I’ve ran into this situation multiple times at my current and previous jobs. I really want to avoid Windows and use something better, but I can’t live without two external monitors.

On Windows, it “just works”. I don’t have to do anything.

On Linux (I tried Linux Mint today) it doesn’t work. First, it only connected one of the monitors, the other one did not register. Then I switched to a different cable from the computer to the docking station and it connected both screens - however, they were locked to 30fps. I could not make them work at 60fps (and this is a major dealbreaker, I cannot live with 30fps).

This isn’t really a tech support question, I’m more trying to understand what fundamentally causes this situation. Why is Linux still struggling with pretty basic functionality that Windows does with zero setup? Is it the vendor of the laptop and docking station that aren’t properly supporting Linux? Or is it some other problem?

  • @TrickDacyEnglish
    2•7 months ago

    I just checked. My M1 MacBook Pro is a 2021 model so maybe that’s why, but here’s what I have working:

    • 1 4k monitor connected by USBC directly
    • 1 4k monitor connected by USBC -> mini displayport cable (I am fairly sure this one used to use HDMI via my USBC dock but apparently I changed that at some point)
    • AwkwardLookMonkeyPuppetEnglish
      2•7 months ago

      Okay thanks for checking. I’m pretty sure the 2020’s just flat out don’t work, but I’ll look into it again. I’ve wanted a second monitor for work many times. Cheers!

      • @TrickDacyEnglish
        2•7 months ago

        np, hope you get it working. I love my multi-monitor setup!