USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter for New MacBook Includes HDMI and USB 3.1 Connectors

[autrefois]

Like almost everyone else (in reality) I rarely hang a bunch of pasta off my ultraportable. With all-day battery life, I would literally have zero cords much of the time.

But when I DO need pasta... this one adapter would meet all my needs! And I'd need an adapter anyway for DisplayPort alone, so this is zero added cable clutter. Nice. Most people won't need it, but I think I will.

You're usually a voice of reason around here. But you're honestly saying you think it's okay for Apple to offer a $1200 laptop where it's impossible to have it plugged in and at the same time hook up anything else whatsoever to it*, without purchasing a separate $79 dongle?

For the iPad, it's borderline acceptable because it's a tablet. This is a computer. An insanely expensive computer for the processing power people are getting. And you can't even plug anything into it.

Either provide both power and at least one other port for connectivity on the thing, a battery than can be switched out (yeah, right) for when the battery runs low, or at least include the dongle for free.

 

[ctyrider]

Don't buy this MacBook, tell your family members not to buy this MacBook.. Enough is enough of this god damned downgrades disguised as upgrades.

If a mere existence of this laptop truly bothers you this much - you have some serious issues.. Last I checked - Tim Cook didn't break into your house and put a gun to your head making you purchase this laptop.

I am going to buy this MacBook, and so will millions of others.

For the iPad, it's borderline acceptable because it's a tablet. This is a computer.

Both iPad and MacBook are mobile computers - one is a touch-based and the other is keyboard/trackpad based. Why is "it" acceptable for an iPad but not for a Macbook?

 

[jrlcopy]

EDIT: Yes, for video, no for the "hub" stuff? Seems to be the consensus on other DisplayPort/non-TB Macs.

DisplayPort works vua USB-C (would need a different adapter than this one)--but that particular display (for the hub/dock features) requires full Thunderbolt, not just DisplayPort.

I think Apple should make a 23" 4k (that's retina!) desktop display with DisplayPort support and/or USB-C support (for the sake of a hub).

No it won't work at all. A Thunderbolt Monitor has to communicate over the thunderbolt port only. Been there, tried that.

 

[Neepman]

And of course, you will need an adapter for the adapter for a standard usb thumbdrive or other device. And an etherne adapter for the corporate world and I wonder how to work to have 30 watts of power swimming upstream through all that along with your data....

 

[perkedel]

My guess is there'll be plenty of 3rd party of USB docks where it has USB-C power, gigE, a bunch of USB ports, mini display port, etc.
I have something like this for a Dell at work, so there's probably going to be more for this new macbook. It's not going to be cheap though.

 

[John6Plus]

My guess is there'll be plenty of 3rd party of USB docks where it has USB-C power, gigE, a bunch of USB ports, mini display port, etc.
I have something like this for a Dell at work, so there's probably going to be more for this new macbook. It's not going to be cheap though.

That's true. I'm still waiting for that affordable T-Bolt dock so I can add USB 3 to my 2011 Mac Mini (Note: I said affordable.)

After my initial excitement it became clear that this just isn't the computer for me. It is clearly not meant to be a desktop replacement, it's targeted at mobile and wireless (surprised there's no SIM tray). Honestly, the 13" rMBP is the same price with better specs (except for the SSD, I think, and the fact that it's 4mm thicker and not tapered). It has enough ports to keep most happy. It even got the force touchpad... as cute as they are the new MB's are a bit too meh for me, spec-wise.

 

[Nicky G]

Some people have a difficult time understanding that Apple feels some people are interested in an ultra-portable that is not, for SOME users, a full desktop replacement, and is worth a premiumto them (especially for early adopters).

People, stop whining, please. Every time Apple releases a product it's the same damn thing. The original iMac. The iPod. The iPod mini, then nano. The MacBook Air. The iPhone. The iPad. Too expensive! Not enough ports/connectivity! Whine whine whine. Apple is the largest, most profitable company on the planet across all industries, despite all the whining. Get OVER yourselves already.

Give it two years, and all you'll see out and about is this thing, it's larger 14" sibling (featuring more ports!) plus the redesigned (and lighter) MacBook Pros, featuring even more ports.

In the meantime: SHUT UP!

