You NEED This Accessory If You Own an M1, M2, or M3 MacBook Pro

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, then you’re probably someone who loves to be productive. Someone who loves to optimize their workflow and get as much done as quickly as possible. However, you’re base M1, M2, or M3 MacBook is holding you back? Then you’ve found the perfect article to help you solve your problem.

Why Consider a Second Monitor?

It's a fair question to wonder why you might need external monitors. Think of it this way: just as having more than one pair of socks or shoes enhances your daily options; additional monitors can significantly boost your productivity. Supporting this claim, industry research firm JPR found that individuals using multiple monitors can be up to 40% more productive. So, if you're skeptical, consider giving it a trial run with the best return policy you can find. You might just end up convinced. For the base M-Chip MacBooks, as you can’t run a second external monitor natively, your best solution is to find a DisplayLink certified dock. DisplayLink is a technology which removes a computers output limitation; however, this can be at the cost of the maximum performance of the device.

The UGREEN Revodok Pro: A Closer Look

This device isn't just another tech gadget; it's a powerhouse of connectivity, offering a 9-in-1 port setup that includes 1 Ethernet, 2 display outputs (HDMI/DisplayPort), power delivery, 2 USB-A ports, and 1 USB-C. You may have noticed that the number of ports doesn’t equal to 9, and the reality is that the dock has 4 display ports, but only two can be used simultaneously. Realistically it’s a ‘7-in-1’ dock, which is still commendable. Upon setup, it's crucial to download the DisplayLink driver specific to your machine, a simple step that ensures your setup runs smoothly. And while no additional setup is needed beyond the download, arranging the monitors in macOS to match their physical arrangement can enhance your experience.

Performance Insights

In terms of performance, the dock does what it says, it allows for base M-chip MacBooks to have a second external monitor. It should be noted that the M3 MacBook Air allows for 2 external monitors in clamshell mode, but this may not be ideal in all situations. It's been reliable over a month of use, with no issues on both of my 4K and ultrawide monitors. However, it's worth mentioning that after a recent macOS update, I have noticed occasional lag and increased CPU usage by the DisplayLink manager. This issue seemed to emerge after the device and MacBook had been used for a while, suggesting that heat or software updates could affect performance. Alternatively, it could just be that I didn’t notice the issues at the beginning, and they are only becoming apparent after using them every day.

How Does This Benefit Video Editors

There is a plethora of benefits for video editors who use two external monitors.

1.     Expanded Workspace: Dual monitors effectively double the screen real estate available to a video editor, allowing for more windows and applications to be open and easily accessible at the same time.

2.     Dedicated Full-Screen Preview: One monitor can be used exclusively for full-screen previewing of video content, while the other can host all the editing tools and timelines. This setup allows for a clearer and uninterrupted view of the video as it's being edited.

3.     Improved Organization: With more screen space, editors can separate different aspects of their project—like editing timelines, color grading tools, and audio panels—across the two monitors, reducing the need to switch back and forth between tabs and windows.

4.     Better Multitasking: Dual monitors allow video editors to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, like rendering a video on one screen while continuing to edit another segment on the second screen.

5.     Easier Collaboration: When working in a team or presenting to a client, having dual monitors can facilitate the display of project details on one screen while reserving the other for communication applications or collaborative tools.

6.     Learning and Reference: One screen can display tutorial videos, forums, or help articles, allowing editors to learn new techniques or troubleshoot issues while actively working on a project on the other screen.

7.     Health and Ergonomics: Dual monitors can be positioned and adjusted for better ergonomic comfort, reducing neck strain by allowing the editor to position the screens at an optimal distance and angle.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

The question of whether to invest in the UGREEN Revodok Pro USB C Docking Station boils down to your specific needs and setup. Having a second monitor can significantly increase productivity, but it's essential to weigh the potential for issues like increased CPU usage or compatibility challenges post-software updates. Regardless, the journey to finding the perfect setup for your productivity needs is a personal one. Whether the UGREEN Revodok Pro is the solution for you depend on several factors, hence I can’t tell you if it is right for you. If you take anything away from this blog post, you should know that DisplayLink exists, and that dual monitors are awesome for workflow and efficiency.

In closing, if you've embraced the dual-monitor setup, I'd love to see it. Share your setup on Instagram or Twitter and tag me! Here's to boosting your productivity and finding the setup that works best for you.

Thanks for reading my thoughts on the UGREEN Revodok Pro and dual monitors.

Take care, and until next time. Allahafiz :)