We’ve been on the hunt for a Vision Pro setup that looks like something a little more developed than the headset sitting on a table. And we found one this week when a developer showed huge enthusiasm for ultra-wide Virtual Display capability available in beta software. So now he hides his setup’s MacBook Pro, dons the headset and sits at a desk with nothing but a mini Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse on it. But his super-minimalist desk belies his expansive and productive virtual view.
Developer uses virtual display with Vision Pro to keep his desk setup minimal
Developer and X.com user Ian Panchèvre (@IanPachevre), founder of apps KaleidoDotArt and ArtUniverseApp, showcased the cutting-edge setup in an X post earlier this week. He uses an M2 MacBook Pro, now hidden as it takes advantage of beta software to beam a supersized version of its screen into Vision Pro. That Virtual Display feature gives Panchèvre a staggering amound of screen real estate. So his desk setup is the very definition of minimalism now — Vision Pro and battery plus Magic Keyboard mini and Magic Mouse (along with AirPods Pro 2 on the side, and in another photo he’s using a Magic Trackpad, too).
“I updated visionOS and macOS to the latest developer betas. Now I can mirror my MacBook into the Vision Pro and enable wide and ultrawide viewing,” Panchèvre wrote. “With Magic Keyboard / Mouse as my input devices, my desk is ultra-minimal with no computer monitors, but a massive virtual screen!!!”
When we asked how satisfied he is with M2 MacBook Pro and Vision Pro combo, he said he’s “extremely satisfied.”
“It’s already so, sooo good,” he added about the headset. “Can’t imagine how this will get better with future device generations, but it surely will.”
But where’s the … computer?
Photo: Ian Panchèvre on X.com
“What computer are you using for the virtual display?” asked a commenter, seeing no computer on the desk. “Love the clean desk look.”
“So the display is still coming from my MacBook Pro, via ‘virtual display’ in the Vision Pro,” Panchèvre replied. “I just moved the MacBook aside so it’s hidden in my office and not visible on my desk. I can do this without breaking the virtual display, thus capturing the minimalist setup.”
New M4 Mac minis: Perfect for this
Another user realized the tiny and incredibly capable M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis might be great for this type of thing, and Panchèvre heartily agreed.
“Vision Pro with the new Mac mini M4 is gonna be a beast,” they commenter said.
“100% that’s the next step,” agreed Panchèvre. “Just have a Mac mini sitting on your desk and run the entire screen through Vision Pro.”
But can you work all day like this?
Photo: Ian Panchèvre on X.com
A handful of commenters asked about fatique. Can someone work all day with the headset on?
“Please, keep using it and let me know if it’s possible to work 8 hours a day without fatigue,” one person pleaded. “I really want to have that setup.”
“I just finished 4 hours straight and now I’m breaking for lunch. So far so good!” Panchèvre replied.
But other commenters weren’t necessarily satisfied.
“Two questions. Did you actually get work done using it? How long are you able to wear it?” asked one.
“I just got it set up last night, because I was waiting on OS updates to enable the wide and ultra-wide viewing modes,” Panchèvre replied. “So today’s my first full day. I have good Vision Pro endurance; I can comfortably work in it for 4+ hours. Battery needs to be plugged in, though.”
Watch Panchèvre’s video of his virtual display:
Lord have mercy on my competitors who don’t get to daily drive this workspace with ultrawide virtual displays piping into my Apple Vision Pro… pic.twitter.com/RCM2OjFuK1
— Ian Panchèvre ᯅ (@IanPanchevre) November 5, 2024
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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 work fine). 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.
