No space for external HDD on Retina MacBook Pro?

[Elmzeh]

Hi Guys!

Hope you're all good!

Last night I received my new Retina MacBook Pro which for the short amount of time I've spent on it so far, seems AMAZING however I could use some help!

I'm looking to start recording some videos on my system via screen capture software but will need the data/videos to go to an external HDD - the issue at present is that the Retina only has 2 USB 3.0 ports, the issue is that I need 3 to be in use all at once..

1) Mouse
2) External USB Microphone
3) External HDD

The above 3 are musts and so far I cannot find a way of not using them all together to accomplish my goals...

I thought this could be a solution as its a Thunderbolt External HDD however I don't really want to spend £500+ on it..

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/data-...0070_0_ba00007505-bv00303336/xx-criteria.html

I've found the below to be a potential option as all it would require would be a re-format to be Mac compatible however I'm still not sure how I'd be able to use them all at once;

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/data-...hard-drive-2-tb-white-black-21259525-pdt.html

I've had a look around but not found any solutions so far - are there any USB extenders or is there such a thing as a USB 3.0 to Thunderbolt adapter that I could purchase?

Any help and guidance here would be great!

 

[simsaladimbamba]

USB 3.0 hubs like these can help.

 

[Tobias Funke]

Bluetooth mouse ?!

 

[shnn2011]

Hi Guys!

Hope you're all good!

Last night I received my new Retina MacBook Pro which for the short amount of time I've spent on it so far, seems AMAZING however I could use some help!

I'm looking to start recording some videos on my system via screen capture software but will need the data/videos to go to an external HDD - the issue at present is that the Retina only has 2 USB 3.0 ports, the issue is that I need 3 to be in use all at once..

1) Mouse
2) External USB Microphone
3) External HDD

The above 3 are musts and so far I cannot find a way of not using them all together to accomplish my goals...

I thought this could be a solution as its a Thunderbolt External HDD however I don't really want to spend £500+ on it..

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/data-...0070_0_ba00007505-bv00303336/xx-criteria.html

I've found the below to be a potential option as all it would require would be a re-format to be Mac compatible however I'm still not sure how I'd be able to use them all at once;

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/data-...hard-drive-2-tb-white-black-21259525-pdt.html

I've had a look around but not found any solutions so far - are there any USB extenders or is there such a thing as a USB 3.0 to Thunderbolt adapter that I could purchase?

Any help and guidance here would be great!

A hard drive is a hard drive, just buy one. there's no point in a USB 3 to Thunderbolt adapter unless you need that USB port for something else.

The rest of the stuff that you're asking about is totally up to your preference.

 

[laurasaur25]

I'm currently researching to buy a rMBP so am still new to all this... Someone correct me if my suggestions are wrong.

1. I know they make USB converters that allow you to convert a single USB port into multiple ports. A quick search found something like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/TRIXES-MULT...e=UTF8&qid=1374078766&sr=1-4&keywords=USB+hub

There's obviously different variations.

2. I've been looking into different external hard drives and looked at the reviews for one this morning that allow for automatic wireless back up:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386590,00.asp

 

[andeify]

No Thunderbolt to USB 3 adapter exists at this present time, although you can get Thunderbolt docks that have extra ports like this Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock which has 3x USB 3 ports.

http://store.apple.com/uk/product/HB865B/A/belkin-thunderbolt-express-dock

A cheaper option would be to get this powered hub, and put the Mouse and Mic on it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker®-Uspeed-7-Port-Adapter-Chipset/dp/B006TTA75Y/ref=sr_1_11?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1374087112&sr=1-11&keywords=USB+hub

 

[madsci954]

I see several solutions here
- replace the mouse with a Bluetooth mouse.
- does it have to be an external mic, or are the internal mics not good enough? (i have no exp in this department, so I'm just asking)
- if your router supports it, network the drive.
- Thunderbolt hub, but that will run you a couple hundred dollars at least.
- externally powered USB hub.

Pick your poison. Of course you could sell the MBP and get a laptop with 3+ USB ports, but I don't think that's a solution you're looking for lol