Odd-couple dual displays suit MacBook rig [Setups]

We see many, many dual-display computer setups in our coverage, with the vast majority being two screens of the same size, whether they’re oriented differently or not. But that’s not always the case. Today’s M1 Pro MacBook Pro and Windows laptop rig sports different-size dual displays that even have different resolutions. But it works for the user, a systems engineer who works for a software developer.

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M1 Pro MacBook Pro drives dual displays of different sizes and resolutions in setup

Systems engineer and Redditor Stephen Horan (u/stephotosthings) showcased the dual-display setup in a post entitled “Finishing Touches.” The setup runs a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro and an unidentified Windows laptop through an Anker 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 dock to a pair of external displays and other peripherals.

“I work as a system engineer for a software developer, and swap the MacBook out to a Windows laptop with the Thunderbolt dock, Bluetooth accessories [Logitech MX series mouse and mechanical keyboard],” Horan said. “Personal workflows are photo editing, AI generation, media consumption and some gaming.”

Odd-couple dual displays

On Friday we covered Horan’s M1 Pro MacBook Pro connecting through a 5-in-1 Anker Thunderbolt 4 dock to peripherals. On Monday we’ll focus in more detail on the two odd-couple, different-size dual displays displays. They’re not only different sizes, they’re different resolutions. 

The pair of displays would seem to suit Horan’s work and play, as well as his Mac and PC laptops. One is a 25-inch Dell U2520D UltraSharp 1440p monitor running at 60Hz refresh rate (Mac-friendly). The other is a 43-inch Gigabyte Aorus FV43u 4K gaming display running at 144Hz (PC friendly).

Dell display specs

• 25-inch QHD USB-C multi-monitor setup
• 2560 x 1440p display resolution
• 60Hz refresh rate
• Dell Express Daisy Chaining automatically detects second display (no need to change OSD settings).
• Up to 90 watts of power delivery to laptop via USB-C.
• Quick-access side ports for connecting and charging devices.
• Compact base saves space.
• Tilt, swivel, pivot and adjust the height of monitor for comfort.

Gigabyte display specs

• 43-inch Super Speed VA Display
• 3840 x 2160p display resolution
• NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible
• Contrast Ratio : 4000:1
• Brightness: 300cd or m²
• 144Hz refresh rate
• High Bit Rate 3 support
• 1ms response time
• KVM Monitor, and 8-bit color plus FRC
• 98 percent AdobeRGB or 96 percent DCI-P3 and VESA Display HDR1000 technology

Different-size dual displays: Should he go bigger?

But Horan said he wouldn’t rule out upgrading to slightly bigger displays — even though one one of his is already a whopping 43 inches.

“Been working on a cleanish-but-lived-in-feeling setup for a few years,” he said. “I still wonder about going up to a 48-inch monitor and a 27-inch vertical. But if I can get my hands on a cheap LG DualUp in place of the 16:9 vertical monitor then I definitely won’t.”

And if you like the desktop wallpaper on the displays (most clearly on MacBook Pro), Horan said he got it from Basic Apple Guy.

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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]. 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.