Apple
Out of context: Reply #2793
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- mg332
Alright... updates.
Got everything set up last night and still evaluating and tinkering. So many f'ing cables... I can see the advantage of USB-C / Thunderbolt monitors but once everything's set up, the extensive wires are an afterthought. I never had to draw a flow chart for a computer setup before, and had to with this just to keep track of stuff. Going to need to get some things to secure these cables to my desk and the back of monitors because I can't stand wire mess
Just about all my Logic Pro plugins are up and running except for SoundToys V5 plugins, which will eventually be updated and I think I can do without.
My Apogee Duet recording interface software doesn't work yet, but it works in Logic Pro just fine in core audio, so not a big deal. The software is pretty much set it and forget it.
Creative Cloud app is not working properly. I'm trying to download the Photoshop beta for Big Sur / M1 and the CC app freezes every time I click even one thing. Can't browse my work, or anything else. It just freezes.
Other frustrations: I have an external web cam connected to monitor 2, which is connected to my work laptop via USB-C > USB-B cable. That makes the web cam work. I thought I'd be able to go from the Mac mini with a USB-C > USB-B to monitor 2 and access the web cam, but for whatever reason it doesn't detect it when I try to start up a video chat. Not sure if this is a deal-breaker... I don't do much video chatting via my main computer.
I've got the Mac mini connected to both monitors (USB-C to DisplayPort for left monitor, HDMI > HDMI for the right monitor) and can do dual monitors easily with the mini, simply toggling the right monitor between HDMI and DisplayPort.
The BenQ screens also daisy chain, but that requires going from DisplayPort out to DisplayPort in, which can't be done due to current configuration. So, I'm thinking about getting a USB-C to mini display port to go from Mini to left monitor for dual monitors, and then Display Port out from right monitor to DisplayPort In to daisy chain the work laptop for dual monitors. I don't use dual monitors much for work, but it would be nice to have the option.
In the end I'm bound to have some cables to send back to Amazon; the BenQ only came with USB-A cables so that doesn't really cut it.
Annoying: On Big Sur, why did they move the "new tab" button to be beside the address bar, and not at the right of the right-most tab? This is so stupid and counter-intuitive.
- I’d be returning the m1 and getting something more fit for purpose for your I/O requirements. You’re a patient dude.sausages
- This would be an issue in any machine. That many devices require that many cables.monospaced
- Sausages - after all is connected it won’t be a problem. And a Mac laptop which I already have would present the same problem.mg33
- I had to use a usb hub with my iMac already, so it’s not all that different.mg33
- I spose my opinion is that less port options than previous models is a bit shit and for all that CC still doesn’t work properly.sausages
- wow, respect!oey_oey
- @sausages, there's no way having more ports on the Mini would make any difference to the amount of cables.monospaced
- A single USB-C is enough to connect a ton of devices, obviously. The Mac Mini is also small enough to hide, along with MOST of those connected devices.monospaced
- YEAH BOIII!!!
Great flow chart; you draw like a child (like me).
Must feel good/great?!
*thumbsup*ideaist - So about USB-C: I have a USB 3 Anker 7 port hub that suffices. To my understanding, even if it were a USB-C connection to computer...mg33
- that doesn't change the fact that all my devices are USB-A connections, save for an SD card reader.mg33
- Also, Anker don't have a 7+ port USB-C hub yet from the looks of things. Even their smaller USB-C hubs are way more expensive than I want to spend.mg33
- So, it might be a slow upgrade over time as anything becomes more compatible. Like I said, once it's all hooked up, I'm good to go.mg33
- The only annoying thing (and I will get used to it) is that because the mini is physically connected to both monitors, when I toggle the right monitor tomg33
- my work laptop, the mini still thinks it's got two monitors active, so the mouse can go off screen to the right. Not a big deal, and gather windows helps bringmg33
- everything back to the left monitor.mg33