Firewire to USB-A Adapter

[alembic]

I have this 2011 MBP: http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...2011-unibody-thunderbolt-specs.html#macspecs2
http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...2011-unibody-thunderbolt-specs.html#macspecs2
The two USB ports have failed. Seems to be a board problem with the USB controller. Was quoted $350 to repair. I don't want to spend that much for a spare machine. It would be nice, however, to be able to connect a mouse, thumb drive, etc.

This model does have a Firewire 800 port. Is there such a thing as a Firewire male to USB-A female adapter? or are the two protocols too different electronically to produce something functional and cheap?

 

[Fishrrman]

I've seen "firewire to usb adapters" on eBay and at amazon.com, but the user reports are VERY unfavorable.

Does a 2011 MBP have thunderbolt?
If so, you might try the Kanex thunderbolt-to-USB adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/Kanex-Thunde...sr=8-3-fkmr1&keywords=kana+thunderbolt+to+usb

That is known to work with Macs.

 

[alembic]

Thanks Fishrrmn. It does have Thunderbolt. The device looks promising. Now, what's a quick way to check to see if my Thunderbolt port is working or not? I've usually used it with a Thunderbolt/DVI adapter to connect to a monitor but the discrete graphics chip has failed and I've disabled it.

 

[Fishrrman]

"Now, what's a quick way to check to see if my Thunderbolt port is working or not?"

I'd try opening "System Information", then click "Thunderbolt", and see what it says.

Do you get anything "on the upper right" when you click it?