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Ports issue with space: HDMI and USB-C next to it so close cannot fit an HDMI and USB-C in together

englishman

englishman

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Nov 6, 2006
730
10
On the new M1 mini the HDMI and USB-C ports are so close together I can't fit both an HDMI cable (for my monitor) and a USB-C stick in for my external data. Theres not enough space between the ports.

The USB-C is a high quality data stick.

HDMI a cheap one.

This seems like a design flaw

Anyone else having this problem.
 
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Flash drives have a long history of being too big to plug in next to other stuff. I remember having problems with a 32MB (yes you read that correctly, 32 megabytes) flash drive being too wide to fit in next to other stuff, about 16 or 17 years ago.

But I also haven't had the problem for a while - I tend to deliberately buy the ones that are essentially only as wide as a Type-A port.
 
I have same issue with flash drives on various models of macbook pro for years - I ended up purchasing a short couple inch long extension cable.

In fact, I can't even get two generic USB-C to USB-A adapters side by side on my 15" macbook pro - so I prefer the apple branded adapters that have a couple inches length of cable.
 
I think what OP needs is something like this - USB-C male to USB-C female:

smile.amazon.com

UGREEN USB Type C Extension Cable (10Gbps), USB 3.2 Type C Male to Female Fast Charging, Compatible with MacBook Pro iPad Pro Dell XPS Surface Switch DJI Mavic Dongle Hub,1.5FT

Practical USB 3.1 GEN1 Type C Extension Cable UGREEN male to female USB C cable is designed for extending the connection between USB-C devices due to the limit of length or position, making things easier and more convenient. An ideal extender choice for your USB C hub or Type C dock including App...
smile.amazon.com

I own a couple UGREEN products an Ethernet adapter and a DB9 serial port adapter that work well.
 
Thanks for replies. I was just testing with that cable with a borrowed monitor.

I have had to buy 2 new cables to connect the mini to my 2 DVI monitors (one USB-C, one HDMI). So I will report back tomorrow on whether this improves things. When they due to arrive.

USB-C connectors also seem very delicate. Reminds me of when I had a Macbook Air and used a displayport to HDMI adapter to connect to the TV. Was always very temperamental. HDMI is a much more solid. USB-C seems more flimsy than even miniDisplayport. The plethora of interfaces these days... I had only just got used to miniDisplayport.
 
The two Benfei cables I ordered work fine one HDMI the other USB-C both to DVI.

I still have the problem with the Kingston USB-C stick not being able to fit into the one available USB-C port.

I am just going to buy another one thats thinner.
 
Is this something new? The M1 Mini port spacing looks about the same as the 2018 Mini to me...

ports.png
 
Boyd01 said:
I understand. But, basically, that's because the new Mini only has 2 USB-C ports and not because of the port spacing, isn't it?
Click to expand...

It's a bit of both, since previously there was the option to not use a port or two in those circumstances.
 
Right, very disappointing that Apple is only providing two USB-C ports. But, as others have said, they apparently wanted to make a statement that this is an entry-level machine.
 
englishman said:
On the new M1 mini the HDMI and USB-C ports are so close together I can't fit both an HDMI cable (for my monitor) and a USB-C stick in for my external data. Theres not enough space between the ports.

The USB-C is a high quality data stick.

HDMI a cheap one.

This seems like a design flaw

Anyone else having this problem.
Click to expand...
Buy a Slimline USB-C extension cable. That what i did on my work Dell laptop (which is woefully ***** in every other way too)
 
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