... for my early 2015 13" rMBP, any arguments for getting a USB 3 adapter instead? Thanks for any input.
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Before I get a TB Ethernet adapter...
- Thread starter pseudoware
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Any USB 3.0 Ethernet adapter will need a driver, and could potentially be broken by an OSX update. I personally just got the Apple USB 2.0 to Ethernet adapter, knowing I could use it on any Mac I will buy in the foreseeable future (TB connector will be changing on future Macs) as well as my Windows laptop that lacks an Ethernet port. 100Mbps is plenty fast for any internet connection I'm likely to encounter.
Get the Thunderbolt adapter - I'm sure you'd prefer more spare USB sockets than Thunderbolt sockets (since comparatively few things use Thunderbolt).
IMO Thunderbolt isn't going anywhere from the Pro lines - Thunderbolt 3 will arrive eventually with 5K display support and that will be backwards compatible with the current cable.
IMO Thunderbolt isn't going anywhere from the Pro lines - Thunderbolt 3 will arrive eventually with 5K display support and that will be backwards compatible with the current cable.
i have a USB3 hub with gig-ethernet in it. (the one i have isn't in stock, but lots of options)
(link here to the options on amazon)
(link here to the options on amazon)
I didn't need a driver, just plugged it in, and it worked, it's pretty basic like a mouse or keyboard.
except the thunderbolt port is also the mini displayport port, and if you're going to add an external monitor, that extra USB port won't do a lot of good.
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There are two Thunderbolt ports and an HDMI port on current MBPs so that shouldn't be an issue.
- Don't think so. While there will of course be adaptors, Thunderbolt 3 will use a different physical connector (USB-C) than Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2.
Otherwise, I'm with you. The Thunderbolt to Ethernet is preferable so long as the OP doesn't need the port for displays or other peripherals.
Thx for the replies. I don't currently own anything TB, so those port are lonely. I use HDMI for my monitor and can have 4 or 5 USB devices connected at any time. And my portable monitor needs power via USB, so I can't use a hub for that. TB it is.
Well I should have said some need a driver, and there is no guaranty they'll work after an OS X update. The only safeguard against that would be the Apple adapter, or a Thunderbolt version.
I'd recommend the Thunderbolt version, unless you have other Windows-based devices you want to use it on, or plan on upgrading Macs in the next 1-2 years.
I forgot about that! I thought the design for Thunderbolt 3 was still up in the air. I guess Thunderbolt (1 and 2) will be yet another dead interface.
For everyone keeping score, I ended up getting this:
http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Unibody-Aluminum-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00PC07T02
A more versatile sol'n for me & my household than TB.
http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Unibody-Aluminum-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00PC07T02
A more versatile sol'n for me & my household than TB.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Did you need a driver or was it plug 'n play?
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