Questions about USB and MacBook Pros

[Ambrosia7177]

I have some questions about USB ports on Macs. They are simple questions, so don't laugh too loud!

First off, traditionally what is considered USB is I think called USB Type-A, correct?

Second, USB 1.0 vs USB 2.0 and so on is the speed, versus the form-factor, correct?

Third, I think modern MacBook pros use only USB Type-C?

 

[dwig]

USB-letter (e.g. A, B, mico-B, mini-B, C,...) is always a reference to the connector and not a reference to any data, either type or speed, transmitted.

USB-number (1.0 thru 4.0 at present) is always a reference to the data (type & speed) supported and what speeds are limited to.

It should also be noted that Thunderbolt has never had its own connector. It has always "borrowed" some existing connector. Tb 1 & 2 use the same connector as mini-DisplayPort and Tb 3 & 4 use the USB-C connector. Also, Intel has recently "given away" Tb3 to the USB consortium which has embedded it into the new USB4 specification.

It is common misuse of the term USB, particularily on boards this this, to refer to USB-A connectors and misuse of the term USB-C to refer to USB-3.x ports using the USB-C connector.

Modern MBs use USB-C connectors that support either USB4 (TB3, USB4, partial support for USB3.x, & USB2, USB-Dp alt mode, USB-PowerDelivery) or Tb4/USB4 (adding Tb4 to the mix) depending on model.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

USB-letter (e.g. A, B, mico-B, mini-B, C,...) is always a reference to the connector and not a reference to any data, either type or speed, transmitted.

USB-number (1.0 thru 4.0 at present) is always a reference to the data (type & speed) supported and what speeds are limited to.

It should also be noted that Thunderbolt has never had its own connector. It has always "borrowed" some existing connector. Tb 1 & 2 use the same connector as mini-DisplayPort and Tb 3 & 4 use the USB-C connector. Also, Intel has recently "given away" Tb3 to the USB consortium which has embedded it into the new USB4 specification.

It is common misuse of the term USB, particularily on boards this this, to refer to USB-A connectors and misuse of the term USB-C to refer to USB-3.x ports using the USB-C connector.

Modern MBs use USB-C connectors that support either USB4 (TB3, USB4, partial support for USB3.x, & USB2, USB-Dp alt mode, USB-PowerDelivery) or Tb4/USB4 (adding Tb4 to the mix) depending on model.

Do you have a Ph.D. in network and cabling? *LOL*

Is it true that US Type-A ports are a thing of the past when it comes to modern Macs - especially MacBook Pros?

 

[cthompson94]

Do you have a Ph.D. in network and cabling? *LOL*

Is it true that US Type-A ports are a thing of the past when it comes to modern Macs - especially MacBook Pros?

Correct, the MacBook Pro uses thunderbolt ports (USB-C connector) and the now magsafe connector (for charging). To use USB-A ports you would need a hub or dongle/adapter

To answer one of your questions I agree that traditionally anytime I heard someone ask or mention "USB cable" it was one with a USB-A end, and as for the under end it was typically in context of who you were talking with. For example, if I someone asked me for a USB cable while holding say an older iPhone then I would assume they mean the 30 pin connection to USB-A cable, now typically this context they would probably realistically say do you have a iPhone cable just like now if someone said that since the 30 pin has been dead for some time you can assume lighting cable of course the other end would either be USB-A or USB-C. Most things accessory wise did use a USB-A to mini b USB

 

[dwig]

... Most things accessory wise did use a USB-A to mini b USB

The "standard" pattern before USB-C was for hosts to use USB-A and target/accessory devices USB-B of one flavor or another. USB-B exists in 5 major variants:

• USB-B for USB 1/2 - this male will fit the USB 1/2 female socket or the USB-3.x socket
• USB-B for USB 3.x - this is an "extended" connector where the male only fits the USB-3.x socket.
• USB-miniB for USB-1/2 - this was common a decade ago, or so, but is rarely used today. There is no USB-3.x variant.
• USB-microB for USB-1/2 - this male will fit both the female USB-1/2 socket or the USB-3.x socket.
• USB-microB for USB-3.x - this is an "extended" connector where the male only fits the USB-3.x socket. It has been quite common for the last decade, though it is beginning to give way to the USB-C connector.

