Unfortunately Plugable products do not support the Apple SuperDrive.

The Apple SuperDrive has stringent power requirements that can only be met by directly connecting the SuperDrive to your host laptop. As a result at this time Apple recommends only using their USB-C adapter cables. You can find more information on that here → How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive

If you have purchased a Plugable product to use with your Apple SuperDrive, and would like some additional assistance please do not hesitate to reach out. You can do so by emailing support@plugable.com, or going to Plugable.com/Support.

We are often asked if it is okay to leave a notebook computer connected to one of our USB-C docking stations with Power Delivery for extended periods of time.  The short answer is yes, it is no different from leaving the laptop connected to the manufacturer's original USB-C power supply for the same time.  The long answer is yes for modern laptops, and maybe for older (1990s-early 2000s laptops) and involves going into the different battery technologies used in consumer electronics devices.

Another common question is if it is possible to use the docking station but to disable powering and charging the computer.  When a modern notebook computer runs on battery power it will often set the system to a reduced power state which may impact performance, or connected devices and we recommend always powering the computer when using a desktop docking station.  For all of our docking stations that provide power to the host computer this will not affect the lifespan of the computer's battery.

Modern Laptop Batteries: Lithium-Ion

Lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries are found in a wide range of consumer electronics from notebook computers and cell phones, to electric cars, power tools, and wearable electronics like wireless earbuds.  Li-ion offers fast charging, high-current discharging, fairly long service live compared to other rechargeable battery technologies and are relatively inexpensive.

The life-span of a rechargeable battery depends on many factors including age, temperature history, charging patterns, the chemical composition of the specific battery, and usage.  For example batteries stored at 100% charge will degrade faster than batteries stored at 50% charge, this is why most consumer electronics devices arrive from the manufacturer with between 25% to 75% charge.

Lithium-ion batteries are consumable components, however in most modern computers, cell phones, and tablets these are not user serviceable components.  To help maintain the battery all modern computers and most consumer electronics will include battery charge and protection circuits.  These can be fairly simple, charging up the battery at preset rates depending on the charge level to help maintain the battery life, or complex software controlled charging that monitors battery temperature, voltage and current draw to maintain the fastest charging while maintaining the battery longevity.

Modern notebook computers can be left connected to the original power cable or a docking station with charging capability for extended periods, and do not benefit from regular discharge/recharge cycles.  Our docking stations with charging capability rely on USB Type-C Power Delivery to power and charge compatible computers.  USB Type-C Power Delivery is a negotiated charging protocol between the host computer and the docking station or USB Type-C power supply, this allows the computer to draw only the power it requires, and even select the best voltage level for powering the computer.  In combination with a computer's built-in battery charging controller the computer is capable of maintaining the battery's optimal state even when left connected to a power source for an extended period of time.

Legacy Laptop Batteries: NiCad and NiMH

Older laptops, from the 1990s and some early 2000s, as well as some consumer electronics, and most rechargeable AA or AAA battery replacements use Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) or Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.  These batteries are slower to charge and discharge than li-ion batteries, and require very simple charge controllers, and in some cases can even be trickle-charged ( very low-current continuous charging ) if desired.

These batteries generally don't have smart charging controllers and to prolong the life of the battery required "training" or fully discharging and recharging the battery every so often.  Many laptop manufacturers recommended fully charging and discharging a new laptop 2-3 times to train the battery, this is not necessary with modern laptops.

Conclusion

Modern notebook batteries are managed by the computer's built-in battery charging circuit, and require little to no user intervention to maintain optimal battery health.  It does not harm the battery to leave the computer connected to an external power supply, so long as the computer is being used regularly.  If the computer is to be stored for a prolonged period then discharging the battery to between 50-75% can help to maintain the battery life.

Batteries are consumable components and degrade over time, however modern notebook computers can extend the battery life generally to meet or exceed the life of the computer's other electronic components.

Overview

With the release of Apple’s M3 CPU chips and the Sonoma 14.6 update your base MacBook Air and MacBook Pro systems with M3 chips can now host two external displays natively in clamshell mode. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using two external displays with the lid closed on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro equipped with an Apple M3 chip.