 

[JAT]

If a mere existence of this laptop truly bothers you this much - you have some serious issues.. Last I checked - Tim Cook didn't break into your house and put a gun to your head making you purchase this laptop.

Fact check. The other guy claims a computer is worthless. You claim the other guy is worthless.

And you think you have the high moral ground.

K.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

The fact that new MacBook 12" power brick is a plug with a female USB port is a huge plus. We are no longer stuck with buying Apple adapters and accessories. Just give it a bit of time for 3rd-party USB-C accessories to hit the market.

This is big, too. I'm sure Apple will make USB type C to Lightning for iDevices - which means you can charge your iDevice from your MacBook *OR* from your MacBook charger brick - so you could have just one (admittedly large) brick.

 

[H2SO4]

Agreed.

This new Macbook is just a steaming pile of adapter-required FAIL.

That’s what I thought.
For mobile engineers fior example, the work they do means they need a good notebook, (the need to communicate over a number of different interfaces - often more than one at a time), with the hardware on site. This is a ridiculous way to make money granted but it’s not good value or versatile. If you want to do serious work get a proper one.

----------

This is big, too. I'm sure Apple will make USB type C to Lightning for iDevices - which means you can charge your iDevice from your MacBook *OR* from your MacBook charger brick - so you could have just one (admittedly large) brick.

Yup, and the 3rd party market would be great as USB is a standard not an Apple special that no one uses or can afford.
I can’t help wondering why they didn’t use a single TB2 if they were going with one port though.

 

[Henk Poley]

Can you charge the macbook through this hub/dongle ?

I wonder why they couldn't fit a row of USB-C to the sides.

 

[newagemac]

So you need this adapter if you have an iPhone because in order to setup wifi sync, you need to sync with a cable first.

Good job Apple, good job.

Or just use the new lightning cables with USB-C on the other end that will come with all new iPhones sometime in the future. That's how progress works.

 

[Dorje Sylas]

Whats funny is the circles I run in, media projection rooms are still wired for VGA only.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

It's a bit weird that the MacBook has no MagSafe. You'd think they could engineer a USB connector that latches that way, but it would probably go against the spec.

Since when has that ever bothered Apple?

 

[Matt Leaf]

Does Apple travel? Many hotels around the world have ethernet, not WiFi.

What nobody seems to have pointed out yet is the power adaptor issue...

So most of you probably haven't noticed this yet.

You're going to basically get what you get with an iPad... the unit... a AC brick, and a USB cable to charge the device... but wait, there's one more thing....

- Every laptop Apple has ever sold comes with a wall plug to go from the wall to the brick as an extension. Not anymore. That'll cost you extra ($19 more)

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...137941b098a&fs=f=12inchmacbook&fh=4098%2B44c7

- Every replacement power cable Apple has ever sold has come with the above extension, and the ability to at least get you power from the wall to your laptop. Not anymore. That'll cost you an extra $19 for the extension, and another $29 for the USB-C to get you from the wall to the power brick...

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...137941b098a&fs=f=12inchmacbook&fh=4098%2B44c7

and

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...137941b098a&fs=f=12inchmacbook&fh=4098%2B44c7

and

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...137941b098a&fs=f=12inchmacbook&fh=4098%2B44c7

I feel like this is missing the point a little.

It has all day battery life.

You charge at night and then hit the road in the morning, just like iPad.

But in regards to the adapter: its ugly.

They should have put two C ports in. At least then you could charge, or adapt, whichever way you wanted to go.

Phil did mention they were working with 3rd parties on adapters, so maybe we see something more sleek yet.

 

[Reason077]

I'd like to know just who it is at Apple, that's projecting their unhealthy body image issues onto these devices.

Hmm, let me think...

 

[LeilaW]

This is a joke. Right?

 

[joelypolly]

Bit disappointed with apple

This should have been included in the box... Also the prices for the CPUs regardless of speed is the same from Intel this time around I don't know what justification they have for charging so much extra for 256gb of flash

 

[alvindarkness]

Hmm, let me think...

Image

Now I see why Ive is obsessed with thin.

 

[FieldingMellish]

I can add lots of room to my house if I store the necessary appliances out in the backyard and run a giant dongle to them.

The weight of the dongle and the weight and mass of whatever it is that the road warrior needs daily should be added to the new laptop.

