With Anker’s USB hub, you can turn your MacBook into the ultimate mega-desk.
Want to build the ultimate mega-desk? Here are some ideas. There is, however, a MacBook accessory that can facilitate this. New 10-in-1 USB C hub from Anker allows M1-equipped MacBook computers to connect three external monitors, including the MacBook Air M1 and the new MacBook Pro M1 or the MacBook Pro 14-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch models.
10 connections, including USB-C, USB-A, 3.5 mm audio and Ethernet, are included in the $249 Anker 563 dock. In addition, it has two HDMI connections and one DisplayPort display connectors that allow it to support three MacBook monitors. The second HDMI port and the DisplayPort can handle 2K (or 1440p) at a 60Hz refresh rate, while the HDMI ports can both do 4K at 30Hz.
When it comes to productivity tools like word processors and spreadsheets, a 30Hz refresh rate isn’t going to be as fluid as a 60Hz refresh rate.
It’s important to note, though, that you’ll need to install DisplayLink software on your M1 MacBook in order for this to work.
There is more to the Anker 563 dock than its two HDMI connections. When linked to a computer, the USB-C port may deliver up to 100W of electricity. In addition to 5Gbps data transfer speeds and 30W of power delivery, a USB-C connector has been included. The dock can also be powered by a DC input. Accessories like mice and keyboards benefit from the two USB-A 2.0 connectors. Any laptop, including a MacBook, will benefit greatly from the hub’s inclusion.
Multiple display support for Macs has been offered before, but this isn’t the first dock to do it. An external display dock for the MacBook M1 was introduced by Hyper last year.
The first-generation Apple Silicon MacBooks from Apple missed the mark when it came to providing greater native external screen capabilities. Fortunately, the M1 Pro and M1 Max also enable external monitors with various inputs. We’re hoping that with the M2 MacBook series, Apple will broaden this to include several displays, saving us money on USB docks.