Requirements

Before getting started, ensure you have the following:

• MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with an Apple M3 chip.
• macOS Sonoma 14.3 or later for an M3 MacBook Air or macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later for an M3 MacBook Pro.
• Two external displays with compatible video inputs (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C).
  • A dock or graphics adapter can be used as well.
• External keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless).
• Power adapter or power source for your MacBook
  • A docking station that provides adequate charge can be used in place of the native power adapter, be sure to check the wattage your dock provides.

Steps to Set Up Dual External Displays with the Lid Closed

1. Set Up Your External Keyboard and Mouse

• If you’re using a wired keyboard and mouse, connect them directly to your MacBook or Plugable dock.
• For wireless peripherals, ensure they are paired with your MacBook and functioning properly.
• An AC adapter/power cable of some kind will also need to be connected for clamshell mode to function properly. This adapter can be one from a docking station or the included Apple adapter.

2. Connect Your Displays

• Connect the first external display to your MacBook using the appropriate cable (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
• Close your laptop’s lid.
• Connect the second external display using a similar method.
• Ensure both displays are powered on and set to the correct input source.

3. Configure Display Settings

• Open System Settings on your MacBook.
• Go to Displays.
• You should see both external displays listed. Arrange them according to your preference by dragging the display icons.
• Adjust the resolution, refresh rate, and other settings as needed.

4. Enable "Clamshell Mode" (Lid Closed Mode)

• With your external displays connected and set up, close the lid of your MacBook.
• Your MacBook will automatically switch to "Clamshell Mode," where the internal display turns off, and the external displays become your primary screens.
• Ensure your MacBook is connected to a power source to prevent it from entering sleep mode.

5. Check the Display Arrangement

• With the lid closed, check that the external displays are functioning as expected.
• If necessary, re-open the Displays settings to adjust the arrangement, resolution, or other preferences.

Troubleshooting Tips

• No Display on External Monitors: If the external displays are not showing anything, open the lid of your MacBook and check the connections.
• MacBook Sleeps When Lid Is Closed: Make sure your MacBook is connected to a power adapter. Clamshell Mode requires the MacBook to be plugged into an external power source.
• Performance Issues: If you experience lag or performance drops, try lowering the resolution or refresh rate of the external displays.

Thunderbolt Dock Users

With these steps, one can use Plugable Thunderbolt docks to enjoy a dual-display setup without the need for additional software installation. The dock leverages the native capabilities of the MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Pro M3, providing a straightforward and efficient solution for expanding your workspace with additional USB ports, audio, and ethernet (as well as the dual displays).

Additional Resources

If you should need any assistance with your setup, please feel free to reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.

The USBC-PDMON is not a touch-enabled display, and as such it does not support touch inputs. We do not recommend pressing on the display’s surface, as this could potentially damage the display. 

The USBC-PDMON is an external display that requires that the host device supports video output via a USB Type-C port (also known as VESA Alt Mode video output).

Not all USB Type-C ports support video output. In our experience helping others, we have found that in many cases the USB Type-C port in a desktop computer will NOT support video output.

Please check with the manufacturer of your computer in order to determine if your computer supports video output via USB Type-C.

The brightness of the USBC-PDMON’s display can be adjusted by using two physical buttons on the right-hand side of the unit with icons of the sun printed above them.

Pressing and releasing the button located underneath the ‘solid sun’ once will increase the brightness. Press and release the button again to continue increasing the brightness.      

Pressing and releasing the button located underneath the ‘hollow sun’ once will decrease the brightness. Press and release the button again to continue decreasing the brightness.      
 

The USBC-PDMON does not have a webcam built-in to the unit.  However, an external webcam that uses a USB Type-C connection can be connected to one of the display’s ‘downstream’ USB Type-C ports.

The USBC-PDMON can be used as an extension of your computer’s desktop environment, or used as a ‘duplicate’ (also known as ‘mirror’ or ‘clone’) of a device's built-in internal display.  Please note, the monitor has no control over this configuration.  The configuration must be done from within the host device.

