USB-C is the Future- but why not leave 2 USB ports?

[Ethosik]

It's easy managed if you control the environment, however if you are not able it's very far from foolproof as even with Apple's own adaptors and dongles connectivity is not guaranteed. This for me is not acceptable, being very much a retrograde step, as I never incurred such issues prior to Apple's implementation of USB C. Given I work globally as a consultant, not simply going from A to B you may be able to grasp the magnitude of the situation, it's hardly professional to not be able to accomplish your task due to your own hardware not being able to connect.

Adaptors & Dongles are now an aspect of computing on the go, equally one does want to look to keep the number to a minimum, not the inverse where for literally every connection one or the other will be required. I am far from being against USB C, more Apple's rather poor implementation, which is mostly self-serving.

Had Apple simple updated the chassis and offered two USB C/TB-3 in place of TB-2 I seriously doubt few would be unhappy given the significant bandwidth offered by TB-3, nor would this have alienated a good number of professional users. To date I have not met anyone willing to consider one outside of this forum, between the ports, keyboard, Touch Bar & battery capacity. Some have tried with all returned; majority are engineers & designers now either holding on to current hardware and or looking to switch platforms.

Ultimately as my systems are a significant aspect of revenue, I am always going to look for the best compromise in a notebook and or a specific high value feature. Apple was once the default provider, this longer applies. People should also consider those where it simply "doesn't work" nor does Apple offer any realistic alternatives.

I can see how the 2016 MBP can work for some, equally others seem to find it impossible that others are now impinged by what is basically a design to WOW the public, and reduce Apple's production costs...

Q-6

And I have needed to use VGA before on even my 2013 system. Did the 2013 rMBP have VGA ports on them? You buy what you need. These dedicated ports need to die fast. We were still getting BRAND NEW laptops at work in late 2015 and early 2016 that STILL had VGA ports on them. WHY?!?! It was USELESS for us. It just took up space. These new ports can do anything. Even give me a VGA port if I need it.

It is your job as a professional to prepare your system to be able to use a connection. What about the Surface Pro? As a professional, I need to be prepared to have VGA or HDMI for projectors with that system too. You cannot just put EVERY POSSIBLE port in a laptop just because a few people might need them. What about ethernet? My 2013 rMBP did not have ethernet. As a network engineer, I had to prepare my system for the ability to have ethernet by getting a dongle for it. It is not Apple's fault.

It sucks that you have had issues. But people I know that have the 2016 MacBook Pro with even off brand dongles and cables are not having any issues at all. You just need to be careful what you order.

Actually, I would complain if there were only two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Especially with eGPU becoming more of a thing. I have MORE connectivity on the 2016 MacBook Pro than I have had with my 2013 and 2015 systems. I needed to use three USB-A ports SO MANY times. On those systems that only had two USB-A ports. Since I got the new cables, I can connect those three devices to my built in ports without needing to get a hub or something.
[doublepost=1497191064][/doublepost]

Very simple answer - Apple will loose significant licensing revenue by switching IOS devices to USB C Outcry Apple could careless unless it observes a negative trend in sales. Apple is about tying devices together forcing the purchase of additional peripherals that they produce for cents on the dollar. as Apple is solely about $$$$ these days.

I firmly believe Apple's "new found" enthusiasm with the Mac is driven by the hostility of the tech press and the loss of professional users, which Apple desperately needs for the "kudos" and "halo" effect to maintain the RDF with the average users...

Q-6

Apple is a business. They ONLY exist to make money. Maybe you are looking for a non-profit computer company.

I will be furious if Apple switches from lightning to USB-C because I have so many accessories and so many cables scattered around. So don't say it is just because they want the licensing fees, they can handle that even if they use USB-C. Thunderbolt devices need to be certified, and that is using the USB-C connector. They can build something in to the OS that only allows certified USB-C cables to be used, thus getting the licensing fees back EVEN WITH USB-C.

People have made un licensed counterfeit lightning cables.

 

[Queen6]

And I have needed to use VGA before on even my 2013 system. Did the 2013 rMBP have VGA ports on them? You buy what you need. These dedicated ports need to die fast. We were still getting BRAND NEW laptops at work in late 2015 and early 2016 that STILL had VGA ports on them. WHY?!?! It was USELESS for us. It just took up space. These new ports can do anything. Even give me a VGA port if I need it.

It is your job as a professional to prepare your system to be able to use a connection. What about the Surface Pro? As a professional, I need to be prepared to have VGA or HDMI for projectors with that system too. You cannot just put EVERY POSSIBLE port in a laptop just because a few people might need them. What about ethernet? My 2013 rMBP did not have ethernet. As a network engineer, I had to prepare my system for the ability to have ethernet by getting a dongle for it. It is not Apple's fault.

