We see more laptop-based computer setups using the machine in clamshell (mode) on a vertical stand than we see setups with open laptops. But they’re both pretty popular options. Today’s M3 MacBook Air sits on a tray attached to the same arm that holds the ultra-wide external display. So they float together above the desk. That monitor arm laptop tray situation wouldn’t work for everyone, but it’s a cool way to add a second display when you need one (and you have an external keyboard so you don’t have to use the laptop’s).
Monitor arm laptop tray mounts M3 MacBook Air alongside ultra-wide monitor in setup
Redditor whiskypie101 (“Pie”) showcased the cheerful setup, which appears to hail all the way from India, in a post entitled, “Took few years to get here.” They run an M3 MacBook Air (16GB unified memory, 512GB storage). It sits on a laptop tray alongside the 34-inch LG ultra-wide display it drives.
“Took few years to get here! Any advice?” Pie asked. “All the items were purchased during the course of last 2-3 years.”
Then they listed their main gear and identified that stuffed animal sitting in the mix, which you are, no doubt, wondering about:
“MacBook Air M3 16/512, desk is from Ikea, Trotten monitor arm from Amazon, Ugreen MagSafe charger, Edifier MR4 [speakers], Logitech M650 [mouse], Red dragon keeb (have to replace this one), keskmat from LTT. And that cutie penguin’s name is Sir Waddleton, he enjoys listening music with me!” So Sir Waddleton grooves to tunes and sits on a speaker, so counts as audio gear and appears in the gear links list below. You’re welcome.
Convenient laptop tray holds up MacBook as second display
It’s a nice setup that sports a convenient way of elevating the open MacBook Air as a second display next to the big LG screen. They both sit on the same arm. And because Pie uses an external keyboard and mouse, they have no worries about rendering the laptop’s input controls less-accessible.
Pie identified the monitor arm with laptop tray as coming from a company called Trotten. That doesn’t appear to be on Amazon in the United States, but there are plenty of options from the likes of Vivo and Haunuo. Generally, a stout monitor arm clamped to the desk mounts your display, and an adjustable laptop tray can move up a down, and back and forth, on the same pole.
Shop these items now:
Computer:
Display and mount with laptop tray:
Input devices:
Audio:
Accessories:
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.
