Dongle thread for the new Macbook Pro's

[nulambhbk]

Not quite a dongle, but does anybody know if there are any USB-C cables other than Apple's that can fully power the 15" rMBP from the 87W brick that comes with it?

Replying to my own post here, but for anybody looking for alternative power cables, a Google engineer along with a volunteer have put together a great doc rating many of the options out there. Remember, for a 2016 15" MBP, you want cables rated up to 5A/100W:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vnpEXfo2HCGADdd9G2x9dMDWqENiY2kgBJUu29f_TX8/pubhtml#

 

[symphara]

2. The Apple USB-C to TB2 adaptor works perfectly with my old Thunderbolt Display. Everything works as expected with no issues. Waiting to order the LG 5k once available.

Just make sure you don't need to connect a PC or anything else apart from your Macbook to this monitor, as it only has TB3 USB-C input and I'm not sure if there's any way to convert dual-DP into USB-C.

 

[Weaselboy]

Just make sure you don't need to connect a PC or anything else apart from your Macbook to this monitor, as it only has TB3 USB-C input and I'm not sure if there's any way to convert dual-DP into USB-C.

Yes, thanks.... I'm aware of that and only intend to use the LG with my new MacBook Pro.

 

[thesaint024]

7) USB-C to Displayport + USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Your DELL monitor has 4 USB ports, right? You can have all plugged in for $20-30

Yes, I have the 3415 with USB ports. Therefore I only need one usb 3 input in a hub/dongle setup. The downside to your (7) option is that it won't have power delivery. I would prefer to plug in minimal connections. With this, I count 3: mDP, USB, and power. But it is definitely a more portable option that I am considering for a second on-the-go setup.

Does your Dell monitor have a USB 3.0 hub built in? I have a U2415 that has the hub, which saves me from needing another USB 3.0 hub. I just need the Apple USB-C - USB 3.0 female cable to plug it into my hub. My setup is going to look just like your option 5, except I have an additional TB2 drive to plug in, too. I don't know that I would want to change from that even when other docks become available.

I have the 3415 so probably the same built in USB hub as yours (which I love). Your setup will need a TB2 plug, which I assume will have to be plugged into the USB dock. I haven't seen any docks/adapters with TB2 that go into usb 3. You could always plug it directly with a TB3 to TB2 dongle I suppose.

3. I ordered some of these Aukey USB-C adaptors and they work. I saw a post earlier asking if adaptors like this will fit side by side in the USB-C ports. These will fit side by side, but it is somewhat snug.

I got a pair of these too. I'm sure they will come in handy anywhere. I will keep these in my kit regardless of what desktop solution I settle on. Not to beat a dead horse, but it would've been awesome if Apple just kept ONE usb A port.
[doublepost=1479402828][/doublepost]Following up on my previous post about wishing Apple kept ONE usb a port, I understand why Apple killed all of the ports. We all use these computers differently. This appeals to the broadest audience and essentially let's us customize our setup however we want. Yes, I've used all of my past MBP ports at some point, but 99% of the time, I don't need any of the ports on the go. And my desktop setup is what it is and will be better with just one plug to plug in on the 2016 MBP. Yeah it's a PIA right now with the lack of products and standards, but honestly in majority of use, it will just be the MBP and me, maybe a power adapter. I appreciate the 0.5lb reduction (1.5lb from my 2009 MBP).

"Pros" who are bitching probably won't need all the attachments away from their desks, except maybe SD and usb a. That's a small dongle that doesn't even need to be plugged in all the time. Pros that want a bigger, heavier laptop with all the bits, are probably a small fraction of potential buyers. And they have lots of options. Apple only makes one Pro computer with a couple variations for all intents and purposes. They need to appeal to the biggest base. If I were a photog or editor, I'd probably stick with Windows just because of the sheer number of choices alone. Apple lost there way? Maybe, but they are in a very different situation than they were when they were appealing to all of the photogs and graphic designers. Like it or not, they are a mainstream company now, building for the masses. The computer is not perfect, and I wish it were more to my specs, but I understand the decisions they made.

Off soapbox.