It sucks that you have had issues. But people I know that have the 2016 MacBook Pro with even off brand dongles and cables are not having any issues at all. You just need to be careful what you order.

Actually, I would complain if there were only two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Especially with eGPU becoming more of a thing. I have MORE connectivity on the 2016 MacBook Pro than I have had with my 2013 and 2015 systems. I needed to use three USB-A ports SO MANY times. On those systems that only had two USB-A ports. Since I got the new cables, I can connect those three devices to my built in ports without needing to get a hub or something.

Is simple if Apple offered the same reliability, it would not be such a problem, they don't. Had Apple offered a docking solution at launch it wouldn't be such a problem, they didn't. Well Apple did drop the price of USB C peripherals, however only as a reactionary measure to the negative reception of the 2016 MBP.

You still don't get it! If you as the user are not in a position to control what your system connects to, the dongle situation is just another headache to deal with. It's not that you need dongles & adaptors, it's that they are now mandatory for literally everything. I agree with the the "professional" comment as I no longer employ Apple's MBP in a professional role...

Apple is a business. They ONLY exist to make money. Maybe you are looking for a non-profit computer company.

I will be furious if Apple switches from lightning to USB-C because I have so many accessories and so many cables scattered around. So don't say it is just because they want the licensing fees, they can handle that even if they use USB-C. Thunderbolt devices need to be certified, and that is using the USB-C connector. They can build something in to the OS that only allows certified USB-C cables to be used, thus getting the licensing fees back EVEN WITH USB-C.

People have made un licensed counterfeit lightning cables.

That's hilarious, "you would be furious" and Apple wouldn't careless, yet "you" continuously defend Apple for doing exactly the same with the MBP that many other users have issue with. After all "you" could just purchase a "adaptor or dongle" for your iPhone Told you it's all about the money, sooner you wake up to that one, sooner you'll understand Apple...

n.b. USB C is an open standard, ipso facto no $$$ for Apple

Q-6

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"I definitely get it that USB-C is the future....but why didn't Apple at least leave 2 of the ports for legacy gear."

I -DON'T- see USB-c as "the future" -- well, at least not for 4-5 more years yet.

The reality is that USB-A connectors/devices are out there by the billions, and will need to be accessed for years to come.
I don't foresee sales of USB-c devices equalling (and then surpassing) sales of USB-A devices for at least 5 years, perhaps even longer.

And that's why when it came down to "the buying decision", I bought a 2015 MacBook Pro instead of the 2016 model (just after it was announced). I didn't care for "the future" -- I wanted something that worked with what I had at the moment, and will continue to use in the years to come.

I've had my 2015 MBPro since December.
And I haven't encountered a single USB-c device yet!

 

[Altis]

And I have needed to use VGA before on even my 2013 system. Did the 2013 rMBP have VGA ports on them? You buy what you need. These dedicated ports need to die fast. We were still getting BRAND NEW laptops at work in late 2015 and early 2016 that STILL had VGA ports on them. WHY?!?! It was USELESS for us. It just took up space. These new ports can do anything. Even give me a VGA port if I need it.

Sounds like a Dell or Lenovo "business" laptop. The thing is, there are hundreds of alternatives you could have bought, with as many different configurations as you can imagine.

With the MBP, there isn't a single option that has anything but USB-C/TB3.

It is your job as a professional to prepare your system to be able to use a connection. What about the Surface Pro? As a professional, I need to be prepared to have VGA or HDMI for projectors with that system too. You cannot just put EVERY POSSIBLE port in a laptop just because a few people might need them. What about ethernet? My 2013 rMBP did not have ethernet. As a network engineer, I had to prepare my system for the ability to have ethernet by getting a dongle for it. It is not Apple's fault.

The difference is that USB-A is so widely used, in so many applications, that it should have been included (at least 1).

Who actually needs 4 TB3/USB-C if each one is so good and powerful? Most likely nobody will use more than 2 given the data rate that provides.

But having a built-in USB-A will allow you to connect (without the need for an adapter with you) flash drives, external hard drives, mouse, keyboard, printers, cameras, audio interface, phones (including iPhone), tablets (including iPad)...... and all kinds of specialty stuff: game controllers, headsets, drones, scientific gear (oscilloscopes, meters, etc), chargeable devices (such as bike lights), audio performance gear (such as mixers), and so on... you get the idea.

Meanwhile, there's still only a handful of things even available in USB-C.

