One of the most satisfying features since purchasing and using the expensive MacBook Pro M3 Max is the ability to operate a triple monitor.
I am using a Thunderbolt 4 dock to connect two monitors via USB-C + HDMI, and I am using the HDMI port on the main body to connect one more monitor, for a total of three monitors.
According to official specs, you can attach one more using the USB-C port on the main body to build a quad-monitor environment.. but that seems too complex, so I'm using a triple setup and am satisfied.
However, a problem arises here... As I use it like this, the cables hang down too much, which doesn't look very nice.
I have been using a Thunderbolt dock for a long time, so I previously made and used the following Thunderbolt dock connection stand for my MacBook Pro.
While browsing AliExpress, I found a magnetic connector compatible with Thunderbolt, whether 20-pin or 24-pin, and used it to create and use a MacBook stand that is easy to connect by hand. (Of course, you have to connect a connector to the MacBook at all times.)
I made this MacBook stand and used it well for about two years, but I kept saying I should organize and share it at some point... but I think I never properly introduced it.
Anyway, I did think about commercializing it and selling it, but I gave up because I was considering stability and saw a post on an overseas forum saying that such magnetic connector methods eventually fail to supply power properly and can damage the motherboard.
So since then, I've just been using it like the top photo, with a stand made to plug into the top.
Then, this time, while using the M3 Max triple monitor and having to carry the MacBook around frequently, I decided to create a modified version to utilize this.
First, I measured the MacBook.
No, I modeled the MacBook Pro 14-inch model.
While searching, I thought there might be data made based on actual measurements, but I was too lazy to do it, so I just measured it roughly and made one.
It seems to match the requirements quite well, so I am using it without issues.
Based on the data created, I thought up the initial design and made the stand and printed it. The size that could barely be printed diagonally on the Ribu A1 Mini.
Should I go with MK1, MK2, or MK3 from the left?
Actually, there were many design attempts and products between the M1 and MK2. I tried various shapes, but at that time high-speed printing wasn't possible, so I got tired of making it and gave up.
Old habits die hard, but looking back now, the MK1 design seems the most attractive.
This time, we decided to use a physical connector instead of a magnetic connector
Using a USB-C connector and HDMI terminal connector, I created a custom connector as shown below. It didn't come out right away; I had about 10 failed prints before changing the design while making it.
It's definitely nice that the high-speed printing environment reduces the burden of design mistakes.
The stand printed for testing is attached as shown below.
I thought about making it a unibody, but this seems better for making improvements, so I think I'll use the MK3 like this for a while.
Now that I've checked the package data to some extent, it's time to change the shape, considering both design and cooling..
They also paid attention to the output itself, slicing with Orca Slicer and using PETG-CF filament to print it with better quality.
And here is the finished MK3 design.
As shown below, I printed the support part in red so it doesn't wobble and works perfectly. No more rattling cables.
I am personally using it very satisfactorily.
While the design is a bit lacking, looking at it, the red color stands out well and seems fine.
Please refer to the video below for the full introduction and making process.
Of course, after looking at it, I didn't really like the design, so I immediately started working on the MK4.
I am working on an improved design in my spare time. Since I wanted to give it a more refined look, I created a design mockup as shown below.
Since it is much larger and heavier than the existing product, it is less likely to wobble.
However, I'm not entirely satisfied with the cooling part, so I'm still working on modifications.
I don't know when the MK4 will be released, but I need to work on it in my spare time.
Before I know it, I might end up making a product that considers a quad monitor setup.. But if I go with quad, I'll eventually have to use another Sunbolt port, so ㅠㅠ There are a lot of things to consider.
I need to think about it a bit more.
Creality K1 printer
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmhYJFn
Creality k1c printer
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeMJbW5
Creality filament dry box