 

[scottmac]

I just don't get ultraportables. Especially this one, at this pricepoint. For the same price, you can get a base 13" rMBP with a bigger screen, higher resolution, faster processor, better graphics, longer battery life and more ports. Yes, it weighs a bit more, and is a bit thicker. If an extra pound breaks your back, you need to go to a doctor. Or a gym.

I too currently use a 15" rMBP, but I now cycle to work. Trust me, an extra 1.3Kg on your back soon adds up on a 13 mile hilly commute.... as such i quite like the idea of the new Macbook. I need to know how well it'll work on my Thunderbolt display though, as I have a nice hub built in to that so might not need many cables!

 

[Doebldodl]

Fancying the new 12" ultralight MacBook?

I am currently running a mid-2012 MacBook Pro 15" on two Apple LED Cinema displays (one at work, one at home). Each of the displays sports a MagSafe charging cable and a USB 2.0 hub. Here's the bill if I switched to the new 12" MacBook. First, the base model:

MacBook - $1299

However, the new MacBook has only one USB-C port. This is a new standard, so none of my cables fits.

First, power. Both at work and home, I'd like to have a power connector ready without searching for a plug. (The included power adapter stays in my bag such that I can travel without ever searching one.) Apple's power adapter comes _without_ charging cable or extension cable, though:

USB-C power adapter for work: $49
USB-C power adapter for home: $49
USB-C charging cable for work: $29
USB-C charging cable for home: $29
Power adapter extension cable / home: $19
Power adapter extension cable / work: $19

Second, connecting displays. Both displays only have a DisplayPort connector, but an adapter from USB-C to DisplayPort is not yet available. So no MacBook for me, anyway. But let's assume I _could_ use HDMI instead. Then, I'd have to buy

USB-C Digital AV Multiport adapter / work: $79
USB-C Digital AV Multiport adapter / home: $79

These also come with USB plugs, where my current USB hubs would plug in.

Third, presentations. When presenting, I yet have to see a USB-C display connector. So I'd have to carry VGA and HDMI adapters with me. Again, these live in my bag:

USB-C VGA Multiport adapter: $79
USB-C Digital AV Multiport adapter: $79

These also have a standard USB plug, and hence allow me to connect either one USB stick, one phone, one backup disk, or one presenter dongle. So at least I would not need an adapter for USB-C to USB ($19), but possibly a USB 3.0 travel hub. Let's assume I can do without.

The total sum in adapters thus is $510 (FIVE-HUNDRED-TEN DOLLARS!) or 39% on top of the MacBook price. And no, I am not making this up - this is _what I'd have to spend to replicate my current setting_.

For the exact same $1299 for the 12" MacBook, I can get an all new 13" MacBook Pro - no adapters required. And for the $510 saved in adapters, I could get an Apple Watch with a leather loop. Or a nice 4K display. And a beer.

 

[alvindarkness]

Fancying the new 12" ultralight MacBook?

I am currently running a mid-2012 MacBook Pro 15" on two Apple LED Cinema displays (one at work, one at home)

[...]

The total sum in adapters thus is $510 (FIVE-HUNDRED-TEN DOLLARS!) or 39% on top of the MacBook price. And no, I am not making this up - this is _what I'd have to spend to replicate my current setting_.

Not to mention you wouldnt be replicating your current setup, you would be getting a laptop that performs far far worse than what you already have CPU wise. A better investment would be an SSD for your 2012 MBP if you havent already done so and keep it. IMO anyway.

 

[richwoodrocket]

USB C looks a lot like the Lightning connector from a far. Up close it looks like something that doesnt belong on a macbook, but a mobile device. Apple, please at least bring a few more ports back.

 

[dollystereo]

That's true. I'm still waiting for that affordable T-Bolt dock so I can add USB 3 to my 2011 Mac Mini (Note: I said affordable.)

After my initial excitement it became clear that this just isn't the computer for me. It is clearly not meant to be a desktop replacement, it's targeted at mobile and wireless (surprised there's no SIM tray). Honestly, the 13" rMBP is the same price with better specs (except for the SSD, I think, and the fact that it's 4mm thicker and not tapered). It has enough ports to keep most happy. It even got the force touchpad... as cute as they are the new MB's are a bit too meh for me, spec-wise.

I bought the Kanex USB3 dongle, it's cheap and works great (got it for $59 from amazon some time ago).