I know it's 'the future', but that's why there's always a transition period where you have both the current and the 'future' available until the current becomes 'legacy'. Until then, people need to be able to connect to things and there's really no reason why they couldn't have gone 2-3 USB-C/TB3, and 1 USB-A 3.1.

 

[vipergts2207]

One thing we know for sure is that USB-A

Sounds like a Dell or Lenovo "business" laptop. The thing is, there are hundreds of alternatives you could have bought, with as many different configurations as you can imagine.

With the MBP, there isn't a single option that has anything but USB-C/TB3.



The difference is that USB-A is so widely used, in so many applications, that it should have been included (at least 1).

Who actually needs 4 TB3/USB-C if each one is so good and powerful? Most likely nobody will use more than 2, hence only 2 on the new iMac Pro even.

But having a built-in USB-A will allow you to connect (without the need for an adapter with you) flash drives, external hard drives, mouse, keyboard, printers, cameras, audio interface, phones (including iPhone), tablets (including iPad)...... and all kinds of specialty stuff: game controllers, headsets, drones, scientific gear (oscilloscopes, meters, etc), chargeable devices (such as bike lights), audio performance gear (such as mixers), and so on... you get the idea.

Meanwhile, there's still only a handful of things even available in USB-C.

I know it's 'the future', but that's why there's always a transition period where you have both the current and the 'future' available until the current becomes 'legacy'. Until then, people need to be able to connect to things and there's really no reason why they couldn't have gone 2-3 USB-C/TB3, and 1 USB-A 3.1.

The thing is, no amount of whining and moaning about it is going to bring back the USB-A ports. You'd think people would've accepted this fact from 8 months ago by now. You'd also think that those in the market for a new computer would have either figured out a way to work around it if it was going to cause them an issue, or gone to another computer company. It's not coming back though. Also, the iMac has more I/O besides the 2 USB-C/TB3. While people may not specifically need more than 2 USB-C/TB3, they may need more than 2 available ports on their computer. Since a desktop is far less limited in space, they likely decided giving a wider range of options made more sense than 8 USB-C ports.

 

[Ethosik]

Is simple if Apple offered the same reliability, it would not be such a problem, they don't. Had Apple offered a docking solution at launch it wouldn't be such a problem, they didn't. Well Apple did drop the price of USB C peripherals, however only as a reactionary measure to the negative reception of the 2016 MBP.

You still don't get it! If you as the user are not in a position to control what your system connects to, the dongle situation is just another headache to deal with. It's not that you need dongles & adaptors, it's that they are now mandatory for literally everything. I agree with the the "professional" comment as I no longer employ Apple's MBP in a professional role...




That's hilarious, "you would be furious" and Apple wouldn't careless, yet "you" continuously defend Apple for doing exactly the same with the MBP that many other users have issue with. After all "you" could just purchase a "adaptor or dongle" for your iPhone Told you it's all about the money, sooner you wake up to that one, sooner you'll understand Apple...

n.b. USB C is an open standard, ipso facto no $$$ for Apple

Q-6

Doesn't matter if it is an open standard, they can make it to where accessories and cables need to be Apple certified and have that certification cost money. They could sue companies or force them to stop producing un-certified cables/accessories. There are MANY ways to handle this with USB-C and still have some kind of "fee".

 

[Altis]

The thing is, no amount of whining and moaning about it is going to bring back the USB-A ports. You'd think people would've accepted this fact from 8 months ago by now. You'd also think that those in the market for a new computer would have either figured out a way to work around it if it was going to cause them an issue, or gone to another computer company. It's not coming back though. Also, the iMac has more I/O besides the 2 USB-C/TB3. While people may not specifically need more than 2 USB-C/TB3, they may need more than 2 available ports on their computer. Since a desktop is far less limited in space, the likely decided giving a wider range of options made more sense than 8 USB-C ports.

Okay... but this is a Mac rumor forum. The whole point is to talk about tech and what we think of it, especially with Apple and their decisions.

I'm not whining for Apple to bring it back. I know they won't, and that's fine because I don't think I'll replace my MBP with another Apple product. I'm simply saying why I think the decision to exclude a single USB-A was poor and IMO not well justified.

 

[Michael Scrip]

The difference is that USB-A is so widely used, in so many applications, that it should have been included (at least 1).

I know it's 'the future', but that's why there's always a transition period where you have both the current and the 'future' available until the current becomes 'legacy'. Until then, people need to be able to connect to things and there's really no reason why they couldn't have gone 2-3 USB-C/TB3, and 1 USB-A 3.1.

Let's say the 2016 Macbook Pro had both USB-A ports and USB-C ports.

That would give you the transition period.