In order to be compatible with the USBC-PDMON, the host device must have a USB Type-C port or Thunderbolt port that supports video output.  

If the host device does not support video output via USB Type-C or Thunderbolt, then it is not compatible with USBC-PDMON.

The USBC-PDMON supports USB Power Delivery, which allows the display to either receive power from an external power source (such as a USB Type-C charger) or receive power from the host device. In other words, the display can accept power from both ‘directions’.

The USBC-PDMON also has an internal USB hub which allows you to connect external devices such as USB storage drives.

When the ‘direction’ of the power source changes (for example if you disconnect an external power adapter and allow the host system to power the display), the USB hub inside the display will momentarily reset and the video signal will also be temporarily interrupted.

It is for this reason that we recommend that you ‘eject’ any USB devices connected to the display’s ‘downstream’ USB ports prior to changing the power source of the display.

The best practice is to ‘eject’ any USB devices connected to the display’s ‘downstream’ USB ports prior to changing the power source of the display or physically disconnecting the display from the host system. This helps to ensure the integrity of the data on any USB devices is not compromised by an unexpected disconnection of the device.

On occasion, the internal USB hub may stop working correctly. This can lead to your computer not detecting connected USB devices, or your computer may not recognize that the portable display is plugged in at all.

A common fix for these situations is to perform a power-cycle of the unit to reset its internal hub chipset. We've seen that this can often restore the unit back to a working state when one or more of its functions aren't quite working.  It's important that the steps are followed in a specific order to ensure the unit’s internal USB hub fully resets. The steps are as follows:

1. Disconnect all USB peripherals connected to the portable display
2. Disconnect the USB-C power adapter from the portable display if one is present, then disconnect the portable display from the host device. 
3. Leave unplugged for at least 1 minute for power to dissipate.
4. If you’re using PD pass-through, connect the USB-C power adapter to the PD pass-through USB-C port of the portable display
5. Connect portable display to your host device using the included USB-C cable, then connect USB peripherals and test for functionality
    

The USBC-PDMON can be used in portrait or landscape mode, however the folding stand may not be stable for positioning the display in portrait mode. It’s recommended to use a tablet stand such as PT-STAND1 when positioning the portable monitor in portrait mode.

Please note, the monitor has no control over this configuration, so the display rotation must be configured from within the host device.

Yes, the USBC-PDMON can be used with several different models of USB-C equipped smartphones and tablets, although there are some important notes to keep in mind:

• The smartphone/tablet's USB-C port must support DP Alt mode video output in order to be able to send video to the monitor. Please confirm if your device's USB-C port supports this functionality by consulting its manufacturer's specifications.
   
• The USBC-PDMON can be powered solely by the USB Type-C connection to the host device, however that USB Type-C connection must be capable of providing 15W of power in order for this to work. If the host device is not capable of providing 15W, then the monitor must be powered by an external power source that can provide up to 15W of power (for example a charger that supports USB Power Delivery at a minimum of 15W)
  
  In our experience helping others, many phones and tablets cannot output the required 15W of power through their USB-C ports, so a USB-C power adapter would be required.
   

The PD Pass-Through enabled USB-C port of USBC-PDMON is capable of providing PD to the portable display and computer while simultaneously connecting downstream USB devices. A USB-C hub capable of USB-C Power Delivery and USB data must be connected to the PD Pass-Through port of USBC-PDMON in order to use both functions at once.

If the USBC-PDMON is not working as expected upon initial setup, please check the following:

A. Ensure that you are using only the USB Type-C cable that Plugable included in the box with the monitor in order to connect it to the host device. This is important because not all cables with USB Type-C connectors support video output

B. Ensure that the USB Type-C cable is connected to a port within the host device that supports USB Type-C video output

C. Ensure that the host device’s USB Type-C port can provide up to 15W of power. If your devices does not support 15W power output from its USB-C port, it may be necessary to connect a USB-C power supply to the PD pass-through USB-C port to power the display

D. Ensure that the USB Type-C cable is connected to the single USB Type-C Host port within the display.  This port has a small icon of a laptop printed above it: 
 

The USBC-PDMON does not have internal speakers. However, an external audio device (such as speakers or headphones) that has a USB Type-C connection can be connected to one of the display’s ‘downstream’ USB Type-C ports.