USB-A connectors, both male and female, exist in USB-1/2 and USB-3.x configurations but they are physically identical and interchangeable with the data being reduced to the lowest spec of the connectors and cables in the chain.

 

[Boyd01]

Is it true that US Type-A ports are a thing of the past when it comes to modern Macs - especially MacBook Pros?

Not just Macs.... my new car only has USB-C ports, not USB-A (like all my cables) But the current Mac Mini and Mac Studio still have USB-A.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

When I eventually switch to a new MBP, will all of my USB type-A device become obsolete?

More specifically, will data transfer not work?

What about powering things?


Here are some of the items that I'm concerned about...

- External hard-drive enclosures (USB type-A)

- iPhone which has a lightning cable to USB type-A cable

- GoPro charger that has a USB type-C to USB type-A cable

- Phone headset that is USB type-A

- LED light I use for videography that is USB type-C to USB type-A cable

- And probably some otehr things I can't think of right now.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Not just Macs.... my new car only has USB-C ports, not USB-A (like all my cables) But the current Mac Mini and Mac Studio still have USB-A.

I won't have to worry about a new car anytime soon, but we can dream!!

 

[Boyd01]

You will be fine, everything should work the same. You can either purchase new cables with USB-C on the end, get inexpensive individual adapter plugs or get a hub/dock with multiple ports.

 

[cthompson94]

When I eventually switch to a new MBP, will all of my USB type-A device become obsolete?

More specifically, will data transfer not work?

What about powering things?


Here are some of the items that I'm concerned about...

- External hard-drive enclosures (USB type-A)

- iPhone which has a lightning cable to USB type-A cable

- GoPro charger that has a USB type-C to USB type-A cable

- Phone headset that is USB type-A

- LED light I use for videography that is USB type-C to USB type-A cable

- And probably some otehr things I can't think of right now.

Just get a good quality hub and pretty much that will cover everything

 

[headlessmike]

USB-miniB for USB-1/2 - this was common a decade ago, or so, but is rarely used today. There is no USB-3.x variant.

I've never seen anything use them, but I've seen some mini B USB 3.0 cables.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

I have some questions about USB ports on Macs. They are simple questions, so don't laugh too loud!

Relax we don't judge (well I don't. Can't speak on others)

First off, traditionally what is considered USB is I think called USB Type-A, correct?

Yes. Type A is the rectangle shaped plug. Type C is the oval shaped one.

Second, USB 1.0 vs USB 2.0 and so on is the speed, versus the form-factor, correct?

Yes. USB 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 are different eras of speed. 3.0 is what you should aim for as 1.0 is obsolete and 2.0 is too slow, which is why professionals kept begging Apple to bring USB-C to the iPhone Pro since Lightning uses 2.0 speeds which is too slow.

Third, I think modern MacBook pros use only USB Type-C?

In terms of USB ports yes all Macbooks use just Type C now. The desktop Macs with the exception of the M1 iMac have Type A ports, but everything is mostly Type C, since Type C is thinner and can be used for display output and power delivery, not like Type A

There are adapters for Type A use on Macbooks so don't sweat it if you don't have much USB-C stuff. Even then, Type C accessories are really cheap nowadays. A 128 gb USB-C flash drive is only $14.

(I should also note the 14/16 Inch Macbook Pros have an HDMI port and SDXC reader on them so you won't need an adapter for those connections)

 

[Ambrosia7177]

In terms of USB ports yes all Macbooks use just Type C now. The desktop Macs with the exception of the M1 iMac have Type A ports, but everything is mostly Type C, since Type C is thinner and can be used for display output and power delivery, not like Type A

There are adapters for Type A use on Macbooks so don't sweat it if you don't have much USB-C stuff. Even then, Type C accessories are really cheap nowadays. A 128 gb USB-C flash drive is only $14.

When it comes to charging devices, does USB type-C charge any faster?

