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Best USB-C Dongle for MB 12 inch?

C

Coolio1234

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 22, 2017
372
117
Looking for the best USB-C dongle for my new rMB, here's some of the things I'm looking for/considering:

-hdmi port is a must
-can't decide on a dongle with a cable or one that plugs into the side directly (safe or not?)
-pass through MacBook charging
-portability is preferred
-4kp30and USB-3

Took a look at the hyperdrive which looked impressive, until I noticed it didn't have an hdmi port.

Thoughts?
 
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Note that with the MacBook if you want 4K HDMI and USB-A, you have a choice between 4Kp60 and USB 2 or else 4Kp30 and USB 3. There isn’t enough bandwidth for 4Kp60 plus USB 3.

This is inportant when choosing your dongle.
 
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If my tv isn't a 4K tv, it wouldn't matter right?

In that case, 4kp30 and USB-3!
 
Coolio1234 said:
If my tv isn't a 4K tv, it wouldn't matter right?

In that case, 4kp30 and USB-3!
Click to expand...
Yeah, I chose 4Kp30 and USB 3, because most of my HDMI use is 1080p60 only, which works fine.

Most of them are 4Kp30 and USB 3 anyway. It's much harder to find ones that will do 4Kp60 and USB 2. Some of them that do that are actually the same models as the 4Kp30 ones but with an alternate firmware.

Below is the one I bought. Works fine for what I use it for, but I haven't actually used it much:

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...and-accessories.1884706/page-41#post-24948927
 
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EugW said:
Yeah, I chose 4Kp30 and USB 3, because most of my HDMI use is 1080p60 only, which works fine.

Most of them are 4Kp30 and USB 3 anyway. It's much harder to find ones that will do 4Kp60 and USB 2. Some of them that do that are actually the same models as the 4Kp30 ones but with an alternate firmware.

Below is the one I bought. Works fine for what I use it for, but I haven't actually used it much:

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...and-accessories.1884706/page-41#post-24948927
Click to expand...
Thanks!

What's your opinion on the dongles that don't have a cable but plug into the side? Just seems sleeker to me!
 
Coolio1234 said:
Thanks!

What's your opinion on the dongles that don't have a cable but plug into the side? Just seems sleeker to me!
Click to expand...
I've never tried one. But I personally prefer the idea of flexible cables. Maybe they would put less stress on the port.
 
I have the Satechi (the model with the cable). I can't say I like it very much when using with passthrough charging, because of its lack of USB-IF Certification, but it does have the items you seek. I've been seeking a lower cost hub with passthrough and IF, but am yet to find one.

I'm becoming increasingly weary of the attach-to-side hubs. I'm noticing a trend of USB-C ports becoming looser that use these. I don't have enough evidence to speak to this in a concrete manner though, and this could easily relate to the usage rather than the design itself, so for now this is just a personal observation.
 
EugW said:
Yeah, I chose 4Kp30 and USB 3, because most of my HDMI use is 1080p60 only, which works fine.

Most of them are 4Kp30 and USB 3 anyway. It's much harder to find ones that will do 4Kp60 and USB 2. Some of them that do that are actually the same models as the 4Kp30 ones but with an alternate firmware.

Below is the one I bought. Works fine for what I use it for, but I haven't actually used it much:

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...and-accessories.1884706/page-41#post-24948927
Click to expand...

Not the OP but this is exactly what I'm looking for. And bonus that it's available in the Amazon Canada store!! Thanks!
 
Hyperdrive is a pos
I also bought the Apple USB to HDMI converter with USB port but the USB port doesn't work for most external hard drives (and when it does, it works at 2.0 speeds) so it's garbage as well
 
It should be noted that just because a USB-C device is confirmed to work on the 2016 and 2015 models, doesn't mean it will work well or work at all on the 2017 models. Apple changed something in 2017 with their USB-C port implementation, and that broke compatibility with a lot of devices that worked fine with the 2015/2016. This seems especially true for HDMI output.
 
