With computer setups we often talk about placing gear properly for healthy, ergonomically correct usage to avoid problems like neck pain. But some folks viewing today’s featured MacBook Pro workstation said they suffered neck pain just looking at the photo.
That’s because the setup’s dual Studio Displays sit on a mount that spreads them out, leaving a big gap in the middle unless the displays are pulled far forward toward the user.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
MacBook Pro user likes his 2 spread-out Studio Displays, others suffer phantom neck pain just looking at them
Redditor DougDimmadOme showcased the unusual dual-monitor setup in a post entitled, “My Mac Setup.”
He runs a 14-inch MacBook Pro mounted under the desk as it drives dual Studio Displays on a two-armed monitor mount he got for free.
The first comment set the tone for a respectful discussion about neck strain. “Cool, but I have to ask does the gap in-between them annoy you?” someone asked.
“Yeah, it does,” Doug replied. “But the monitor arm was free. I will eventually change it up.”
Spread dual Studio Displays provoke range of reactions
Too late. The discussion deteriorated from there. But it varied between snark and more-constructive commentary, below.
Doug may not have expected social media’s cascade of snark over his oddly spread dual monitors with no screen real estate in the center to look at. Instead, there’s a problem-solving flowchart on the wall where most humans would want to direct their line of sight (in an ergonomically correct manner).
But Doug also pointed out in his many responses to comments that he pushed the two monitors back and far apart for the photo. He brings them forward and closer together when he works. But they don’t go really close together until they’re too close to him, it sounds like.
Critical comments
If anything it will cause neck strain.
Jesus this is bad. Are you this cockeyed? [to this Doug replied no, and he doesn’t mind the head turning.]
Has to be one of the dumbest setups I have ever seen lol. Nice cable management though.
Probably the worst monitor alignment I’ve seen.
Humorous comments
You just got put one eye to each side. Super easy for us sloths.
Love the minimal look, but bro was built like Sid from Ice Age.
I think [you] need to be a hammerhead shark.
Bro must be a gecko using monitors that far apart.
Are you a Siamese twin by any chance? … That monitor placement … just hurts.
Constructive comments
Hurts my neck. Exactly why I have a vertical stack setup.
I would assume they designed this monitor arm to be used in a open office environment where you have two desk setups opposite each other with separate computers connected.
One approach might be to fill the space with an iPad 12 inch for video meetings and watching email.
And here’s Doug’s reply to the idea, but with MacBook rather than iPad:
Good idea. I thought about a number of things, like placing my 14-inch MacBook Pro there and use Universal Control. But I couldn’t find an attachment that would let me accomplish that. So I’ll eventually get a new monitor arm. It’s not uncomfortable to the point where I have to replace immediately.
And one more helpful comment for the road, on spreading out in a different way:
What if you put two ultra-wide curved monitors on there? Then you could potentially have a dope wrap-around setup. They also make these strips that sit between two monitors that does a decent job of “hiding” the bevels where the monitors meet. Could be an interesting idea …
Shop these items now:
Computer:
Displays:
- Studio Display (2)
Input devices:
Furniture and accessories:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
Not as good as Apple's Pro Display XDR, but the 27-inch Apple Studio Display packs an impressive panel coupled with a six-speaker system and studio-quality microphones.
