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USB C Confusion

bytecurious

bytecurious

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 25, 2017
43
5
I opened another thread discussing different Macbooks, but I'm thoroughly confused about USB C, especially when it comes to charging.

First of all, if I get a Displayport to USB-C cable, like this: https://www.amazon.de/Displayport-A...85785576&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+c+zu+displayport, will that charge the Macbook (Pro)?

Second of all, let's say I get the 2016 Macbook Pro, could I use the charger to charge smaller USB C devices as well? Like a phone or the Switch when it comes out? Are there any standards that make sure those devices don't get fried?

Third, do you need a dedicated USB C monitor if you want the one-cable-does-all functionality?
 
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bytecurious said:
Second of all, let's say I get the 2016 Macbook Pro, could I use the charger to charge smaller USB C devices as well? Like a phone or the Switch when it comes out? Are there any standards that make sure those devices don't get fried?
Click to expand...

Tried to charge my 12.9" iPP with my 15" MBP charger, simply wouldn't charge
 
Precursor said:
Tried to charge my 12.9" iPP with my 15" MBP charger, simply wouldn't charge
Click to expand...

That's weird ny 15" charger is charging my iPhone, Powerbank and some friends Android phones without issues.

Works with Apple USBC-> USBA adapter as well as with an Aukey USBC -> 4x USBA HUB.

I think that's one really big advantage, you only need one charger in your bag, often even a smaller one is enough when you're on the road and not doing the heaviest tasks.


To answer the fist question:
No, you wont get power out of a DP or something else than a USBC/TB3 HUB/ Dock/ Monitor which is especially mentioning the "USB-C Power Delivery" in the description.
Short: Yes you need a dedicated usb c Monitor for this functionality.
But with a Dock it comes down to 1 cable you have to handle, with a few more cables 'behind the scenes' ;)
 
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bytecurious said:
1 Charger -> USB-C to USB-A adapter -> Lightning cable.

How very convenient!
Click to expand...

No, not really, was just interested.

I'm charging like this at the moment because I'm carrying around the adapter with my macbook all the time and havent bought a lightning -> usb c cable yet.

Wanted to buy one the next days, but if it really should not charge, its absolutely pointless.
To sync my phone once a while I'm really not bothering to use an adapter.
 
Well I'm getting rid of my iPhone anyway, so it doesn't matter much to me.

As long as I can charge my new phone with the Macbook charger, that would sway me to getting a 2016 MBP over the 2015 one. Though the 2015 one likely has better battery life...
 
bytecurious said:
Well I'm getting rid of my iPhone anyway, so it doesn't matter much to me.

As long as I can charge my new phone with the Macbook charger, that would sway me to getting a 2016 MBP over the 2015 one. Though the 2015 one likely has better battery life...
Click to expand...

Why would you want to charge your phone with a laptop charger? Why would that ability sway you over getting an older one? If you get a 2016 and it doesn't charge your phone, you're in the same position you are if you got the 2015. Makes no sense. Also what's wrong with using one of the USB ports on the computer to charge your phone?

No, a USB to DisplayPort cable will not charge your computer, it will deliver video data.

In theory yes you can use a USB charger to charge any device, however the protections for it not getting fried will be in the device, not the charger/cable. More than likely I would say the devices wouldn't charge to protect itself.

Thirdly. Yes if you want to use 1 cable for everything, then you will want 1 USB-C cable, alternatively purchase 1 DP/USB-C adapter, and use the USB-C port on that. Bare in mind the difference between data and power cables, similar to other forms of USB cables. They are not all created equally and you need to make sure the cable you're using to power a device is rated for the wattage, same goes if you want to use it for data and power, then make sure it can handle it.
 
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New_Mac_Smell said:
Why would you want to charge your phone with a laptop charger?
Click to expand...

Because carrying one fewer charger with me would be a bonus? Carrying two fewer chargers would be a bigger bonus.

Carrying less stuff and having to own fewer cables is obviously preferable.

Thanks for your reply, though. Really confirms what I was thinking already, going the USB C only route is just a stupid, premature decision by Apple.
 
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