Who doesn’t love a good MacBook? Or maybe two MacBooks, like in today’s setup. The guy has his own M2 MacBook Air, a formidable machine. But he’s lucky enough to add to it an absolutely screaming M3 Max MacBook Pro courtesy of his employer. Nice perk, that.
He can also thank work for his second 4K display. But it doesn’t top his own.
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So now he runs two powerful Apple laptops. His personal one is a 15-inch M2 MacBook Air with 24GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD. And his work provided him with a 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pro with a whopping 95GB of memory and a 1TB SSD.
He uses the two slick laptops with two slick displays. First, his own is a big 40-inch Dell UltraSharp U4025QW curved 4K display he got after trying two other configurations. And second, his work provided him with a 27-inch LG UltraFine 4K monitor.
Then he rounds out his setup with a Logitech C920 webcam, a Keychron Q3 Pro custom mechanical keyboard, a Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse, a Blue Yeti USB microphone and an Elgato Stream Deck.
Powerful M3 Max MacBook Pro and M2 MacBook Air laptops
Anyway, I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind if work handed me a nice laptop like an M3 Max MacBook Pro packed with memory and a nice 4K display. Not that Chris’ personal M2 MacBook Air is much of a slouch, but his work laptop must be blazing fast.
And with that much memory, it’s future-proofed for a good while. You can actually pack one with 128GB or memory to max it out.
A 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pro hails from late 2023. Its M3 Max chip carries a 14-core CPU and a 30-core GPU. Loaded with 96GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD for storage, Chris’ model goes for a little over $4,100. It comes with 6.56-foot USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable and a USB-C power adapter.
M3 Max MacBook Pro features:
M3 Max chip with up to 16-core CPU and up to 40-core GPU
Up to 128GB of unified memory
Up to 8TB of super-fast SSD storage
16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with Extreme Dynamic Range, 1000 nits of sustained brightness (HDR content) and up to 600 nits of brightness for (SDR content)
Up to 22 hours of battery life
And if you like the desktop wallpaper showing on the big display, you can find it here.
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This version of Apple’s professional laptop comes with a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display and an M3 Max Chip with 14-core CPU and 30-core GPU, plus 96GB of unified memory and 1TB SSD storage.
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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The 43-inch Gigabyte Aorus display features a 144Hz refresh rate, 3820 x 2160p HBR3 resolution, NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, built-in noise reduction, 1ms response time and HDR 96% DCI-P3 color gamut.
This Mac Studio setup with dual Studio Displays sparked a mouse fight. Photo: [email protected]
Sometimes a setup post on social media can express a common problem or disagreement quite well. Today’s Mac Studio and dual-Studio Display rig is pretty good example, showing the divide between users of Magic Mouse and one of its top competitors — Logitech MX Master 3 (and 3S) wireless mouse. So Magic Mouse vs. Logitech MX Master 3 is on.
Commenters split themselves into pro Magic Mouse and pro Logitech MX camps. And a bunch of them sought middle ground, finding things to like — or hate — about both mice.
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Mac Studio setup with dual Studio Displays sparks mouse fight: Magic Mouse vs. Logitech MX Master 3
But that formidable gear accounted for a low percentage of remarks in the comments section. After all, Faith threw down a gauntlet by proclaiming “Magic Mouse is ass” in his title, along with “MX Master FTW [for the win].” And those remarks drew plenty of folks who agreed and others who didn’t, plus a few who hate both mice.
“I used to assume that Apple devices naturally require Apple accessories, but I’ve since realized that it’s all about style over substance,” Faith said. “Although the Magic Mouse is aesthetically pleasing and has its advantages, it ultimately prioritizes form over function and makes some significant compromises.”
Ouch. But Magic Mouse supporters rallied. As did those for Logi MX Master.
Pro Magic Mouse comments
A lot of comments about Magic Mouse focused on people’s misunderstandings about how to hold and use it. Photo: Apple
I’m quite satisfied with the Magic Mouse actually. It fits my hand and the swipe gestures / scrolling is second to none. I even like the deliberate position of the charging port, making the mouse perfect in its design. Charging takes only a few minutes and a 100% charge literally lasts for months if you turn of the mouse if not in use. I really don’t get all the hate the device receives.
