I have a MacBook Pro with an M3 Pro chip and I'm trying to set it up with dual Dell monitors. I previously attempted to use a Lenovo docking station, but it didn't work at all. Can anyone recommend an affordable docking station that can reliably connect my MacBook to two monitors?
5 Answers
MacBooks don’t support MST, so for dual screens you'll be limited to either a FireWire dock (an old tech) or a DisplayLink dock. What specific Lenovo dock do you have? If it includes DisplayLink, just installing the right drivers could solve your issues.
I’ve had success with this [StarTech dock](https://www.startech.com/en-us/universal-laptop-docking-stations/dk30ch2dep) for a while. Make sure to install the DisplayLink driver—it supports up to three displays! If just two is enough for you, StarTech has variations that might be better suited.
For budget-friendly options, you might want to check out Caldigit's TS3Plus series. You can often find them at decent prices on eBay. They support DP Alt Mode, so you shouldn’t have issues with performance or drivers. Just make sure your single Thunderbolt 4 connection has enough bandwidth for both monitors!
If you're looking for a cheap but temporary fix, a Satechi dongle could work, but keep in mind you might end up needing a replacement in a couple of years due to wear and tear. A more reliable choice in the long run might be a Startech dock or something similar from trusted reviews. Here's a good guide to check out: [Macworld Docking Stations](https://www.macworld.com/article/668894/best-thunderbolt-3-4-and-usb-c-docking-stations-for-macbook-pro-and-air.html).
What kind of setup are you aiming for? If you want to run the laptop closed (2 screens) or open (3 screens), that changes things. DisplayLink won't handle a third screen, so you’ll need to rely on Thunderbolt for that. Also, check the specifications of your dock cable; using a USB 3.2 cable can make a big difference in performance!

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