2024-03-12 06:43:46
M3 MacBook Air dual-screen output actual test｜Resolution, charging, old screen support
Yes, the latest MacBook Air, launched in 2024, also claims to be equipped with the most advanced M3 chip and supports AI computing. However, it is also the first time in the three iterations of Apple Silicon that the basic chip natively supports “External dual screen output”. Below, Yahoo Tech will sort out the small details of the M3 chip version of MacBook Air in dual-screen output, including resolution, charging specifications, support for new/old screens, etc.
What is the order of dual-screen output?
M3 MacBook Air dual-screen output actual test｜Resolution, charging, old screen support
The selling point of the M3 chip version of MacBook Air is the external dual-screen output, and the maximum total number of screens is 2. Therefore, users need to close the MBA to actually see the two external screens light up, otherwise it will be the usual one big and one screen. Small combination. In terms of specifications, M3 MBA supports up to a single 6K @60Hz (or 4K @144Hz screen) or two 5K @60Hz (or dual 4K @100Hz) screen output, so it can perfectly match the display of two Apple Studio Display 5Ks.
M3 MacBook Air dual-screen output actual test｜Resolution, charging, old screen support
Can you plug all the external screens into the MBA first, and then go to the settings page to select which screen to light up? The question is no.
M3 MacBook Air dual-screen output actual test｜Resolution, charging, old screen support
The settings page will only display settings for up to two screens. Assuming you are using the MBA’s built-in screen, following connecting the first external screen, the design of the built-in screen and the internal screen will be displayed as in the past. There will be no response when connecting a second external monitor. After the user closes the MBA, the system will automatically switch to dual external monitor mode, and the settings page will display the resolution and display settings of the two external monitors. If you open MBA once more, the built-in screen will light up immediately, and the external screen will retain the one connected first.
More lines are worse than fewer lines
M3 MacBook Air dual-screen output actual test｜Resolution, charging, old screen support
Although the Apple Silicon MacBook Air is quite enjoyable to use, the scarcity of I/O is a permanent pain. After the previous generation was replaced, a MagSafe magnetic charging port was added, allowing the two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports on the left to focus on different external devices. But “more lines are better than fewer lines.” Apple actually really wants to promote the sales of its Studio Display 5K, because this 27-inch screen supports single-line transmission of “data + 96W power” through the Thunderblot 3 interface, and there is another one behind the screen. 3 USB-Cs can be regarded as the best original supplement for MacBook Air.
M3 MacBook Air dual-screen output actual test｜Resolution, charging, old screen support
Speaking of which, in Apple’s most ideal scenario, a MacBook Air drives two Studio Displays (should I add “s” to the plural?), so how will the power be calculated? This will actually be arranged according to the Thunderbolt 3 specification agreement. The MacBook Air will choose the source with the highest charging power. For example, if a USB-C screen has 96W and the other side only has 80W, the system will select the former; if If there are two screens (or power converters) that provide the same charging power, the “last” power source will be selected.
Anyway, the above power switching will be automatically adjusted by the MacBook Air in the system, and ordinary users cannot make any changes, just let everyone know.
Old screen/adapter support?
M3 MacBook Air dual-screen output actual test｜Resolution, charging, old screen support
Although Apple’s ideal usage scenario is MBA + two Studio Displays, it is actually unlikely that every Apple fan will order this, right? A Studio Display starts at HK$12,299, and there are different bracket and glass upgrade options. Therefore, there is a high chance that it will be connected to the existing HDMI screen in your home. The upper resolution limit is the same as mentioned in the first paragraph. As for the power source, remember to connect a MagSafe or USB-C charger to the MBA, because the HDMI cable only transmits audio and video data.
Speaking of HDMI screens, the M3 MacBook Air only has two USB-Cs. Doesn’t it require an adapter to connect to the HDMI screen?
M3 MacBook Air dual-screen output actual test｜Resolution, charging, old screen support
Yes, there are many USB-C all-in-one adapters on the market, as well as HDMI to USB-C cables. It depends on the user’s choice. The editor first used Belkin’s HDMI-USB-C cable to connect the company’s ultra-wide screen, and then paired it with Studio Display. Of course, dual-screen output can be successfully enabled, and the charging is handled by Studio Display’s TB3 cable.
M3 MacBook Air dual-screen output actual test｜Resolution, charging, old screen support
Then replace the USB-C all-in-one adapter to connect the HDMI cable. The dual-screen mode also works normally, and there are additional I/Os such as USB-A/card reader. Perhaps this will be the most common combination?However, don’t imagine that you can connect two screens at the same time with just one USB-C adapter, because ordinary lightweight models cannot support such specifications unless you are using one that needs to be plugged in. Thunderbolt hub, but this is mostly seen in the form of a pedestal. Therefore, when you choose a USB-C adapter or hub, you should also be familiar with the specifications to predict how it will be used. Friends who are interested can leave a message, and the editor will take a look at the reactions and arrange a special article introduction.
Finally, I would like to remind Apple fans who are interested in enabling the M3 MBA dual-screen output to spend some money to buy a Magic Keyboard, because the built-in Touch ID allows users to still perform fingerprint recognition when the MBA is closed. Today Passkey When login started to become popular, it was a much more convenient accessory.
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Summarize
M3 MacBook Air dual-screen output actual test｜Resolution, charging, old screen support
Regardless of whether you are laughing, surprised, or puzzled, Apple has officially begun to restore the dual-screen output function in the M3 chip, launching MacBook Air 2024, which was launched earlier M3 chip version MacBook Pro The same ability will also be obtained through system updates. All in all, users of these two machines and related products in the future can refer to the above test results to better understand the operating logic of the machines they bought for related purposes.
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