Kickstarter Project - The KADi Port for Retina Macbook

[lostboyz]

OMG, im torn between Hub+ and this KADi port now.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/714748206/the-kadi-port-a-macbook-essential/description

It looks very simple, provides the essential ports and its much cheaper!

What you guys think? I have backed the Hub+ and now i'm thinking to cancel it and back this instead.

 

[alee]

Would be a mistake to cancel the Hub+ right now considering the project is funded, and KADi has no guarantee of being funded fully yet.

Also, it seems like KADi is more of a concept right now with just a 3D printed mockup right now. Hub+ seems much closer to a shipping product, with sourced electronics etc.

 

[lostboyz]

Would be a mistake to cancel the Hub+ right now considering the project is funded, and KADi has no guarantee of being funded fully yet.

Also, it seems like KADi is more of a concept right now with just a 3D printed mockup right now. Hub+ seems much closer to a shipping product, with sourced electronics etc.

quite true. thks

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Wonder if I can use my existing Apple TB/mDP to Ethernet adapter with this one?

Have asked on the campaign.

 

[Mattymoocow]

Wonder if I can use my existing Apple TB/mDP to Ethernet adapter with this one?

Have asked on the campaign.

no chance. The Kadi doesn't have a Thunderbolt port. It's a DisplayPort. You Apple TB to Ethernet adapter will only work in a Thunderbolt port.

It is NOT a mDP to Ethernet adapter.

 

[headcase]

Wonder if I can use my existing Apple TB/mDP to Ethernet adapter with this one?

Have asked on the campaign.

Just use an Apple USB to Ethernet adapter, until someone comes out with an Ethernet port built in.

 

[brand]

Just use an Apple USB to Ethernet adapter, until someone comes out with an Ethernet port built in.

The Apple USB to Ethernet adapter is only 10/100Mbps due to it being USB2.0 and not USB3.0.

I would recommend using a third party USB3.0 to Ethernet adapter for full gigabit speeds.

 

[headcase]

The Apple USB to Ethernet adapter is only 10/100Mbps due to it being USB2.0 and not USB3.0.

I would recommend using a third party USB3.0 to Ethernet adapter for full gigabit speeds.

I'm always a big proponent of GE. I'm just waiting for one that is rock solid stable (one that doesn't use flakey 3rd party drivers).

 

[neiltc13]

Why are people risking their money on these? It will not be long before major accessory companies like Belkin make their versions and then you might not get anything.

 

[crucius]

I actually love this one. If I could have it this month or early June I would be pledging for sure. But I need an adapter this week, so I will have to buy Apple's.

 

[zhenya]

Why are people risking their money on these? It will not be long before major accessory companies like Belkin make their versions and then you might not get anything.

This.

Kickstarter is not a store. You aren't placing an order.

Most of these projects will be months or years delayed if they ship at all by which time there will be plenty of other options. Kickstarter is great for the products that nobody else has thought of or nobody else is willing to make. USB-C adapters don't fall into that category...

 

[uczmeg]

This looks like an interesting solution however it's a little light on details.

I think I'll back it for now and see how the campaign goes. I can always back out later if some more detail doesn't appear.

 

[bibyfok]

I backed it, but I doubt it will be done like it is presented:

• It's just a 3D printed mockup
• The space betwwen port could not let people plug all at once (just compare the mockup and the cables pictures...)
• I don't think it's possible to produce a small quantity of product at such a low price without selling cheap quality.

On the other side, I managed to secure a early backer spot of Hub+, someone should have remove his pledge, very happy !

 

[applesith]

2x USB-3 seems more useful than 2x USB-C

 

[tigerduck]

looks a bit fickle. kind of like you could break and twist it off easily by accident when something presses on the front part of it.

 

[cfedu]

I don't like these types of docks, as it will clutter the Macbook. I think Apple has the right idea with the AV adapter which has one cable and the hub downstream.