And would I lose any charging speed if I use an adapter?


I am more concerned about using adapters for data transfer.

For example, I just bought - ironically - a bunch of USE type-A SSD enclosures for backups.

If I got an adapter from USB type-C to USB type A, and I believe the enclosures support USB 3.0, then how would that impact things?

Would I have to worry about losing data, or corrupting backups?

Would it cause a bottle-neck with using all different types of protocols?

Or would it just be the same, slower, speed that I get now using USB type-A versus the presumably fatser USB type-C on new Macs?

(I should also note the 14/16 Inch Macbook Pros have an HDMI port and SDXC reader on them so you won't need an adapter for those connections)

My current old MBP has a SDXC slot in it.

I would hope a brand new 13" MBP would have a SDXC slot, along with the 14" and 16" models?

And since you bring it up, I would hope a new 13" MBP would also have an HDMI port since I guess that is the new standard - even though I've never used HDMI in my life - believe it or not!

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

When it comes to charging devices, does USB type-C charge any faster?

Yes. Miles faster. Type C can use Thunderbolt for even faster charging, and even without Thunderbolt Type C charges a lot faster than Type A does.

And would I lose any charging speed if I use an adapter?

Yes there will be a charging speed slowdown but not by much. It'll still be faster than just basic USB-A

I am more concerned about using adapters for data transfer.

Don't be. Data transfer through adapters is still fast since they'll both be 3.0

For example, I just bought - ironically - a bunch of USE type-A SSD enclosures for backups.

Smart smart

If I got an adapter from USB type-C to USB type A, and I believe the enclosures support USB 3.0, then how would that impact things?

Depends on what SSD you're putting in that enclosure. I would need more info on what you're working with, but generally no there shouldn't be a performance drop, since the enclosure would just be treated as an external SSD.

Would I have to worry about losing data, or corrupting backups?

So long as you eject it in macOS before unplugging, no.

Would it cause a bottle-neck with using all different types of protocols?

No

Or would it just be the same, slower, speed that I get now using USB type-A versus the presumably fatser USB type-C on new Macs?

You're overthinking it don't worry. It doesn't matter if it's Type A or Type C, what matters is if it's USB 2.0 or USB 3.0

My current old MBP has a SDXC slot in it.

Well you'll love the 14/16 inch Macbook Pros then since they got one too, and it's a lot faster than yours

I would hope a brand new 13" MBP would have a SDXC slot, along with the 14" and 16" models?

The 13 inch doesn't have an SDXC. Only the 14/16 inchs do. Don't buy the 13 inch MBP the thing is a meme.

And since you bring it up, I would hope a new 13" MBP would also have an HDMI port since I guess that is the new standard - even though I've never used HDMI in my life - believe it or not!

Also doesn't have one that's only on the 14/16 inch MBPs. Again, the 13 inch is a meme using an outdated design and is a Macbook "Pro" in name and name alone. I call it the MemeBook Pro for a reason.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

STOP WORRYING about the USBa devices you have.
Most of your USBa devices will work.
Chances are, all of them will.

Here's what you need:
Either an adapter like this:

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

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

www.amazon.com

(you'll want 2 or 3 of these)
or
A cable like this:

Amazon.com: Usbc To Usb Cable

Amazon.com: usbc to usb cable

www.amazon.com

(numerous choices available)

If you want a MacBook or a MacBook Pro, just buy it.
I promise you, you'll find "the solutions" soon afterwards.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Yes. Miles faster. Type C can use Thunderbolt for even faster charging, and even without Thunderbolt Type C charges a lot faster than Type A does.

Something to look forward to!

I have gotten into GoPro's and it takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r to charge up two batteries when the charger is plugged into my ancient MBP!

Yes there will be a charging speed slowdown but not by much. It'll still be faster than just basic USB-A

I think the GoPro charging base has a USB type-C port, so maybe if I get a USB type-c cable on both ends it will charge faster? (Versus using the USB type-C to USB type-A cable plus an adapter)

Don't be. Data transfer through adapters is still fast since they'll both be 3.0

Okay

FWIW, here are the enclosures I just bought...