To the best of our knowledge, the USBC-PDMON is compatible with any Mac computer that is equipped with a USB Type-C or Thunderbolt port.  

Please note, not all Macs have the ability to drive more than one external display via USB Type-C or Thunderbolt. Please consult Apple’s specifications for your Mac in order to determine the number of external displays supported. 

The USBC-PDMON does NOT support ‘daisy chaining’ two units together. If using multiple USBC-PDMON devices with a single host computer, each monitor must be directly connected to the host via a USB Type-C cable. 

The USBC-PDMON can be powered solely by a USB Type-C connection to the host device, however that USB Type-C connection must be capable of providing 15W of power in order for this to work.

Small devices such as phones or tablets may not be able to provide 15W, and if that is the case the monitor must be powered by an external power source that can provide up to 15W of power (for example a charger that supports USB Power Delivery at a minimum of 15W). 

USBC-PDMON features a color mode button on the right-hand side of the unit which allows for quick adjustment of the colors shown on screen. The color mode can be cycled by pressing and releasing the color mode button: 
 

Further adjustment of the colors on the display can be done through the host device’s color configuration options. 
 

USBC-PDMON is not currently compatible with the Nintendo Switch.

It is compatible with the Steam Deck, although it's required to connect a USB-C power adapter to the PD Pass-Through USB-C port of the portable monitor for the monitor to function.

The USBC-PDMON does not have an internal battery. The monitor must receive power from an external power source in order to operate.

The external power can be provided by a charger that supports USB Power Delivery at a minimum of 15W, or the monitor can be powered by the host device’s USB Type-C port as long as the port can provide up to 15W of power. 

The bottom bezel of USBC-PDMON is 12.5mm. The bezel on the top and sides of the monitor is 7.5mm.

What is Alt Mode, and how does it work?

USB-C is a truly versatile connection that supports a range of functions, including power delivery, data transfer, and video. Alt Mode leverages this versatility by repurposing high-speed data pins to enable alternative video data protocols. Many of our docking stations support this protocol, but there is a catch! To take advantage of this feature, your host system must support Alt Mode via the host USB-C port and controller. If the host system and device support Alt Mode, the USB-C ports automatically switch from its default data protocol to the required Alt Mode protocol for video. 

How do I determine if my system supports Alt Mode?

Reviewing your manufacturer's system specifications or user manual is the easiest way to determine if your system supports Alt Mode via the USB-C port, but unfortunately, it’s not always consistent or straightforward. Below, we have included examples of how some system manufacturers mention the capabilities of the USB-C ports on their laptops. This information will usually be included in the user manuals or system specification sheets.

Please note that mention of DisplayPort or DP 1.2, 1,4, and 2.1 indicates Alt Mode support.

Lenovo

HP

Dell

Additionally, some manufacturers, but not all, will also include a DP symbol next to the port to illustrate its ability to support video. If your USB-C port is unmarked, check your user manual or consult the system specifications. 

What about Thunderbolt 4 and USB4?

Unlike earlier iterations of USB-C, which use Alt Mode for video support, USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 primarily use video tunnelling to transmit video over the USB-C connection. Video tunnelling dynamically allocates bandwidth for video and data to ensure optimized performance. If a device does not fully support video tunnelling, your Thunderbolt 4 or USB4-capable system can fall back to Alt Mode, ensuring compatibility with devices that support Alt Mode for video. So you don’t have to worry about a Thunderbolt or USB4 connection supporting USB-C Alt Mode!

Troubleshooting For Alt Mode 

When using a USB-C video cable, adapter, docking station, or hub, it's important to ensure that your laptop supports Alt Mode. If you encounter any issues, the following steps can help you troubleshoot and determine why video may not be working through your USB-C Alt Mode cable or device.