An apple style AV adapter with 4 USB C would add flexibility in a compact solution. 1 port for power and the other 3 could be used in multiple configurations.

Dual monitor + USB A HUB

Monitor + hub+ ethernet

USB C to HDMI, DVI, VGA, ethernet cables will become dirt cheap from ebay and mono price in the near future. A 30$ adapter and 5$ cables for your desired configuration would be great.

You could have a docking solution at work and home for cheap, and if your needs ever change all you need is a new 5$ cable.

----------

looks a bit fickle. kind of like you could break and twist it off easily by accident when something presses on the front part of it.

Yup, looks like this could potentially cause damage if you pick up the MB the wrong way with the adapter connected.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

no chance. The Kadi doesn't have a Thunderbolt port. It's a DisplayPort. You Apple TB to Ethernet adapter will only work in a Thunderbolt port.

It is NOT a mDP to Ethernet adapter.

Just use an Apple USB to Ethernet adapter, until someone comes out with an Ethernet port built in.

The Apple USB to Ethernet adapter is only 10/100Mbps due to it being USB2.0 and not USB3.0.

I would recommend using a third party USB3.0 to Ethernet adapter for full gigabit speeds.

I have now received written confirmation from them that the Apple TB/mDP Ethernet adapter will work at full USB 3.1 Gen 1 speeds with the KADi hub, this due to USB 3.1 being fully able to run through mDP, just like TB was fully able to do so.

At a $34 pledge it is worth a punt on this IMHO. It is much more minimalist than anything out there, and still allows easy one plug disconnect. It is much more portable than anything else out there as well. It also allows for not having to come up with a funky solution for alternate charging sources. I have a few different types of adapter solutions ordered now, so if this doesn't come to fruition, fine, but this is the first idea I have seen that is worth backing for my own personal needs and priorities.

 

[JTToft]

I have now received written confirmation from them that the Apple TB/mDP Ethernet adapter will work at full USB 3.1 Gen 1 speeds with the KADi hub, this due to USB 3.1 being fully able to run through mDP, just like TB was fully able to do so.

- That's nonsense. Did they really say that?
You cannot convert Mini DisplayPort into Ethernet. The Apple adapter is Thunderbolt to Ethernet, and the KADi hub does not have a Thunderbolt port; hence the Ethernet adapter will not work.

Thunderbolt and Mini DisplayPort are two completely different interfaces, despite the fact that they use the same physical connector.

 

[facrat]

Looks like it would place a lot of strain on the teensy tiny USB-C plug and port when actually adding or removing devices, some of which can take quite a bit of pressure and wiggling to work out. Unless it grips the sides of the chassis somehow ... without scratching it. But it seems quite a hazard to have this large lug-like thing hanging off the side with attachments weighing it down directly.

Personally I think that Apple's breakout-cable approach is safer, despite the flaws and confusions with their current adapters.

 

[TheSteves]

I just funded my first kickstarter project.

OMG, im torn between Hub+ and this KADi port now.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/714748206/the-kadi-port-a-macbook-essential/description

It looks very simple, provides the essential ports and its much cheaper!

What you guys think? I have backed the Hub+ and now i'm thinking to cancel it and back this instead.

This concept is awesome and allows me to use all the existing mini display port and USB Apple-adapters I already own. (Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, Display port) So its a no-brainer financially.

I never invested in thunderbolt- good for me.

Is there a risk with all newbies and a concept that only exists as a 3D drawing? Of course! But isn that how we all started?

Excited!!

 

[MyopicPaideia]

- That's nonsense. Did they really say that?
You cannot convert Mini DisplayPort into Ethernet. The Apple adapter is Thunderbolt to Ethernet, and the KADi hub does not have a Thunderbolt port; hence the Ethernet adapter will not work.

Thunderbolt and Mini DisplayPort are two completely different interfaces, despite the fact that they use the same physical connector.

