I cannot believe people are still whining about no usb-a ports. The adapters are only a few bucks. Perhaps we’ll bring back the parallel port; see how well that fits in.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Mac Mini to Lose Its USB-A Ports Later This Year
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
In this day and age?
Monitor - there are monitors which support usb-c, or failing which, use a HDMI adaptor. No wrong port. Maybe the monitor could serve as the hub for all other accessories.
Keyboard and mouse - there are wireless peripherals which don't need a dongle to connect, or failing which, get an adapter. Same with printers as well.
Webcam - there are usb-c webcams available.
Internet connectivity - wireless.
In a way, part of me was disappointed that Apple didn't quite manage to push all the way back in 2016 when their MBPs sported only usb-c ports, and they later walked back that decision by re-introducing the HDMI and usb-a ports in their pro laptops.
But if this is part of Apple's attempt towards making the Mac mini as small as possible, it's something I can get behind.
Tech moved on some time ago. Get a cheap adapter and call it a day.
The RJ-45 connector is bad though, few consumer have a POE switch - and POE is power-constrained: 802.3af and 802.3at don‘t provide enough power for a desktop PC and enough headroom for peripherals.
Since Apple will do whatever they want anyway, might as well do some mental gymnastics to convince themselves it’s not a bit deal. Next thing you know they’re buying expensive $150+ switches to expand port selection because “not a big deal, I need port X anyway”. And then when Apple removes Ethernet port or something they’ll go “not a big deal, I already have a hub” lol.
I prefer the more obscure 4-Pin "mini" firewire connector that was often featured on camcorders, and no one but real nerds knew the speed.
It was 400 - crap, I just outed myself.
I'll go back to fixing my Coke-bottle glasses with lots of tape.
I predicted only 3 USB-C ports because the M4 has only 4 TB controllers posible. So the non-Pro will have only USB at the front, like the Studio Max. But a good design.
I'm with ya -- but just DO NOT unplug it without completely powering down your computer!!
Young people have no idea what I'm talking about...
Please stop referring to Thunderbolt ports as USB ports.
Does it have a bus-powered HDD/SSD, document scanner or audio interface connected and charge iPhone over USB-C?
Tech has not. USB-C is only standard for charging specifically. The entire PC ecosystem uses USB-A for periphery. I just bought a brand new $200 DAC/AMP yesterday and guess what, it uses USB-A to connect to a computer.
Get a USB-C to B cable or whatever your audio interface uses - problem solved.
And leave a bad review for saving cents for failing to include a proper cable to connect to modern MacBooks.
My LaCie HDD and SanDisk external SSD included USB-C cables.
While we're at it, can we get another RS422 port?? My old Emagic MIDI interface is getting kinda wonky over USB and has to be turned on in a certain order or it knocks other stuff offline like my audio interface!
I already have one. My issue isn’t with having to buy a new adapter but that I need adapter in the first place. It’s a bad UX and a lot of unnecessary junk at the back of my desk. I am all for moving towards bright USB-C future but there is no downside to including at least 1 USB-A port for compatibility and convenience.
Last edited:
It is simply time for the world to move on from USB-A. It was a good interface for a long while but has since been replaced by something more superior.
Apple doesn't know how to make good desktop computers. Mac minis and studios still have issues with so many monitors. Things aren't always plug and play.
And the reason for that is that manufacturers like Apple have kept accommodating it until now (ok, and because it’s cheaper). That should change quickly now if this rumor is true and other computer makers follow as they have every other time Apple killed a legacy feature.
How can they not include at least ONE USB-A? We need that port for the redundant wireless transmitter for keyboard and mouse since the built-in Bluetooth has sucked for 10 years on all the Mac Mini models.
USB-C is not a good idea for a device without a power buffer, like a batterie is.
PoE would be posible. But how many monitors have a PoE port.
Edit: Several individuals have expressed reservations about my opinion, but I am concerned about the potential impact of a desktop Mac’s USB-C connector as power source. While the connector is not as robust as a traditional power connector like on my Apple TV, my iPad would not exhibit any issues, because it has a batterie. However, a Mac mini, which is in use, i am not so sure. I would appreciate your insights on whether the connector is sufficiently robust to meet the demands of a desktop Mac.
Last edited:
Meh. USB-A is still useful for many (I currently have 6 USB-A devices connected to my hub). Saving a few pennies for Apple I suppose, but I can live without it. The biggest issue is my printer, which seems to prefer a direct connection to my Mac to avoid flakiness (the hub is an issue for it, and its wireless connection is even worse).
Well, heck. Let’s demand an optical drive too! No need should have to buy an external reader!
/s
As I understand this cable can deliver at least 60W if not 100W with USB-PD.