1. First and foremost, check to ensure that your system supports Alt Mode. This is vital as Alt Mode is an optional feature that not all manufacturers include on their systems.
   1. If your system does not support Alt Mode, unfortunately, this is a hardware limitation, and there is no workaround for achieving Alt Mode compatibility. However, it’s possible to still drive external monitors through DisplayLink.
2. Reboot your system and perform a power reset on your docking station or hub (if applicable)
3. If you are using a docking station, ensure that you are using a USB-C cable that supports Alt Mode. 
   1. Not all cables are created equal—USB-C cables that support USB 2.0 only or “charging only” cables are not built to support video. To ensure compatibility, all of our Alt Mode-capable products will come with a USB-C cable that supports this feature.
   2. Do not use USB-C to USB-A adapters, as they are not designed to support video transmission.
4. Be sure to check your operating system's display settings. The connected display can sometimes be disabled within the display settings, or the resolution and refresh may need to be adjusted to match what your device or display can support.
5. Check if your Alt Mode-capable device has any firmware updates listed specifically for Alt Mode.
6. Ensure that your system is up to date with all its latest drivers, firmware, and BIOS, especially your USB and internal graphics controller. Outdated drivers can often lead to connectivity issues, and at times, a BIOS update is needed, which the system manufacturer will generally mention on their official support page.
7. Check BIOS and UEFI settings; some manufacturers add settings that control USB-C functionality. Ensure that your settings are enabled and correctly configured for Alt Mode.
8. Test out another USB-C port on your system if you have more than one. This is beneficial in determining if the issues are related to the specific port.

Benefits of USB-C Alt Mode

Alt Mode over USB-C provides a direct connection to the GPU, allowing you to take advantage of the capabilities of your built-in GPU. This ensures native-level performance without the need for extra software or drivers. As a result, your USB-C Alt Mode-connected display will have reduced latency compared to other methods of adding additional displays, making it perfect for users who require sharp and detailed visuals at optimal refresh rates. Unlike traditional video connectors like HDMI or DisplayPort, which only support video, a USB-C connection with Alt Mode is more flexible and multifunctional, allowing a single connection to carry video, data, and power delivery.

Alt Mode supported devices from Plugable

If your system supports Alt Mode or if you are looking to get more out of your laptop, especially Apple M1, M2, or M3 base chipsets (which are limited to one external display), we have compiled some options below that utilize Alt Mode or a combination of Alt Mode and DisplayLink for even more monitor expandability.

Plugable USB-C Docking Station with HDMI, 60W Laptop Charging
SKU: UD-CA1A

The UD-CA1A is a versatile docking station that enables you to connect a 4K HDMI display via Alt Mode. In addition, it comes equipped with high-speed Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 ports, 3.5mm jacks for headphones and microphone, and will provide 60W of power delivery to your host device—all via a single USB-C port. It is compatible with macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, Linux, iOS, and iPadOS, making it the ideal solution for any setup. You can enjoy seamless plug-and-play functionality and save space with its sleek vertical design or lay it flat for a more subtle look.  

Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub with Ethernet
SKU: USBC-7IN1E  

The USBC-7IN1E instantly transforms a single USB-C with Alt Mode or Thunderbolt port into a versatile hub featuring 2x USB 3.0 ports, a 4K HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet, and SD and microSD card readers. For hosts that support Power Delivery over USB-C, this hub also supports 100W PD passthrough, allowing you to plug in your included USB-C power adapter to further simplify your setup for greater portable productivity.

The products mentioned above demonstrate the versatility of a single USB-C connection. Plugable offers a wide range of solutions to meet your needs. Whether you are looking for a full-featured docking station that utilizes DisplayLink and USB-C Alt mode, such as our UD-ULTC4K, or a USB-C cable that supports video, data, and charging, like our USBC-240W-1M, you can rest assured that we have you covered. If you have any questions or need help building a solution that takes full advantage of your laptop's USB-C connection, please reach out to us at support@plugable.com.