Yeah, the same physical connector with the same number of pins and everything as mDP. USB-C is fully compliant with physical mDP port configuration just as Thunderbolt is/was fully compliant with the physical mDP port configuration.

Remember that it IS physically an mDP port configuration 100%. Why is it so hard to imagine that USB 3.1 would be equally as capable of navigating it as Thunderbolt is?

And why would I have cause to doubt the makers of this dock in favor of an anonymous forum poster? No offense to you of course! Why would he lie to me? To get my $29-34?? Not in today's social media world we live in.

Here is what happened. I asked my question and within 5 minutes got a response that he thought it shouldn't be a problem, but he would double check with one of their engineers to confirm 100%. Almost exactly 8 hours later I got a second email saying he had followed up and confirmed that it would work with no problems, saying the engineer he spoke with explained that USB-C is fully compliant with the mDP port and that the Apple adapter will work perfectly.

Meaning it can negotiate the mDP pin configuration on its default chipset (my own interpretation here, not their words).

 

[cfedu]

Yeah, the same physical connector with the same number of pins and everything as mDP. USB-C is fully compliant with physical mDP port configuration just as Thunderbolt is/was fully compliant with the physical mDP port configuration.

Remember that it IS physically an mDP port configuration 100%. Why is it so hard to imagine that USB 3.1 would be equally as capable of navigating it as Thunderbolt is?

And why would I have cause to doubt the makers of this dock in favor of an anonymous forum poster? No offense to you of course! Why would he lie to me? To get my $29-34?? Not in today's social media world we live in.

Here is what happened. I asked my question and within 5 minutes got a response that he thought it shouldn't be a problem, but he would double check with one of their engineers to confirm 100%. Almost exactly 8 hours later I got a second email saying he had followed up and confirmed that it would work with no problems, saying the engineer he spoke with explained that USB-C is fully compliant with the mDP port and that the Apple adapter will work perfectly.

Meaning it can negotiate the mDP pin configuration on its default chipset (my own interpretation here, not their words).

Wow , almost everything you said is factually wrong. They probably did not understand your question and gave you a response that you misinterpreted .

The Apple thunderbolt ethernet adapter is not a DP device nor USB Device and will probably not work.

USB C and mDP are different connectors physically and the pin counts are different.

Thunderbolt is not Compatible with DP. A thunderbolt apple display will not work with the MB or any other MAC with a mDP connector. The connector is the same but it will not work!!! This has also been confirmed by people who are not making stuff with a 3D printer.


You could also ask apple the question

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204154

5. Will Apple's Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cable, Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter, or Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter work when plugged into the Apple Mini DisplayPort on my Mac?


No, the Apple Thunderbolt cable, FireWire Adapter, and Gigabit Ethernet Adapter require a Thunderbolt port to function. They may still fit in a Mini-DisplayPort connector but will not be recognized or otherwise function.


But I guess you know more than Apple

 

[JTToft]

Yeah, the same physical connector with the same number of pins and everything as mDP. USB-C is fully compliant with physical mDP port configuration just as Thunderbolt is/was fully compliant with the physical mDP port configuration.

Remember that it IS physically an mDP port configuration 100%. Why is it so hard to imagine that USB 3.1 would be equally as capable of navigating it as Thunderbolt is?

And why would I have cause to doubt the makers of this dock in favor of an anonymous forum poster? No offense to you of course! Why would he lie to me? To get my $29-34?? Not in today's social media world we live in.

Here is what happened. I asked my question and within 5 minutes got a response that he thought it shouldn't be a problem, but he would double check with one of their engineers to confirm 100%. Almost exactly 8 hours later I got a second email saying he had followed up and confirmed that it would work with no problems, saying the engineer he spoke with explained that USB-C is fully compliant with the mDP port and that the Apple adapter will work perfectly.

Meaning it can negotiate the mDP pin configuration on its default chipset (my own interpretation here, not their words).

