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Being a newbie, I don't know what type to buy. What do I use the 4 "small" ports for?
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A HDMI came with the Mac mini so I thought I had to insert it into the HDMI port on the back of the mini and insert the other end into my monitor. Nothing else I have to connect (webcam, mouse, printer) will fit into the HDMI port.
You assumed that without giving any information about what kind of Mac Mini you do have, everybody will do their homework and trace it back to a current Mini with 4 USB-C ports and 2 USB-A ports?
So you connected it to an HDMI port, and not to an USB port?
What connectors does your monitor have, BTW?
If you want to make use of the USB-C ports you've got aplenty, buy an USB-C (plug) to USB-A (port) adapter. Like this one or this one.
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yes. the only port on the Mac mini that would accept HDMI is a HDMI cord. No other cord will fit into it. The same with the monitor. It has an HDMI port and only an HDMI cord will fit into it. This is the only way I know of to connect mini to monitor. I can't use the HDMI port for anything else except HDMI. My printer, webcam, etc. will not fit into an HDMI port.
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Sorry about the first part of my first post. I bought a new 2018 Mac Mac that comes with 4 USB-C ports, 1 HDMI port, 2 USB ports. I connect HDMI port to monitor. I connect printer to USB. I connect mouse "plug" to USB. No more ports left to connect Webcam. I don't know what I am supposed to connect to the 4 USB-C ports.
That's quite obvious. They are different in shape for a reason. You did wrote "I have HDMI,printer, mouse all connected to the 3 USB ports on Mac mini" over on the top, which made me think you did something catastrophically wrong.
There are no 3 USB ports on a Mac Mini. Never were in any Mini.
What is your keyboard connected to, BTW?
The USB-C ports are for USB-C devices. Or any USB device if you use a proper adapter, as linked above.
My question about the monitor is legitimate - if yours is a USB-C monitor, you can also drop the ancient HDMI connection and use a direct USB-C, if your device supports it.
Perhaps your monitor has an USB hub built in? If so, you can daisy chain your USB connection (this works for both A and C devices) and connect your monitor using either HDMI and USB-A (so the video output and USB is transmitted using two cables) and then your keyboard, mouse or webcam to the monitor directly. Or - in case of an USB-C monitor - a single cable provides all the data for both video and USB and you can connect anything USB directly to the monitor.
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I have one of these USB 3.0 hubs:
TP-Link Powered USB Hub 3.0 with 7 USB 3.0 Data Ports and 2 Smart Charging USB Ports. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Chrome & Linux OS, with Power On/Off Button, 12V/4A Power Adapter(UH720)
TP-Link UH720 is a 9-port USB hub. 7 USB 3.0 ports can be used for data sync and 2 ports are dedicated for quick charging. It also come with a power adapter to provide robust performance and a power on/off button to conveniently turn on/off the hub as need. With TP-Link UH720, you can now transfe...
www.amazon.com
It doesn't have to be that specific unit. There are hundreds of similar devices at Amazon.
I try to stick with brands that I recognize and trust: Anker, Sabrent, etc. This particular model comes from TP-Link. I've been using their powerline Ethernet adapters for several years which have been very reliable based on personal experience.
I use the USB hub for several devices including my keyboard and trackpad as well as charging an iPad on one of the power-only ports, syncing data for various iDevices, and providing convenient access for thumbdrives.
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I want to thank each of you for taking the time to help me. It is greatly appreciated. I just turned 86 and computer is my hobby. Keeps the cells going. I was a whiz on my IMac but was thrown a couple of curves with the mini and monitor. Also this is the first time I needed a webcam. Again, many thanks and stay safe. goggs
No worries man Im about halfway behind you and feel like Im up there with ya some days haha.
The tiny ports are just the new USB-C ports. You just need an adapter to go from the older USB A plug to a new USB-C plug. Or you can buy a USB hub and string everything off that.
I have an Anker 7 port hub connected to mine that has everything in it. I just bought a pack of 2 USB-A to USB-C adapters off Amazon for like $7 or something, they work great so far! The only thing Im using the 'old' USB ports for is my Apple keyboard.
The tiny ports are just the new USB-C ports. You just need an adapter to go from the older USB A plug to a new USB-C plug. Or you can buy a USB hub and string everything off that.
