I have just bought the MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021) featuring the Apple M1 Pro chip. From previous research I understand that it natively supports 2 additional display monitors, but I need a total of 4, as well as the ability to use USB-A peripherals. I am now researching using hub adapters, but I have doubts about how to proceed. I am researching between the following options from a manufacturer that a close IT-expert friend of mine has recommended:
First option: This option seems to require I buy an additional cable to use the so-called "host port". But, it seems like it would allow me to use only 3 monitors, since, I think, this so-called host port is what connects the hub to the computer.
Second option: This option is my favourite one so far. This option seems to allow me to use 4 display monitor total, given the number of ports visible. Yet, I am unsure if using external hub adapters which require drivers would actually allow me to run 4 display monitors.
Of course I plan to call the manufacturer. Yet, I value the opinion of this community, including options from other manufacturers.
First edit
I now understand that the options listed above are simple hubs; these will NOT allow me to go over the native number of monitors.
Worth clarifying: I do not intend to try and mess with the hardware to get the computer to support more monitors than what it can actually support. I intend to find a good display adapter, such as those in answer 1, using, e.g. DisplayLink drivers to be able to support more than two monitors (native number), to a total of 4.
Refined question: Here's an example of something that makes sense to me. THIS EXAMPLE does NOT specify that drivers are M1 Pro compatible (but they seem to given this site) BUT if they were, I could maybe connect two of these to each USB-C port on my computer and go from 2 to 4?