 

[groundcontrol]

Replying to my own post here, but for anybody looking for alternative power cables, a Google engineer along with a volunteer have put together a great doc rating many of the options out there. Remember, for a 2016 15" MBP, you want cables rated up to 5A/100W:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vnpEXfo2HCGADdd9G2x9dMDWqENiY2kgBJUu29f_TX8/pubhtml#

Wow. Thank you for sharing this. Such a helpful doc.

It looks like there are very few options for longer C-C and A-C cables, correct?

It would be nice to see longer C-C cables that are recommended (longer than the 2m one that comes with 2016 MBP), as that could eliminate the need to buy the extension cord for your 2016 MBP power adapter when you need more distance to a power outlet.

 

[anson42]

Wow. Thank you for sharing this. Such a helpful doc.

It looks like there are very few options for longer C-C and A-C cables, correct?

It would be nice to see longer C-C cables that are recommended (longer than the 2m one that comes with 2016 MBP), as that could eliminate the need to buy the extension cord for your 2016 MBP power adapter when you need more distance to a power outlet.

I agree, very useful research! In the 100W category it seems like the Apple cable is the longest and thus the best cable for dedicated charging, but clearly not the best if you also need that cable to double as a USB 3 sync cable. It would be nice to see 2+m dedicated charge cables (USB 2 is ok for those to keep the cost down) and some 2+m sync cables at USB3 and TB3 speeds for when you just have to have a long sync cable.

 

[Keleko]

I have the 3415 so probably the same built in USB hub as yours (which I love). Your setup will need a TB2 plug, which I assume will have to be plugged into the USB dock. I haven't seen any docks/adapters with TB2 that go into usb 3. You could always plug it directly with a TB3 to TB2 dongle I suppose.

I got Apple's TB3-TB2 cable for my TB2 drive. So that's power, video, USB 3.0 and TB2 using my 4 USB-C ports. I'll also get a SD card reader that has both USB-C and USB 3.0 plugs so I can use from the hub or on the go.

 

[arbitrage]

I got these little adapters in the mail. They aren't very well made. The metal casing around the port moves and then the connector doesn't slide in straight. Also a standard USB male end sticks out about 4-5mm so doesn't seat fully. They work okay but I'm looking to order another brand to see if its any better/sleaker.

Ones I received: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01EL4PVFE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Ones I will try next: https://www.amazon.ca/AUKEY-Adapter...r=8-1&keywords=AUKEY+USB+C+to+USB+3.0+Adapter

On the other hand my cables look good and will work fine:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B013JJUB8Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B012V56992/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[hj576]

So I just received my Aukey USB-C to USB and HDMI connecter
Aukey USB C Hub 4 x USB 3.0 Port to HDM
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01E789GFA/ref=ya_st_dp_summary

And i can tell it interferes with the 2.4 Ghz wifi Signals at certain angles.
If you keep it straight as in keep the wire straight going perpendicular from the laptop, it kills the wifi, Move it a bit up or down (keeping wire at an angle), it fixes the issue and net works, At the moment i Have it connected and moved it slightly down, internet is working
I have tested it with an external Westren Digital my personal passport
USB Mouse
and HDMI to my 1080p LCD (YES LCD, life of a student xD)
All work
So well i would suggest to look elsewhere as it kills the wifi at a certain angle, but if you are ok with having it moved then it works fine so far

I am doing a video on its unboxing and use, and will cover the wifi issue on it, will publish it once its done here

 

[Mano-be]

Is there a USB C to HDMI dongle that offers 4K at 60hz with HDR support and doesn't give you Wifi problems? Extra USB port on it would be useful but not necessary for me. Thanks for helping me out!

 

[Oesoto]

Is there a USB C to HDMI dongle that offers 4K at 60hz with HDR support and doesn't give you Wifi problems? Extra USB port on it would be useful but not necessary for me. Thanks for helping me out!

I don't know about HDR but I want to give a try to this one https://www.moshi.com/usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter

I'm also waiting for the Belkin adapter http://www.belkin.com/us/F2CU038-Belkin/p/P-F2CU038/

Those would be my choices

 

[killawat]

Is there a USB C to HDMI dongle that offers 4K at 60hz with HDR support and doesn't give you Wifi problems? Extra USB port on it would be useful but not necessary for me. Thanks for helping me out!

Try this one : http://www.accellcables.com/collections/adapters/products/usb-c-to-hdmi-2-0a-adapter

Accell stuff is pretty spendy but it's the only thing I use. I have the Mini DisplayPort cable and the usbc to 3x USBa hub, everything works flawless.

