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USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Capabilities

ctyrider

ctyrider

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jul 15, 2012
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I have been wondering about the capabilities of Apple's $79 USB-C digital dongle. Apple's product page describes its intended use case like following:

The USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter lets you connect your MacBook with USB-C port to an HDMI display, while also connecting a standard USB device and a USB-C charging cable.
Click to expand...

What I am wondering about if this is the only supported use of this dongle, or if other scenarios possible.. For instance - feeding power to MacBook via USB Type-A port (via Type-A to Type-C cable), and using USB-C port to connect to a monitor via DisplayPort Cable.

Basically, I don't care about HDMI port - I want to connect MacBook to 1440p (or maybe even 4K) display, while charging it at the same time.

If this dongle is a proper USB-C dock supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode - that should be possible.. and will in fact make it not such a bad purchase.. I am hoping this is why Apple is pricing it at $79, as it's a lot more than just a dumb adapter cable.

I suspect no one truly knows yet, but can't help but wonder..
 
If you are referring to the "USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter", the description is:

The USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter lets you connect your MacBook with USB-C port to an HDMI display, while also connecting a standard USB device and a USB-C charging cable.

The Type C port on the MacBook provides Display Port, which is converted in the Adapter to HDMI.

The Type C port on the adapter supports only power, no USB2, no Display port.

The Standard A is USB3.1 Gen 1 (the old USB 3.0).
 
Steve USB said:
The Type C port on the adapter supports only power, no USB2, no Display port.
Click to expand...

ctyrider said:
How do you know this? I think until someone actually tries this - this is very unclear.
Click to expand...

Ya, I'm not sure that follows, either. It's possible that the Type C port on the adapter is a full-pinned pass-through. If so, it may stand to reason that it supports data also, and thereby will allow a DisplayPort to USB-C connection down the road, if someone markets a cable for it.
 
ctyrider said:
I have been wondering about the capabilities of Apple's $79 USB-C digital dongle. Apple's product page describes its intended use case like following:



What I am wondering about if this is the only supported use of this dongle, or if other scenarios possible.. For instance - feeding power to MacBook via USB Type-A port (via Type-A to Type-C cable), and using USB-C port to connect to a monitor via DisplayPort Cable.

Basically, I don't care about HDMI port - I want to connect MacBook to 1440p (or maybe even 4K) display, while charging it at the same time.

If this dongle is a proper USB-C dock supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode - that should be possible.. and will in fact make it not such a bad purchase.. I am hoping this is why Apple is pricing it at $79, as it's a lot more than just a dumb adapter cable.

I suspect no one truly knows yet, but can't help but wonder..
Click to expand...

This does not look like the cable for you. You will not be able to power the macbook with USB A port.

The cable you would need would have either 2 USB C ports (plus a USB C to DP adapter, once available),or an adapter with USB C and MDP.

I'M sure there will be nice docking stations in the no to distant future. Depending on your required mobility, that my work best.
 
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