I understand the lack of multi-monitor support in the M1s is an issue. But just after the launch of the M1, I came across a video that demonstrated an M1 Mac mini driving six monitors. [0] There is also a short write up about that workaround, for those who don’t want the video. [1]
There are similar workarounds for the M1 MacBoooks. [2]
Is this a reasonable workaround until Apple provides M1 hardware that can run more than 1 monitor out of the box?
DisplayLink is a software encoded and compressed video stream that the hardware dongle decompresses on display. The experience is not great on my M1 MacBook Air. Sometimes it doesn't work and I have to plug/unplug, DisplayLink doesn't support refresh rates higher than 60hz, and you have to keep their software running in my task bar for it to work, and there are occasional visual artifacts. If you're planning to use your M1 in a multi-monitor setup, I suggest waiting for Apple to support it natively, especially if you're doing any kind of design work.
If you occassionally just want to plug in to multiple displays, it can bridge the gap. It's no substitute for a dedicated workstation.
#2 is using a DisplayLink device to run multiple monitors. I presume the other videos do too.
There's no trick or way around this on an M1-equipped Mac. Something else will be handling the graphics.
DisplayLink generally works excellent for running most apps. It does not work well where you’re pushing a bunch of bits at the screen rapidly, eg. First person shooters or high definition video.
That said, one of my DisplayLink monitors is used for IP camera feeds, and while the little traffic light on the USB dongle is blinking incredibly fast, I don’t notice any stutters.
Everyone already knows about this and the author mentions this in their post.
I've seen these too, but the LG 4k monitors that Apple sells on their website, and suggests as a display purchase along with the M1, have only Thunderbolt and USB-c IO. All these example setups use monitors with HDMI, etc.
If you occassionally just want to plug in to multiple displays, it can bridge the gap. It's no substitute for a dedicated workstation.