 

[phloo]

HDMI doesnt support 60Hz
Only HDMI 2.0 which is not implemented.

edit: just saw @killawat's link. They use the Displayport Alt mode on the output to receive 60Hz but the monitor needs to support HDMI 2.0 also, right?

 

[evie0110]

Sure thing... here are some Blackmagic results I just ran for you.

1. Internal 256GB flash storage > 1320W/2000R (the needle is pegged, so it is likely much higher than this for read)

2. External Toshiba 2.5" USB3 HDD with Aukey adaptor > 83W/84R

3. External Samsung EVO 850 256GB in Inatech UASP USB3 enclosure with Aukey adaptor > 380W/406R

4. Class 10 SD card in FAT32 using this Satechi USB-C adaptor > 19W/36R

So overall, all the external stuff is the same as it was without adaptors on my 2014 rMBP.

You sir, are a hero!

Thank you so much for this, I'm off to buy those bits now with reassurance that the throughput isn't adversely affected by the adapters!

 

[thesaint024]

I've read all 25 pages of this thread. It sounds like a fugly situation. I just want to summarize what I've read as they pertain to my needs. Please call out False if I've interpreted incorrectly.

Needs:
MBP 13 (60w) on way.
Dell monitor with DP/mDP connection.
USB A devices, i.e. keyboard, mouse, usb a headset, various usb 3.0 data storage
Most desirable option for me is a desktop dock with single plug convenience (incl power supply). But I really only need DP/mDP, usb 3.0, power delivery.

Options:
1) Belkin TB3 dock - TBD availability and $430!
2) Plugable TB3 dock - Q1 2017 and $120ish
3) Caldigit usb c dock - available now and $150
4) other usb c docks from Kensington, Dell, others?
5) usb c to mDP dongle + usb c to usb 3.0 dongle with PD like Aukey or iClever + Apple (or Google) power supply
6) mini usb c hub like Cable Creations (very out of stock) + Apple (or Google) power supply

Does this sum it up correctly? I'm leaning towards option 5 (or 6 if ever in stock), just to hold down the fort until option 2 is ready. TB3 is preferred to maintain bandwidth. I have tried a Dell XPS with my monitor and the usb c docks were a little flaky with lost connections. I have paid $200+ for a dock, but $430 for Belkin's is kind of stupid. Thoughts?

Quoting own thread here. So I have access to a Kensington 4600 dock. It is a USB C with power and all kinds of ports. I'm going to use it until a TB3 dock is available. So far so good. I had a mediocre experience with it on a Dell XPS as mentioned, but it seems to be working OK with the MBP 13" and Dell U3415 through DP, USB 3.0, and Ethernet. I will report back if I run into any trouble. Still eyeing the Plugable TB3 when it comes out.

 

[beeinformed]

Hi,

I bought the base 13 inch 2016 macbook pro model and would like to find out if I could use the Apple extension cable with the adapter that comes with this model. Thanks!

 

[VirtualRain]

Anyone that has their new mbp tried this adaptor yet? Suppose to do 4k@60hz

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016QO818...lid=1ZWLDGVJ87FW7&coliid=I1MYHTPABON48H&psc=1

This looks promising. I definitely need a USB-C to HDMI adapter for doing presentations at events and customer/partner locations. Even Apple's own adapter appears to not work well with the new MacBooks... Look at the reviews: Most Recent

 

[Tilli85]

I'm really losing track here. The thread should have been a Wiki thread to see:

What different kind of dongles are out there? (USB C to USB A, USB C to USB B, Hubs, …)
What dongles create Wi-Fi problems?
Are they compatible with the new MBPs? Are there any other issues?

 

[cerberusss]

It wont charge a 15" macbook pro cause it only supports 45w.

I suspect it'll charge albeit slower.

 

[phloo]

it's not recommended. You can do it, but it will charge your computer slower and at full load you'll still be running down the battery.
Plus, the lifetime of the adapter will be way shorter 'cause it has to work at full charge all the time, plus using the MBPs battery at the same time.