EugW said:
It should be noted that just because a USB-C device is confirmed to work on the 2016 and 2015 models, doesn't mean it will work well or work at all on the 2017 models. Apple changed something in 2017 with their USB-C port implementation, and that broke compatibility with a lot of devices that worked fine with the 2015/2016. This seems especially true for HDMI output.
Click to expand...
Wow. So how can you tell on a dongle whether it's usable for the 2017 models? (Aside from the marketing)
 
Coolio1234 said:
Wow. So how can you tell on a dongle whether it's usable for the 2017 models? (Aside from the marketing)
Click to expand...
Read the reviews, or the info on their product pages. Some of them specifically mention whether or not the 2017 is supported.
[doublepost=1507139394][/doublepost]Interesting. Perhaps 10.12.6 Sierra fixed some of these compatibility issues.

For example:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01FIVSC6Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This USB-C to 4Kp60 HDMI dongle didn't work with the new 2017 iMacs and MacBooks that shipped with 10.12.5, but they've since updated their page to say it works now, but needs 10.12.6.
 
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EugW said:
I've never tried one. But I personally prefer the idea of flexible cables. Maybe they would put less stress on the port.
Click to expand...

I did end up pulling the trigger on this hub that sits flush on the side of the 2017 rMB and although I can confirm that HDMI and USB 3.0 inputs work fine, I became disenchanted with the implementation of how it just hangs on the port like you guys described.

Nearly convinced myself to go ahead and buy a whole new hub with a flexible cable but right then I came up with the idea to perhaps look for a USB C extender cable to place some distance between the hub and the vulnerable port.

Managed to find this little gem online and works as advertised! All inputs work as if I had the hub plugged in right in the side. I couldn't be happier as it saved me so much cash from needlessly buying a new hub!

Disclaimer with this extension cable though. There are plenty of negative reviews referencing losing HDMI or USB connection after implementing the extension, however, I have a strong suspicion this is attributed to the length of the cable as the one I got was 1.6ft and I think the negative symptoms above will happen with anything BEYOND that length. Just my suspicion though.
 

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Retrostarscream said:
I did end up pulling the trigger on this hub that sits flush on the side of the 2017 rMB and although I can confirm that HDMI and USB 3.0 inputs work fine, I became disenchanted with the implementation of how it just hangs on the port like you guys described.

Nearly convinced myself to go ahead and buy a whole new hub with a flexible cable but right then I came up with the idea to perhaps look for a USB C extender cable to place some distance between the hub and the vulnerable port.

Managed to find this little gem online and works as advertised! All inputs work as if I had the hub plugged in right in the side. I couldn't be happier as it saved me so much cash from needlessly buying a new hub!

Disclaimer with this extension cable though. There are plenty of negative reviews referencing losing HDMI or USB connection after implementing the extension, however, I have a strong suspicion this is attributed to the length of the cable as the one I got was 1.6ft and I think the negative symptoms above will happen with anything BEYOND that length. Just my suspicion though.
Click to expand...

What HDMI to DVI adapter are you using? What resolution are you running on your external monitor? I haven't found one that can do 2560x1440 without also needing usb for power.
 
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pukrnukr said:
What HDMI to DVI adapter are you using? What resolution are you running on your external monitor? I haven't found one that can do 2560x1440 without also needing usb for power.
Click to expand...

The adapter I'm using is from Griffin hooked up to a second hand 23 inch apple cinema HD display from 2004 so resolution is maxed out to 1920X1200. You may be right about the power requirement. Wouldn't be able to comment on that.
 

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Coolio1234 said:
Looking for the best USB-C dongle for my new rMB, here's some of the things I'm looking for/considering:

-hdmi port is a must
-can't decide on a dongle with a cable or one that plugs into the side directly (safe or not?)
-pass through MacBook charging
-portability is preferred
-4kp30and USB-3

Took a look at the hyperdrive which looked impressive, until I noticed it didn't have an hdmi port.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Hello,
Vistar Hub is exactly what you need.

It includes HDMI, SD Card, DisplayPort, MicroSD, MiniDP, VGA, 2xUSB3.1, 2xUSB-C ports. It's probably the most versatile and cost-effective 10 in 1 solution!

KICKSTARTER LINK: http://kck.st/2BRFFEA
 
Vistarhub said:
Hello,
Vistar Hub is exactly what you need.

It includes HDMI, SD Card, DisplayPort, MicroSD, MiniDP, VGA, 2xUSB3.1, 2xUSB-C ports. It's probably the most versatile and cost-effective 10 in 1 solution!

KICKSTARTER LINK: http://kck.st/2BRFFEA
Click to expand...

That looks awesome. :)

Will it by chance have USB-IF Certification?
 
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