I have an Anker 7 port hub connected to mine that has everything in it. I just bought a pack of 2 USB-A to USB-C adapters off Amazon for like $7 or something, they work great so far! The only thing Im using the 'old' USB ports for is my Apple keyboard.
OP wrote:
"I have HDMI,printer, mouse all connected to the 3 USB ports on Mac mini"
Ahem...
WHICH Mini do you have (what year)?
The 2018/2020 Mini has 6 (that's right, SIX) "USB compatible" ports.
2 USBa and 4 USBc.
Even the 2012 (and 2014, I think) Mini had 4 USBa ports.
Congratulations on 86... got 15 more years to go (but I ain't gonna make it!)...
"I have HDMI,printer, mouse all connected to the 3 USB ports on Mac mini"
Ahem...
WHICH Mini do you have (what year)?
The 2018/2020 Mini has 6 (that's right, SIX) "USB compatible" ports.
2 USBa and 4 USBc.
Even the 2012 (and 2014, I think) Mini had 4 USBa ports.
Congratulations on 86... got 15 more years to go (but I ain't gonna make it!)...
Perhaps this will help with the discussion? Here are the ports on the 2018 Mini (the model that is currently being sold by Apple)
And here are the ports on the 2014 Mini. The 2012 Mini also looks the same, but there's a difference in the thunderbolt specs. (These models have been discontinued).
And here are the ports on the 2014 Mini. The 2012 Mini also looks the same, but there's a difference in the thunderbolt specs. (These models have been discontinued).
It's a recent Mini, it's been established already. No need to lecture the good man using pictures.
The options to solve the doubts were given as well. Let's not complicate things.
The options to solve the doubts were given as well. Let's not complicate things.
I didn't mean any offence. It's just that too much information is just as confounding as too little.
You can also just get a 3 pack of these since your not using any of the USB-C ports. Less mess than getting a hub.
AUKEY USB C Adapter, [3 Pack] USB C to USB 3.0 Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro 2017/2016 , Google Chromebook Pixelbook , Samsung Galaxy S9 S8 S8+ Note8, Google Pixel 2/2XL - Black
AUKEY USB C Adapter, [3 Pack] USB C to USB 3.0 Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro 2017/2016 , Google Chromebook Pixelbook , Samsung Galaxy S9 S8 S8+ Note8, Google Pixel 2/2XL - Black
www.amazon.com
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The problem with the small adapters in reply 16 above is that when you connect them to USBc plugs, you can't fit two of them side-by-side into the USBc ports. The ports are a little too close together.
On the other hand, this kind of adapter works just fine, and is easier to handle:
On the other hand, this kind of adapter works just fine, and is easier to handle:
Cable Matters USB C to USB Adapter 6 Inches (USB to USB C Adapter, USB-C to USB 3.0 Adapter, USB C OTG) in Black
The Cable Matters USB 3.1 Type-C to Type-A adapter provides a convenient connection between the newest devices with USB Type-C and legacy USB peripherals with Type A. It adapts the Type-C port on a computer to connect all legacy equipment, peripherals, cables, hubs and chargers that ...
www.amazon.com
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Yeah the plugs are a no go. That space on the back is tight heh. I picked up these, they come in a 2 pack for $7.99, they're working great. Have one on my USB hub, the other one on my MOTU audio interface.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077FY7831/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077FY7831/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Wow, I had no idea the new Mini had so many USB-C ports!
Plus 2 legacy USB ports.
I'd get a USB-C to USB legacy port adapter if you need extra old fashioned ports.
I am stuck to my trusty, reliable, upgradeable, repairable Mac Mini 2012 CTO / BTO server.....
Using a 27" Apple Thunderbolt display I get an extra 3 legacy USB ports on the back plus it has a built in web cam / facetime camera and it looks so sharp with the Mini underneath.....
I'm old too and use 10 year old Apple gear without the need to upgrade the Mini yet....
Plus 2 legacy USB ports.
I'd get a USB-C to USB legacy port adapter if you need extra old fashioned ports.
I am stuck to my trusty, reliable, upgradeable, repairable Mac Mini 2012 CTO / BTO server.....
Using a 27" Apple Thunderbolt display I get an extra 3 legacy USB ports on the back plus it has a built in web cam / facetime camera and it looks so sharp with the Mini underneath.....
I'm old too and use 10 year old Apple gear without the need to upgrade the Mini yet....