The amount of hate the Magic Mouse gets always baffles me. Maybe my hand is built differently. Works great for me.
MX Mice have hilariously low polling rates [which is how often the mouse updates its position to the computer, expressed in Hz].
Those MX Master mice? Only product I’ve ever returned to Amazon. Bulky and so heavy without any real kind up upside, I don’t get it.
Gestures and ‘finger grip’
It’s excellent with gestures and scrolling, and, in my experience, it really doesn’t deserve the hate. It’s a “finger grip,” which is very different from what many are used to, but it’s just a different way of handling a mouse. I used it for more than 10 years, perfectly comfortably, with no issues. Are other mice “better?” Yeah, I think so, for many, and for myself, but the Magic Mouse is a perfectly decent mouse, and far superior to most basic mice you’d find in an office.
Comment: “Ergonomically it’s garbage.” Response: In what sense? Your palm and wrist wrests on the table in a very natural way, and your fingers move it around. Obviously you don’t like it, but that doesn’t mean it’s “ergonomically garbage.” I hate the Herman Miller Aeron chair, and vastly prefer other office chairs, but that doesn’t mean the Herman Miller Aeron chair is “ergonomically garbage.”
I love Magic Mouse, I got one when they first came out, before I even had a Mac and have used one ever since. It’s peak mouse design and it sucks that there’s no where to go from here without making it worse.
Scrolling and zoom
I’ve used Magic Mouse over 10 years, yes occasionally some accidental gestures, it’s unusable for gaming even I prefer use my Magic Trackpad for daily usage BUT when I traveling, when I need be precise, the MM it’s just perfect.
I do agree about the Magic Mouse on both sides of the issues — it is a weird shape, and it charges so stupidly, however the scrolling, and the zoom is quite nice, and I wish that Logitech could tap into the same system architecture that Apple is using for that.
No lefty MX Master available, so I’ve never experienced what using it feels like. However, I’ve been using the Magic Mouse since it came out and have never had an issue with it. Scrolling and multi touch/tap/click gestures are something I can’t see myself parting ways with at this point. I recently bought an adapter that the MM sits on which makes it fit more comfortably, and enables wireless charging. Super cool.
Pro Logitech MX Master mouse comments
The Logitech MX Master 3 (and newer 3S) are two of the most-popular alternatives to Magic Mouse. Photo: Logitech
Did the exact same thing and switched to the MX Master, no more wrist cramps and accidental gestures or input lag, never ever looking back.
Magic Mouse is too small for my hand, and yes, the MX Master is great. I keep a Magic Trackpad to the left of my keyboard for when I need the gestures.
I loooove my MX Master. I did love the Magic Mouse for the years I used it. But my wrist pains are a thing of the past now. Honestly, I just remembered the struggles I had only now.
Is that the MX3s? I just picked up the “S” model, and I wasn’t sure what the big deal was. It clicks with less effort I think, and is certainly more quiet. I have had I think 4 or 5 MX mice over the years – I tend to upgrade and rehome them with friends and family. The MX is a game changer when you get a moment to map the buttons to app specific functions and shortcuts.
MX master has smooth scrolling. It can transition from clicky scrolling to free spin via the driver, or the function button behind the scroll wheel.
That magic mouse should be an OSHA violation. Fight me.
Magic Mouse vs. Logitech MX Master 3 middle ground: Both can be good (or awful)
Unsurprisingly, when it’s Magic Mouse vs. Logitech MX Master 3, some people are going to find positives (and negatives!) in both.
I hear you on accidental gestures, and I prefer my MX Master too, but I used the Magic Mouse for over a decade with no wrist cramps or input lag to speak of.
I think a lot of it comes from the fact that [Magic Mouse is] one of the only mice on the market that’s designed for a “finger grip,” and most people just have a hard time adjusting to that when they’re used to a “palm” or “claw” grip. It feels “wrong” to them.