Sabrent 2.5" SATA to USB 3.0 Tool-Free External Hard Drive Enclosure
1 x USB-A (USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gb/s))
SATA, SATA II

Smart smart

If I get a new MBP, what kinds of enclosures should I look for moving forward, so I can leverage a newer Mac?

Depends on what SSD you're putting in that enclosure. I would need more info on what you're working with, but generally no there shouldn't be a performance drop, since the enclosure would just be treated as an external SSD.

Here are the SSD's that I just got...

PNY 2TB CS900 SATA III 2.5" Internal SSD
2 TB SATA III (6 Gb/s) 2.5" (7 mm) SSD
Read Speed Maximum: 550 MB/s
Write Speed Maximum: 530 MB/s
Flash Memory Type 3D NAND


I upgraded to SSD's because I was worried about heat/cold/humidity ruining my platter-based HDD's that were in a semi climate-controlled storage unit.

These SSD's seem way faster than my old HDD's, but they may not the the fastest out there. However, since they are just for backups, it doesn't really matter.

So long as you eject it in macOS before unplugging, no.

Okay.

You're overthinking it don't worry. It doesn't matter if it's Type A or Type C, what matters is if it's USB 2.0 or USB 3.0

I do that a lot! =)

Well you'll love the 14/16 inch Macbook Pros then since they got one too, and it's a lot faster than yours

The 13 inch doesn't have an SDXC. Only the 14/16 inchs do. Don't buy the 13 inch MBP the thing is a meme.

Another clarification, since I might not be using the correct terms.

For my GoPro's, I call the storage "SD cards", but really this is what they are...


SanDisk 128GB Extreme UHS-I microSDXC Memory Card with SD Adapter
microSDXC with Full-Size SD Adapter
Storage Capacity 256 GB
Bus Type UHS-I
Speed Class 10
UHS Speed Class U3
Video Speed Class V30
Application Performance Class A2
Read Speed Maximum: 190 MB/s
Write Speed Maximum: 90 MB/s
Minimum: 30 MB/s


With the SD adapter, these do fit into a slot on my ancient MBP.

So there is no slot on a new 13" MBP for these?

Also doesn't have one that's only on the 14/16 inch MBPs. Again, the 13 inch is a meme using an outdated design and is a Macbook "Pro" in name and name alone. I call it the MemeBook Pro for a reason.

Good advice to know. I like a smaller laptop because I use my MBP away from home a lot, but I guess an extra inch won't kill me!

 

[Ambrosia7177]

OP:

STOP WORRYING about the USBa devices you have.
Most of your USBa devices will work.
Chances are, all of them will.

If you want a MacBook or a MacBook Pro, just buy it.
I promise you, you'll find "the solutions" soon afterwards.

Just trying to avoid large surprises.

I tend to hold onto things forever, and it has occurred to me that what I thought was still a new-ish laptop is really quite ancient. And along with that, all of my old ways to doing things and perceiving technology also seem to be ancient!

But then, I just got indoor plumbing last week! (You guys should try it out - it's fabulous!!)

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

Something to look forward to!

I have gotten into GoPro's and it takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r to charge up two batteries when the charger is plugged into my ancient MBP!

Old USB-A ports got a fixed voltage so of course it's gonna be slower than just plugging into an outlet. So Type C will be miles faster since they're reversible.

I think the GoPro charging base has a USB type-C port, so maybe if I get a USB type-c cable on both ends it will charge faster? (Versus using the USB type-C to USB type-A cable plus an adapter)

Yes Type C is reversible.

Okay

FWIW, here are the enclosures I just bought...

Sabrent 2.5" SATA to USB 3.0 Tool-Free External Hard Drive Enclosure
1 x USB-A (USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gb/s))
SATA, SATA II

I see. USB-A so you'll need a dongle for that.

You know if you were more tech savvy I would've recommended making a home network drive so you could wirelessly move your GoPro footage to a NAS solution so you wouldn't have to carry an external enclosure with you.

