I have a MacBook Pro with the M5 and want to connect two external monitors. What sort of docking station or dongle do I need for this? They're just boring office monitors with HDMI connections, so nothing fancy needed.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: MacBook
You should have one HDMI port on a newer MacBook Pro. Then, get a USB-C HDMI Dongle; there is an Apple option available. I actually use a "j5create 10G | 4K60" portable dock that also offers a built-in USB-C port, giving you back the port it took up, along with the additional HDMI port, as well as standard USB ports and memory card readers. It also has a 1 G Ethernet port, which isn't great if you have a screaming fiber connection, but it's nice for travel. It was only around $80.
And hey, don't get fooled into trying to use BOTH HDMI ports on the dock, as my understanding is that the MacBook Pro, at least the 2021 M1 Max model, can only support one additional external monitor per USB-C port. I assume it works for a Windows-based system.
You just need one USB-C / Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter. The M5 MacBook Pro already has 1 HDMI port, so you can connect a display directly to that without any adapters or docks.
The Mac demands nothing.
What you are referring to is the limit for the Thunderbolt signal for 4K or higher resolutions. This being HDMI, it has a much larger limit. 10 Feet is the the recommended limit.
It should work fine and is from a known brand.
Also, it's just an example. Does not need to be that specific cable.
Alternatively, you can get an adapter and any reasonable length HDMI cable you want then.
I can not recommend THAT cable.
That cable has 6 feet of cord on the USB side, before the adapter in the distal end.
The Mac demands no more than ONE meter, three feet of USB cable before the adapter, while the HDMI portion AFTER the adapter has no firm limits, because HDMI operates at higher Voltages.
How do I connect two external monitors with HDMI to a MacBook?