Magic Mouse has amazing scrolling, another league of scrolling. But yes, its shape is crappy and it’s heavy. I use the Logitech superlight. Scrolling not as good obviously, but comfort and weight is amazing.
I like gestures of the Magic Mouse, but the height of it is what kills me. it HURTS to use after awhile. I have a Logitech Triathlon mouse and love it. Download https://macmousefix.com it allows you to create easy to use gestures for the extra buttons. I needed an easy way to swipe between desktops/full screen apps and this tool allowed me to do that with my mouse.
‘As excellent as it is terrible’
The Magic Mouse is as excellent as it is terrible. I use it specifically for 3d modeling as the ability to scroll sideways on it is indispensable for 3D work. However, this is the only instance I actually use it with. Normal browsing I use a Logitech verticals ergonomic mouse as it feels better on my wrists.
Hated the Magic Mouse it was way too flat and low. The MX mouse gave me hand pains a couple minutes in. I settled on a cheap $30 Steelseries mouse from Best Buy and have never looked back.
I agree the Magic Mouse is quite terrible. OK in a pinch – but I actually hated the MX Master. Used it for about 5 minutes and returned it. Been using Steelseries mice for years now. Currently use the Aerox wireless. Love it.
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You can also stand them up vertically, as shown here. Photo: IK Multimedia
High-quality speakers in MacBooks and Studio Displays and the like are all well and good. But if you want great sound in your computer setup, you’re better off with studio monitor speakers like those in today’s MacBook Pro setup. They’re IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers.
The powered pair of studio monitor speakers pump out 100 watts of sound apiece. And right now they’re 25% off at $300 each. Find them in the gear list below if you want to level up your setup’s sound.
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IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers power setup’s sound
Redditor Katert (“Kat”) showcased the setup in a post entitled, “My endgame setup.” They run a 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro open on the desk as a secondary display, though they said they might go to clamshell (closed) mode. And the laptop drives a large 42-inch LG C2 Series OLED smart TV.
A pair of iLoud MTM powered speakers are no slouch on quality audio. Photo: [email protected]
And these iLoud speakers are suitable for computer use or as bookshelf speakers. But they’re of sufficient quality for use in a music studio, as well — even without a subwoofer. That’s because they carry deep bass sound all by themselves, according to the company.
So here’s how IK Multimedia lists the studio monitors’ impressive features:
Designed as the ideal studio speakers, as well as desktop speakers or bookshelf speaker, iLoud MTM offers incredibly clear linear phase sound and deep, extended bass down to 40 Hz without a subwoofer.
Built-in self-calibration via included ARC mic lets iLoud MTM adjust to any placement, for balanced sound on a music studio desk, studio equipment, even as desk speakers or gaming speakers for PC.
Linear phase sound reduces ear fatigue for music production and mixing. Point-source performance delivers audiophile sound at any distance making these ideal desktop studio audio monitors
Deep bass down to 40Hz lets iLoud MTM rival any big speaker, large studio monitors or computer speakers for desktop with powered subwoofer or pc speakers for desktop with subwoofer.
Compact and easy to mount, these studio monitor speakers offer Atmos bass management and mount to mic stands or mounts for immersive audio that surpasses any PC sound bar or surround sound rig.
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In addition to setting them horizontally, you can also stand them up vertically, as shown here.
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Pimping out a computer setup with vintage gear is super-cool, even if the old stuff doesn’t get much use (or is solely for display purposes). Today’s M1 MacBook Pro setup recently added a new Studio Display, and both of those modern machines bask in the glory of a nearby classic Macintosh SE from the 1980s.
The ancient all-in-one computer still works and it even gets some use.
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‘Old school’ Macintosh SE hangs with ‘new school’ MacBook Pro and Studio Display
Redditor nickdmiller showcased the old-and-new setup in a post entitled, “Old school and new school.”
“Just got the new Studio Display and loving it with my M1 [MacBook Pro],” Miller said. “Also pictured is vintage Macintosh SE, iPad Pro and custom-painted Magic Keyboard.”
So as noted, Miller runs an M1 MacBook Pro with a brand-new Studio Display and a 12.9-inch iPad Pro in the central setup.