If I get a new MBP, what kinds of enclosures should I look for moving forward, so I can leverage a newer Mac?

Instead of an enclosure you could just get a thunderbolt drive. Samsung and Sandisk sell them for $100-150 for 1-2 TB

Here are the SSD's that I just got...

PNY 2TB CS900 SATA III 2.5" Internal SSD
2 TB SATA III (6 Gb/s) 2.5" (7 mm) SSD
Read Speed Maximum: 550 MB/s
Write Speed Maximum: 530 MB/s
Flash Memory Type 3D NAND


I upgraded to SSD's because I was worried about heat/cold/humidity ruining my platter-based HDD's that were in a semi climate-controlled storage unit.

These SSD's seem way faster than my old HDD's, but they may not the the fastest out there. However, since they are just for backups, it doesn't really matter.

Yeah definitely you should probably look into a home network drive solution. Much simpler and easier to manage than multiple external drives since it'll just be one high capacity storage unit somewhere in your house that you can wirelessly transfer to, but that's gonna be a looooooong explanation for another day

Another clarification, since I might not be using the correct terms.

For my GoPro's, I call the storage "SD cards", but really this is what they are...


SanDisk 128GB Extreme UHS-I microSDXC Memory Card with SD Adapter
microSDXC with Full-Size SD Adapter
Storage Capacity 256 GB
Bus Type UHS-I
Speed Class 10
UHS Speed Class U3
Video Speed Class V30
Application Performance Class A2
Read Speed Maximum: 190 MB/s
Write Speed Maximum: 90 MB/s
Minimum: 30 MB/s

With the SD adapter, these do fit into a slot on my ancient MBP.

Ah so you're using MicroSD. There's adapters for MicroSD too to connect them to thunderbolt. I got a Anker hub for my Macbook Pro for when I got a MicroSD I need to get off but I got no SDXC adapters on standby

So there is no slot on a new 13" MBP for these?

Nope. Just two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. Not even a Magsafe port like the M2 Macbook Air and 14/16 inch MBPs got. Again, there's a reason I call this thing the MemeBook Pro.

Good advice to know. I like a smaller laptop because I use my MBP away from home a lot, but I guess an extra inch won't kill me!

Oh no doubt you will love the 14 inch Macbook Pro. It's the best laptop Apple ever made. It's not that heavy compared to a 13 inch, and has much better performance and specs. Even though I'm not a professional I got one just for that AMAZING SCREEN GOD DAMN

 

[Ambrosia7177]

I see. USB-A so you'll need a dongle for that.

Okay

You know if you were more tech savvy I would've recommended making a home network drive so you could wirelessly move your GoPro footage to a NAS solution so you wouldn't have to carry an external enclosure with you.

Maybe some day, but I tend to be mobile in my computer use. Whether at the library or cafe or on the road. So if it doesn't fit in my lap or next to me, it isn't a great choice. And i don't mind backing up to an external SSD.

I suppose someday I can learn about more "modern" things, but I tend to K.I.S.S. with computing.

Instead of an enclosure you could just get a thunderbolt drive. Samsung and Sandisk sell them for $100-150 for 1-2 TB

I am going to save that for another thread, but thanks!

Yeah definitely you should probably look into a home network drive solution. Much simpler and easier to manage than multiple external drives since it'll just be one high capacity storage unit somewhere in your house that you can wirelessly transfer to, but that's gonna be a looooooong explanation for another day

Maybe when I am feeling bold!

Ah so you're using MicroSD. There's adapters for MicroSD too to connect them to thunderbolt. I got a Anker hub for my Macbook Pro for when I got a MicroSD I need to get off but I got no SDXC adapters on standby

I'll ask about that in my next thread.

Nope. Just two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. Not even a Magsafe port like the M2 Macbook Air and 14/16 inch MBPs got. Again, there's a reason I call this thing the MemeBook Pro.

What ports do you get on a 14" MBP?

Do I still get the MagSafe port for the power adapter?

