Careful mounting of devices is a hallmark of light and clean computer setups because it lifts most of the gear up off the desk, making room for other gear or simply creating clean, open space. In today’s setup, the MacBook Pro sitting open on a stand is just one of three small screens, including a portable monitor, that nicely complement and expand the Studio Display.
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Portable monitor is just 1 of 3 small screens in MacBook and Studio Display setup
The 27-inch Apple Studio Display packs an impressive panel coupled with a six-speaker system and studio-quality microphones.
It’s not as beautiful as Apple's Pro Display XDR, but the Studio Display costs thousands less.
- Crystal clear 5K resolution
- Excellent color accuracy
- 12MP Center Stage camera
- Expensive
- Lacks HDR
- Height-adjustable stand costs extra
Redditor gregzoe showcased the display-heavy setup — which manages to be light and airy at the same time — in a post entitled, “Clean & White.” You may notice that almost nothing sits directly on the surface of the desk other than input devices — in this case a mini Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse on a mouse pad. Then there’s also an iPhone on a stand.
Everything else is mounted on stands, including the M2 MacBook Pro, Studio Display, a portable monitor and an iPad Pro. And the four screens all display the customizable widget-based Bonjourr homepage.
Using multiples of same stand
Photo: [email protected]
Greg simplified his mounting game by using a couple of the same stands for more than one device. The iPad Pro and the Magez 16-inch OLED Portable Monitor both use the Lisen Tablet Stand for iPad. And in the case of the portable display, Greg used right-angle cable adapters to clean up the look.
The iPad plays a role in the setup, too.
“I use it a lot with Sidecar as an additional display,” Greg said. “The security cameras for my home also run through it.”
And then the Studio Display and the MacBook Pro both use the Ares Wing Ultra-wide Monitor Arm. But to hold the laptop in an open position to take advantage of the screen, Greg attached a leftover Upgravity Vesa laptop tray to that arm. That gives the setup a quartet of screens (even a quintet if you count the iPhone).
Magez 16-inch OLED Portable Monitor
This 3K resolution (2880x1800p) portable OLED display features 120Hz refresh rate and 0.1ms response time, plus USB-C and HDMI connectivity, plus a kickstand and speakers.
- Fast refresh rate and response time
- High contrast
- Kickstand
- 3K resolution (not 4K or higher)
The small display that sits front and center in the setup looks like a good one. It may not equal this great one Cult of Mac recently reviewed, but it’s a lot less expensive.
- Magez 16-inch portable monitor uses a durable AMOLED 3K screen with 2880 x 1800 resolution and a 500000:1 contrast ratio for sharp and detailed images.
- With a 120Hz refresh rate and 0.1ms response time, this OLED portable monitor delivers a smooth and fast experience for gaming, streaming and fast-paced tasks. The Type-C signal source has a maximum output of 2880×1800@120Hz, while the HDMI signal source has a maximum output of 2880×1800@100Hz.
- 120% DCI-P3 color gamut, 1074M colors and 500,000:1 contrast ratio result in an unmatched richness of color, with vibrant hues that are both immersive and life-like, offering an exceptional range.
- Made with aluminum enclosures, 0.1-inch ultra-thin bezel, 0.18-inch ultra-thin profile and 1.7-pound weight.
- 90° adjustable stand allows you to adjust angle.
- 2 full-featured USB-C ports and 1 mini HDMI port. If your device supports Thunderbolt 3.0 or USB 3.1 Type-C DP Alt Mode, simply connect a single USB-C cable for both power and display signal transmission.
This adjustable monitor arm works with 17- to 49-inch displays, including curved screens, holding up to 44 pounds. The gas spring arm includes C-clamp and grommet base.
- Works with flat or curved monitors
- Use it with a desk clamp or base
- Works with Vesa mounts
- Some customers report instability issues
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Computers and stands:
- 14-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro
- Ares Wing Ultra-wide Monitor Arm as laptop stand with Upgravity laptop tray
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- Lisen Tablet Stand for iPad
Displays and stands:
- Studio Display
- Ares Wing Ultra-wide Monitor Arm
- Magex 16-inch OLED Portable Monitor
- Lisen Tablet Stand for iPad used for portable display
- Right-angle cable adapters
This desk stand is a foldable iPad Pro holder (or any tablet up to 15.9 inches) for home office or travel.
- Sturdy stand for iPad display viewing
- Folds down for travel
- Base could be a little heavier
Input devices:
- Magic Keyboard (mini)
- Magic Mouse 2
Furniture:
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.
