Sometimes even an advanced user runs into roadblocks getting their computer setup where they want it. Today’s Mac mini and MacBook Air setup, owned by a French software developer, relies on cable swaps to switch between devices on a big external display. But some straightforward Mac functionality and the addition of one piece of hardware could make things much easier.
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Using Mac mini and MacBook Air together in one setup
This mini desktop computer's M4 chip packs a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU for plenty of processing power. Multiple ports for connectivity include Gigabit Ethernet. Works with iPhone/iPad.
- Powerful M4 chip
- Starts at 16GB unified memory
- Several SSD storage size options
- Headphone jack on front
- BYODKM (bring your own display, keyboard and mouse)
French web developer Alexandre (aka Redditor @Own_Building4888) displayed the dual-Mac setup in a post entitled, “My dual macOS setup!” His dual machines are an M4 Mac mini and an M3 MacBook Air. He uses them to drive a 32-inch BenQ 4K external monitor with a Xiaomi monitor light bar on top. He keeps extra storage in the form of an SSD enclosure. And his input devices are a little bit unusual — a ZSA Moonlander split keyboard with a Magic Trackpad 2 in between the two halves.
“My clean, dual-Mac battle station perfectly balances work and personal life,” he noted. “I use a Mac mini for personal projects and a MacBook Air for professional tasks, all running on macOS. The seamless integration between devices creates an efficient workspace I absolutely love.”
But it quickly became apparent not everything was smooth sailing in Mac land for Alex.
“How do you make two devices work seamlessly on one desk?” asked a commenter.
“For the screen change between my Mac mini and my laptop I haven’t found anything good yet,” OB replied (which seems a bit surprising, coming from a developer). “What I currently do is only unplug my two Thunderbolt from my Mac to my laptop. But I know there are solutions, but you still have to unplug a cable (instead of two).”
3 methods for smoothly using Mac mini and MacBook Air in one setup
It seems like some Mac functionality or maybe a minor hardware addition could work in OB’s favor. To best use a Mac mini and MacBook Air together, he could try or even combine three methods: Screen Sharing for remote control, iCloud sync for files and settings, and a KVM switch — or an external monitor with integrated KVM — for switching between devices.
- Screen Sharing for remote control. To enable screen sharing, on the Mac mini go to System Settings > Sharing and turn on Screen Sharing. Make sure other devices are on the same Wi-Fi network or connected via Ethernet. Then for remote control, open a Finder window on the MacBook Air, navigate to the Mac mini in the sidebar and click “Share Screen” to control the Mac mini remotely.
- iCloud Sync for seamless data transfer. To enable iCloud Drive, go to both devices’ System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud and enable iCloud Drive, Desktop & Documents Folders, and other iCloud services. Automatic sync will ensure files and folders in the Desktop and Documents folders, as well as other iCloud-enabled apps, will automatically sync between the devices.
- KVM Switch or monitor with integrated KVM. Use a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch to share a single keyboard, mouse and monitor between the Mac mini and MacBook Air. Note that some monitors from BenQ and others have built-in KVM functionality, allowing you to switch input sources (Mac mini or MacBook Air) with a single button. This method would let OB easily use the same peripherals for both devices, simplifying your setup and reducing clutter.
Shop these items now:
In addition to a large Liquid Retina display and a slim design, this model features a powerful M3 chip, 16GB unified memory and 512GB storage.
- Slim and lightweight
- Powerful M3 chip
- Big, gorgeous display
- Lacks the power of some Pro models
Computers and stands:
Display and light bar:
Input devices:
Audio:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). 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.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