Oh no doubt you will love the 14 inch Macbook Pro. It's the best laptop Apple ever made. It's not that heavy compared to a 13 inch, and has much better performance and specs. Even though I'm not a professional I got one just for that AMAZING SCREEN GOD DAMN

I'll go check out the video - that is probably a good way to help me catch up with technology!

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

What ports do you get on a 14" MBP?

14/16 inch Macbook Pros have a Magsafe 3 port, three USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, a HDMI port (2.0 for M1 Pro/Max, 2.1 for M2 Pro/Max), an SDXC card reader, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack with a built in DAC to drive higher end headphones (#BringBackTheHeadphoneJack)

Do I still get the MagSafe port for the power adapter?

The newer Macs use MagSafe 3 so your old Magsafe cords don't work. The good news is Magsafe 3 cords are miles better. They're woven so they're very durable compared to old cables, and they're USB-C, so you can plug them into a USB-C power brick (The 14 inch Macbook Pro needs at minimum a 67w charger. If you get a 96w charger then Magsafe can fast charge)

I'll go check out the video - that is probably a good way to help me catch up with technology!

Subscribe to Mac Address

 

[Ambrosia7177]

14/16 inch Macbook Pros have a Magsafe 3 port, three USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, a HDMI port (2.0 for M1 Pro/Max, 2.1 for M2 Pro/Max), an SDXC card reader, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack with a built in DAC to drive higher end headphones (#BringBackTheHeadphoneJack)

A headphone jack, cool!

The newer Macs use MagSafe 3 so your old Magsafe cords don't work. The good news is Magsafe 3 cords are miles better. They're woven so they're very durable compared to old cables, and they're USB-C, so you can plug them into a USB-C power brick (The 14 inch Macbook Pro needs at minimum a 67w charger. If you get a 96w charger then Magsafe can fast charge)

Took me a minute for that to register... I guess what you cal a "power Brick" is what I call a "power pack".

You mean those things that are the size of your hand that are like portable batteries?

if so, then you are telling me that I could buy a power pack/brick and use that to power my new MBP just like I'd use a power pack now to power say my iPhone or an LED light while shooting video at night?

If so, that would be a dream come true. (Maybe the Apple gods heard me thinking, "I sure wish that I could plug my laptop into a power pack like I do my LED lights.")

Subscribe to Mac Address

Lots of homework for me! 😎📖

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

Took me a minute for that to register... I guess what you cal a "power Brick" is what I call a "power pack".

You mean those things that are the size of your hand that are like portable batteries?

No that's a power bank. I'm talking about chargers you plug into outlets

But hey you can charge Apple Silicon Macs from power banks. I use one with my Steam Deck

if so, then you are telling me that I could buy a power pack/brick and use that to power my new MBP just like I'd use a power pack now to power say my iPhone or an LED light while shooting video at night?

Read above

If so, that would be a dream come true. (Maybe the Apple gods heard me thinking, "I sure wish that I could plug my laptop into a power pack like I do my LED lights.")

There's a reason I love the Apple Silicon Macs, switching to them after a lifetime of being a Mac hater. I can't use any other laptop other than them now.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

No that's a power bank. I'm talking about chargers you plug into outlets

But hey you can charge Apple Silicon Macs from power banks. I use one with my Steam Deck



Read above



There's a reason I love the Apple Silicon Macs, switching to them after a lifetime of being a Mac hater. I can't use any other laptop other than them now.

So a new MBP, M2 Pro/Max 14" could be charged by a power bank?

Would something like this be enough to power a MBP?

Belkin Boost Charge USB Type-C Power Bank (20,000mAh, 30W)​

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

So a new MBP, M2 Pro/Max 14" could be charged by a power bank?

Would something like this be enough to power a MBP?

Belkin Boost Charge USB Type-C Power Bank (20,000mAh, 30W)​

For a ARM Macbook Air that would be enough. The Pros need more power than that though. Remember the 14 inch at minimum needs 67w.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

For a ARM Macbook Air that would be enough. The Pros need more power than that though. Remember the 14 inch at minimum needs 67w.

Can you recommend some powerbanks that would power a MBP, M2, 14"?