don’t go above 27 inches. And that is, of course, the size of the 5K Studio Display.
“So I bit the bullet, and got the dual back up and running,” Till said. “So far, so good — loving it.
“We all tooooooold you so,” crooned a commenter.
But what if you can’t afford Studio Displays?
Others praised the arrangement but lacked the wallet to buy two Studio Displays — a common complaint, considering you’re out about $1,600 for just one.
“The Dell 27s are the next best thing imo,” Till said, when a commenter brought up their pair of Dell U2723QE monitors. “Gorgeous. I had those in the 32. But so many dev mates use the 27s and love them!”
As usually comes up with monitor talk, a commenter asked how the displays connect to Till’s MacBook Pro.
“Both displays have a Thunderbolt 4 cable, each plugged into the laptop,” they replied.
What about more than 2 displays?
And the other sure-thing among display-oriented comments came up: more. Always more.
“If you think two is great, let me tell you about the wonders of three …” quipped a commenter.
Till’s reply: “😂😂😂 easy tiger.”
And as an alternative, another person urged Till to try finding display nirvana one 40-inch monitor like those made by LG or Dell.
If you like the wallpaper showing on the screens, you can find it here.
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If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually suffice). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