“Do you use the iPad Pro as a secondary display?” a commenter asked.
“Yeah, I use it as an extension of my MacBook. I normally keep calendar and mail open on the iPad all day and use the display for focused task work,” Miller replied.
ColorWare custom-painted accessories
Then another person asked if the Magic Keyboard gets its look because of a skin applied to it. That’s a type of cover you can leave on as you use the keyboard. But in Miller’s case, it’s a custom paint job.
“It’s painted from ColorWare,” Miller said. “I believe they stopped selling Magic Keyboards, but still have trackpads and mice.” (A quick check of the website suggests that among Apple products, they only do Apple Pencil, AirPods cases, AirTags, AirPods Max and Magic Mouse.)
Classic Macintosh SE
And off to the right in the photograph sits a classic Macintosh SE from the 1980s. An improvement on the Macintosh Plus, Apple produced the SE from March 1987 to October 1990. The Macintosh II came out at the same time and the enhanced SE/30 came out toward the end of SE’s run, though the two overlapped for a time.
Miller’s SE is in full working order and actually gets some use, he said.
“It works and I have Oregon Trail on it … it’s mainly just a display piece but fun to turn on and let the kids play it,” he noted.
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A tighter shot gives a better look at the ColorWare custom-painted Magic Keyboard. Photo: [email protected]
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Not as good as Apple’s Pro Display XDR, but the 27-inch Apple Studio Display packs an impressive panel coupled with a six-speaker system and studio-quality microphones.
This audio interface turns your Mac into a music studio for two microphones and two instruments. Photo: Focusrite
If you’re going to make and manipulate music or other sound with your Mac setup, odds are you need a good audio interface. Today’s Mac Studio workstation relies on a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB audio interface when the user makes YouTube videos, for example.
Check it out below, along with the rest of the setup’s gear.
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Focusrite Scarlett audio interface masters Mac Studio setup’s sound
Redditor bucketofmonkeys (“Monk”) showcased the setup in a post entitled, “New Mac Studio M2 Max setup.” On Monday we covered his refurbished M2 Max Mac Studio and Studio Display. On Wednesday we zeroed in on his Keychron K8 tenkeyless mechanical keyboard.
Today is all about his Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB audio interface. That’s an older model, but Scarlett makes a bunch of high-quality audio interfaces, some of which are featured in Cult of Mac’s upcoming feature about the best audio interfaces for Mac.
“I’ve had it for about a decade now. I used to make [YouTube] videos and used it to record my voiceovers,” Monk said when we asked about the Scarlett. “Now I mainly use it as a headphone amp for when I want to use my nice headphones (Sennheiser HD 598). It’s been pretty reliable, although the headphone jack is starting to get a little flaky over the years.”
A connector and converter for sound
An audio interface connects audio equipment to your Mac. And it converts analog audio signals from various sources, like microphones and musical instruments, into digital signals. That way, you can alter and record the sound using Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software installed on your computer.
The interface often handles digital-to-analog conversion (DAC), too, allowing you to listen through headphones or studio monitors, aka speakers. Many interfaces come preloaded with software, so shop carefully to get exactly what you want.
In the case of Monk’s interface, it features two microphone inputs and two instrument inputs as well as four outputs for speakers, headphones and MIDI.
Scarlett 2i4 audio interface features:
Two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps with plenty of even gain; two instrument inputs. Two 1/4-inch balanced jack outputs to connect professional studio monitors; one headphones output with gain control; MIDI I/O
Conversion and sample rates up to 192kHz / 24 bit; low roundtrip latency for using your plug-ins in real time without the need for DSP.
Includes Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack and Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, 2GB of Loopmasters samples, Choice of one free XLN Addictive Keys virtual instrument, all available via download upon purchase and registration.
Compatible with Mac OS X 10.10 and higher and Windows 7 and up. Frequency response – 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.1dB. Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz.
3-year warranty
You can find all the gear in the gear list below, including the audio interface (pictured furthest left in the photograph below, under a mouse and a guitar picks).
This user said it’s hard to tell his Apple-refurbished Mac Studio and Studio Display aren’t new. Photo: [email protected]
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