Sonnet unveils new adapters for connecting two displays to an M1 Mac

Posted:
in macOS
Sonnet has announced new dual display adapters that can allow M1 Mac users to connect two monitors to their devices using a single port.

Sonnet DisplayLink adapter
Sonnet DisplayLink adapter


The Sonnet DisplayLink Dual DisplayPort adapter for M1 Macs comes with a captive cable with a USB-A connector, though it also includes a USB-A to USB-C adapter. It can connect with a compatible USB or Thunderbolt port for bus-powered usage.

A DisplayLink adapter can allow users to connect a pair of 4K displays using a single port. The adapter supports displays with resolutions of 3840 x 2160 and refresh rates of 60Hz.

Sonnet says the adapters are aimed at owners of Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro, both of which only include two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. Using the DisplayLink adapter means that users can still set up a dual-monitor workflow despite the M1 chip limitation on external USB displays, with another port freed up for charging.

Users can connect the adapter directly to their MacBook devices, or to a hub connected to their computers. The adapter also supports audio playback through the display cable. Since the Sonnet adapters are DisplayLink accessories, users will need the proper drivers to run displays on it.

The Sonnet DisplayLink Dual DisplayPort retails for $149.99 and will become available from the company in the first week of February.

Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 6
    Hard pass on anything that does even a single display over USB-A for anything intended to be a permanent or regular display solution.  
  • Reply 2 of 6
    neilmneilm Posts: 995member
    Just when we’re thinking that the final stake must surely have been driven through the USB-A connector, along comes this. Because that’s just what MBA and MBP users are looking for, a dongle with the wrong kind of connector.

    WTF?
    aderutterwatto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 6
    neilm said:
    Just when we’re thinking that the final stake must surely have been driven through the USB-A connector, along comes this. Because that’s just what MBA and MBP users are looking for, a dongle with the wrong kind of connector.

    WTF?
    The product includes a USB-A to USB-C adapter, so "the wrong kind of connector" is not an issue.
  • Reply 4 of 6
    neilmneilm Posts: 995member
    neilm said:
    Just when we’re thinking that the final stake must surely have been driven through the USB-A connector, along comes this. Because that’s just what MBA and MBP users are looking for, a dongle with the wrong kind of connector.

    WTF?
    The product includes a USB-A to USB-C adapter, so "the wrong kind of connector" is not an issue.
    Whizzzzzz! That’s the sound of the point you’re entirely missing flying right over your head.
    michelb76mattinozwatto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 6
    mknelsonmknelson Posts: 1,143member
    So, the USB-A connector has a reason:

    Accessory for Thunderbolt Hubs

    The Perfect Connection Companion

    Our Thunderbolt hub includes a USB port. If your computer is short on ports, simply connect the Sonnet DisplayLink Dual HDMI Adapter for M1 Macs to the USB or Thunderbolt port on your hub and save a port on your computer.

    Although, maybe they should have had USB-C on the Adapter and then included a USB-C to A adapter for that use case.
  • Reply 6 of 6
    neilmneilm Posts: 995member
    mknelson said:
    Although, maybe they should have had USB-C on the Adapter and then included a USB-C to A adapter for that use case.
    Bingo!
    michelb76tenthousandthings
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