USB Adapter Question

[jparker402]

Finally went and did it!! Ordered a MacBook Pro 14 M1! Now while waiting for it to arrive, I am sitting here looking at USB-A (I think) flash drives, a SSD, a HD, a printer, and a mouse transmitter. And exploring Amazon for an adapter so that I will be able to connect these accessories into the MacBook Pro. Is this Anker adapter ref=sxin_16_ac_d_mf_brs the kind of thing I need and is it a good one? Any advice?

 

[Dave Braine]

Yes that one will let you connect items one at a time.
I use this:

Belkin USB C Hub, 6-in-1 MultiPort Adapter Dock with 4K HDMI, USB-C 100W PD Pass-Through Charging, 2 x USB A, Gigabit Ethernet Ports and SD Slot for MacBook Pro, Air, iPad Pro, XPS and More

Belkin USB C Hub, 6-in-1 MultiPort Adapter Dock with 4K HDMI, USB-C 100W PD Pass-Through Charging, 2 x USB A, Gigabit Ethernet Ports and SD Slot for MacBook Pro, Air, iPad Pro, XPS and More

www.amazon.com

 

[jparker402]

Hadn't considered a hub like that because the Pro will already have SD reader and HDMI ports. But a dock/dongle that had several USB-A ports would be a thought. I have not seen one. The single adapters that I posted above connect directly to the flash drive. I do see that there are single adapters that connect via a short cable. Any particular advantage to those?

 

[Dave Braine]

Didn't realise that the new Pro had so many ports. And a mag safe connection. The new MacBook Air as well. Apple's obviously realised that more than just two Thunderbolt ports might be useful.

I do see that there are single adapters that connect via a short cable. Any particular advantage to those?

Don't think so really.

 

[Ramonsterrr1981]

Finally went and did it!! Ordered a MacBook Pro 14 M1! Now while waiting for it to arrive, I am sitting here looking at USB-A (I think) flash drives, a SSD, a HD, a printer, and a mouse transmitter. And exploring Amazon for an adapter so that I will be able to connect these accessories into the MacBook Pro. Is this Anker adapter ref=sxin_16_ac_d_mf_brs the kind of thing I need and is it a good one? Any advice?

this anker one is fine. anker generally makes good stuff.

 

[justashooter]

I use these: https://www.microcenter.com/product/612960/j5create-usb-type-c-31-to-type-a-adapter-2-pack
Although the description of the anker version (high speed transfer) they should work too. The thing to be aware of is that the adapters are not too wide and can't use 2 of them side-by-side. I don't have a current MBP so don't know how close together the USBC ports are. Not a fan of the corded adapters myself.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:
"Is this Anker adapter ref=sxin_16_ac_d_mf_brs the kind of thing I need and is it a good one?"

NO...!
Don't buy those.

REASON WHY: you often can't get two of them plugged into adjacent USBc ports because they're TOO BIG, width-wise. Even using one may block off the port for another regular-sized USBc plug.

Instead, you want 3 or 4 of THESE:

Cable Matters 5Gbps USB C to USB 3.0 Adapter - 6 Inches, USBC Male to USBA Female OTG Adapter, 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

They have a "small connecting plug" that works fine.
I speak from personal experience of having used both types...

 

[jparker402]

OP:
"Is this Anker adapter ref=sxin_16_ac_d_mf_brs the kind of thing I need and is it a good one?"

NO...!
Don't buy those.

REASON WHY: you often can't get two of them plugged into adjacent USBc ports because they're TOO BIG, width-wise. Even using one may block off the port for another regular-sized USBc plug.

Instead, you want 3 or 4 of THESE:

Cable Matters 5Gbps USB C to USB 3.0 Adapter - 6 Inches, USBC Male to USBA Female OTG Adapter, 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

They have a "small connecting plug" that works fine.
I speak from personal experience of having used both types...

Aah! That is the reason for the cable extension! Thank you!

 

[JW5566]

Yes I'd second the above - on my Air the USBC ports are so close that 2 x plug adapters won't fit side by side. What I did was buy some right angled ones too, which do a similar job.

 

[mi7chy]

I also embraced the dongle life. Got tired of not being able to use both USB-C ports at the same time. Should've done it sooner.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-usb-c-to-usb-adapter-black/6473492.p?skuId=6473492

 

[hobowankenobi]

Personally...I prefer one bigger hub with multiple ports. More options, hard to lose than the little chicklets.