Macbook Dock USB A and USB C

[exterminator]

I work with two macbooks, one is 2014 (USB A) and one is 2017 (USB C)

Is there a good dock (to connect multiple monitors f.e.) I can use that works with both? All seem just usbc

 

[Stephen.R]

You can't connect displays via anything that will connect over USB-A.

 

[chrfr]

I work with two macbooks, one is 2014 (USB A) and one is 2017 (USB C)

Is there a good dock (to connect multiple monitors f.e.) I can use that works with both? All seem just usbc

You'd need to use a Thunderbolt dock, not a USB dock of any sort. If you buy a Thunderbolt 3 dock you can connect it to the 2014 Mac by using a Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter. The capability to run multiple displays varies by the specific model of Mac.

 

[exterminator]

You'd need to use a Thunderbolt dock, not a USB dock of any sort. If you buy a Thunderbolt 3 dock you can connect it to the 2014 Mac by using a Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter. The capability to run multiple displays varies by the specific model of Mac.

do these exist?

 

[chrfr]

do these exist?

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Effortlessly connect your Mac to a Thunderbolt 2 device with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 Adapter. Buy now at apple.com

www.apple.com

 

[joevt]

I work with two macbooks, one is 2014 (USB A) and one is 2017 (USB C)

Is there a good dock (to connect multiple monitors f.e.) I can use that works with both? All seem just usbc

MacBook doesn't have Thunderbolt.
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air have Thunderbolt.
Which MacBooks do you have?

There was no MacBook in 2014 but there was one in 2017. If you have a MacBook (Mid 2017) then you need a dock that supports USB-C (non-Thunderbolt). Only some Thunderbolt 3 docks have a USB-C non-Thunderbolt mode. These can connect one display at 4K30 or 1440p60. 4K60 requires a direct connection or a USB-C hub that only supports USB 2.0.

A Thunderbolt 3 dock connected to a Thunderbolt 2 Mac like the MacBook Pro (Mid 2014) can connect two displays at 1440p60 (maybe also 4K30?).

 

[exterminator]

MacBook doesn't have Thunderbolt.
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air have Thunderbolt.
Which MacBooks do you have?

There was no MacBook in 2014 but there was one in 2017. If you have a MacBook (Mid 2017) then you need a dock that supports USB-C (non-Thunderbolt). Only some Thunderbolt 3 docks have a USB-C non-Thunderbolt mode. These can connect one display at 4K30 or 1440p60. 4K60 requires a direct connection or a USB-C hub that only supports USB 2.0.

A Thunderbolt 3 dock connected to a Thunderbolt 2 Mac like the MacBook Pro (Mid 2014) can connect two displays at 1440p60 (maybe also 4K30?).

Macbook Pro Mid 2014 - 2 thunderbolt ports
Macbook Pro 2017 - 4 thunderbolt 3 Ports

The problem is, how do i connect a thunderbolt 3 dock to a thunderbolt 2 mac?

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Effortlessly connect your Mac to a Thunderbolt 2 device with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 Adapter. Buy now at apple.com

www.apple.com

It needs to be the opposite of this one as far as i know.

 

[Stephen.R]

It needs to be the opposite of this one as far as i know.

That adapter is bi-directional.

 

[joevt]

That adapter is bi-directional.

Yes, the Apple adapter is the only bi-directional Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter that I know about. All the other adapters are more expensive and only allow connecting Thunderbolt 2 devices to Thunderbolt 3 computers.

 

[exterminator]

Yes, the Apple adapter is the only bi-directional Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter that I know about. All the other adapters are more expensive and only allow connecting Thunderbolt 2 devices to Thunderbolt 3 computers.

OK But lets say i buy something like this

How is that going to connect to a 2014 macbook pro using the above adapter?

 

[chrfr]

OK But lets say i buy something like this

View attachment 1720709

How is that going to connect to a 2014 macbook pro using the above adapter?

That is a USB-C dock; you cannot use that with the Thunderbolt adapter. You must use an externally powered Thunderbolt 3 device, and it must have a removable cable. The adapter would then replace the cable on the dock and you'd use a Thunderbolt 1/2 cable to connect the adapter to your 2014 computer.