 

[therealseebs]

Update: I got an iogear GUD3C01. DisplayPort works. Ethernet doesn't seem to. They have a driver download, which only actually claims to support up through OS X 10.11, and that's installed, but... I don't seem to see the port at all, and no lights show up on either the hub or the dock when plugging in ethernet. At least two USB ports work. Audio is detected, haven't actually hooked it up yet.

But it does give me displayport/USB/power all on a single plug, so that's something.

The Ethernet shows up in system report as "GUD3C01_ETH", product id 0x3610, vendor ID 0x04b4 (Cypress Semiconductor). But doesn't show up in network preferences at all.

EDIT: Update! Turns out the "v1/v2" distinction is hardware revisions. The "v1" installer has a driver for the Cypress 3610, which appears to work under 10.12.

 

[thesaint024]

Update: I got an iogear GUD3C01. DisplayPort works. Ethernet doesn't seem to. They have a driver download, which only actually claims to support up through OS X 10.11, and that's installed, but... I don't seem to see the port at all, and no lights show up on either the hub or the dock when plugging in ethernet. At least two USB ports work. Audio is detected, haven't actually hooked it up yet.

But it does give me displayport/USB/power all on a single plug, so that's something.

The Ethernet shows up in system report as "GUD3C01_ETH", product id 0x3610, vendor ID 0x04b4 (Cypress Semiconductor). But doesn't show up in network preferences at all.

EDIT: Update! Turns out the "v1/v2" distinction is hardware revisions. The "v1" installer has a driver for the Cypress 3610, which appears to work under 10.12.

Is the IOgear essentially the same as the Caldigit, OWC, and Kensington usb c docks? In a nutshell, DP connectivity with the other usual ports, but limited to 30hz 4k video?

 

[killawat]

I have a USB-C to Displayport item on order today, will post my experience.

Man I knew it would be hard but not this hard. Keep in mind many manufacturers probably didn't put in Mac relevant hardware because only select stuff had USB-C. Now that the MBP is out I expect to see docks that have chipsets similar to what Apple is selling and what is supported natively in the OS. Ethernet is a huge example.

 

[moosington]

I'm looking for suggestions --

I have a 3440x1440 60hz monitor + monitor USB cord (kinda optional, nothing plugged into it) + mouse + keyboard + charger (pass through charging is fine as long as it supports the full 61 watts for 13" MBP). I want to get into my MBP with a single USBC cord, and I'd like that cord to be at least 2-3 feet so that I can hide all the cords under my desk.

I was thinking:

1. Apple's AV adapterhttp://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1K2AM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter?fnode=8b
2. USBC3 hub

I'm not sure if the Apple dongle will give me 60hz though, and there don't seem to be decent USBC extender cables.

There's also the Archub (https://www.bourgedesign.com/). I like that it lets you plug a cable into it, but the damn thing is a circle. Who wants their cords going in all directions?!

What else you guys got?

 

[thesaint024]

I'm looking for suggestions --

I have a 3440x1440 60hz monitor + monitor USB cord (kinda optional, nothing plugged into it) + mouse + keyboard + charger (pass through charging is fine as long as it supports the full 61 watts for 13" MBP). I want to get into my MBP with a single USBC cord, and I'd like that cord to be at least 2-3 feet so that I can hide all the cords under my desk.

I was thinking:

1. Apple's AV adapterhttp://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1K2AM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter?fnode=8b
2. USBC3 hub

I'm not sure if the Apple dongle will give me 60hz though, and there don't seem to be decent USBC extender cables.

There's also the Archub (https://www.bourgedesign.com/). I like that it lets you plug a cable into it, but the damn thing is a circle. Who wants their cords going in all directions?!

What else you guys got?

See my prior posts. All of the USB c hubs should give you what you want - Caldigit, OWC, Kensington, IOgear. I'm using the Kensington 4600P myself with almost the same set up as you. One usb c plug driving everything including 3440x1440 60hz monitor and ethernet and power. I had bandwidth problems using the Dell XPS on it, but the 13" MBP working fine strangely.

Your option should theoretically work (have not heard otherwise) but you have to have hdmi connection and I believe it only does 30hz? It's a cheaper option if you don't need network or pass through usb c connection, ethernet, Displayport, and doesn't include a power adapter which run around $70. Also, the dongle is definitely not long, and decent usb c cables cost some money too. It's not as clean, and doesn't end up being that much cheaper.