- You're quite simply talking nonsense. It's true that USB-C can carry a native Mini DisplayPort signal, and I fully expect the mDP on the KADi hub will work fine.
But Apple's Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter (meaning this) has absolutely nothing to do with Mini DisplayPort. It will not function with anything else than a Thunderbolt connection, which is impossible to get from the rMB - no matter the amount of ingenious adapters and hubs you get.

Given your own confusion between mDP and TB, you likely asked the wrong question, or you misinterpreted their answer.

And in addition to the Thunderbolt support article the poster above me cited, have a look at the product page for the TB-Ethernet adapter, on which it lists a "Thunderbolt-equipped Mac computer" (which the rMB isn't) as a system requirement.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

The Apple thunderbolt ethernet adapter is not a DP device nor USB Device and will probably not work.

USB C and mDP are different connectors physically and the pin counts are different.

Thunderbolt is not Compatible with DP. A thunderbolt apple display will not work with the MB or any other MAC with a mDP connector. The connector is the same but it will not work!!! This has also been confirmed by people who are not making stuff with a 3D printer.


5. Will Apple's Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cable, Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter, or Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter work when plugged into the Apple Mini DisplayPort on my Mac?


No, the Apple Thunderbolt cable, FireWire Adapter, and Gigabit Ethernet Adapter require a Thunderbolt port to function. They may still fit in a Mini-DisplayPort connector but will not be recognized or otherwise function.


But I guess you know more than Apple

- You're quite simply talking nonsense. It's true that USB-C can carry a native Mini DisplayPort signal, and I fully expect the mDP on the KADi hub will work fine.
But Apple's Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter (meaning this) has absolutely nothing to do with Mini DisplayPort. It will not function with anything else than a Thunderbolt connection, which is impossible to get from the rMB - no matter the amount of ingenious adapters and hubs you get.

Given your own confusion between mDP and TB, you likely asked the wrong question, or you misinterpreted their answer.

And in addition to the Thunderbolt support article the poster above me cited, have a look at the product page for the TB-Ethernet adapter, on which it lists a "Thunderbolt-equipped Mac computer" (which the rMB isn't) as a system requirement.

Guys, let's not get up in arms here. My take on it is this - since the USB interface is agnostic to the actual data being transferred (Just like TB for the record) it is nothing like a dedicated mDP port on a Mac. Of course those would not work with Thunderbolt, because they were not connected to any kind of data bus on the other end, just video/audio, that makes complete sense, and you guys are 100% correct, that is totally undisputed. It also is not what I am talking about at all!

Like TB, USB is an all in one, power/data/video/audio capable system bus. Apple's adapter is a "dumb" adapter. You're right that it has nothing to do with mDP. It doesn't expect to connect to TB necessarily either, it just converts the Ethernet signals to signals on specific pins in the male end, which happens to be mDP. It is the system bus' job to interpret those received signals, not the adapter's. It's not like Apple's Lightning adapters that are active, dynamic and digital, where the pins can take on different functions with software on the tiny little microchip in the adapter. We're talking about old fashioned mechanical fixed and static pin configurations.

Of course Apple's support site says you need to have a Thunderbolt enabled Mac to use the adapter, because they are making sure people don't buy it to use with their existing older mDP only Macs.

Do you guys understand what I am trying to say?

 

[JTToft]

My take on it is this - since the USB interface is agnostic to the actual data being transferred (Just like TB for the record) it is nothing like a dedicated mDP port on a Mac. Of course those would not work with Thunderbolt, because they were not connected to any kind of data bus on the other end, just video/audio, that makes complete sense, and you guys are 100% correct, that is totally undisputed.

- So why do you expect the mDP on the hub to do anything other than video/audio?

it just converts the Ethernet signals

- Which won't exist on a mDP connection...

Waste your time trying to get it to work if you want. It won't.
While you're at it, get yourself a Thunderbolt external hard drive and a Thunderbolt Display and daisy-chain them off the mDP on the hub...