But guess what... when Apple finally got rid of the USB-A ports in 2018... people would STILL be using those widely-used USB-A devices. So they'd be stuck regardless.

Apple had to rip the band-aid off at some point. And they went ahead and did it when they revised the MBP case last time.

And now it's up to you to make things work. I know, I know... it's a pain. But what are you gonna do?

It's not like you have to throw away a $1,000 drum machine because it won't plug into your Mac anymore.

You just buy a different cable. Or a tiny adapter to plug a flash drive in. Or whatever. These are solvable problems and are not life-ending

Some people disagree with Apple... but I think Apple has made up its mind. I'm 99.999% certain there will never be USB-A ports on a Macintosh laptop ever again.

I wonder when these threads will stop?

 

[turbineseaplane]

I wonder when these threads will stop?

You're free to not read and comment on them right now!
;-)

 

[Lennyvalentin]

Right now Apple is very much sending mixed messages, with the removal of what are still highly relevant ports on it's portable Mac's, yet retaining USB A and the SD Card slot on it's iMac line and even new product like the upcoming iMac Pro.

It's not mixed messages. If you take a look at the innards of these macbooks, there simply isn't room for more ports. The majority of the interior space is used up by the battery, so there is no room for additional ports, SD cardslots and so on. iMacs don't have this issue; there's plenty room on the rear side for ports (not that Apple has ever squeezed in as many as could possibly go there...)

 

[Michael Scrip]

You're free to not read and comment on them right now!
;-)

I meant people starting new threads on an already tired topic.

You're right... I don't have to read them.

But I feel bad for the people who keep belaboring this topic.

Something about beating a dead horse...

 

[vipergts2207]

I wonder when these threads will stop?

Probably never. People love to complain, trivial issue or not.

 

[gadgetfreaky]

Let's say the 2016 Macbook Pro had both USB-A ports and USB-C ports.

That would give you the transition period.

But guess what... when Apple finally got rid of the USB-A ports in 2018... people would STILL be using those widely-used USB-A devices. So they'd be stuck regardless.

Apple had to rip the band-aid off at some point. And they went ahead and did it when they revised the MBP case last time.

And now it's up to you to make things work. I know, I know... it's a pain. But what are you gonna do?

It's not like you have to throw away a $1,000 drum machine because it won't plug into your Mac anymore.

You just buy a different cable. Or a tiny adapter to plug a flash drive in. Or whatever. These are solvable problems and are not life-ending

Some people disagree with Apple... but I think Apple has made up its mind. I'm 99.999% certain there will never be USB-A ports on a Macintosh laptop ever again.

I wonder when these threads will stop?

Apple's own devices dont' plug into it natively. not even the NEXT versions of iPhone will work with a new Macbook pro.

If they actually bit the bullet and did a more uniform cohesive transition maybe- the threads will stop

 

[vipergts2207]

Apple's own devices dont' plug into it natively. not even the NEXT versions of iPhone will work with a new Macbook pro.

If they actually bit the bullet and did a more uniform cohesive transition maybe- the threads will stop

Here’s the thing, a majority of Mac users probably have an iPhone. However, most iPhone users do not have a Mac or a computer with USB-C. If most of your iPhone customers don’t have a computer with USB-C why would you supply it, instead of USB-A? You wouldn’t. Now for the minority of people who are left out, people who have USB-C computers, Apple makes a solution, a USB-C to Lightning cable. Yeah I know, it doesn’t come in the box. Apple will gladly take your money though.

Also, do people really plug their phone into their computer anymore? What is this 2009?

 

[Altis]

... Apple had to rip the band-aid off at some point. And they went ahead and did it when they revised the MBP case last time.

And now it's up to you to make things work. I know, I know... it's a pain. But what are you gonna do?

It's not like you have to throw away a $1,000 drum machine because it won't plug into your Mac anymore.

You just buy a different cable. Or a tiny adapter to plug a flash drive in. Or whatever. These are solvable problems and are not life-ending

It's just silly to replace the ports that do what, nearly 100% of all connectivity (excluding video), and replace it exclusively with ports that won't directly connect with any of it.

There will be times when you need to connect and don't have the adapters with you and you'll be stuck. All for what -- for want of 1 stinkin' port??

And that's the point. You have to solve all these new problems and have situations where your computer won't do what you need it to do... all for what?

There's really no excuse for not having 1 USB-A port in 2016-2017. So much for "it just works" being the mantra of Apple.

 

[Queen6]

It's not mixed messages. If you take a look at the innards of these macbooks, there simply isn't room for more ports. The majority of the interior space is used up by the battery, so there is no room for additional ports, SD cardslots and so on. iMacs don't have this issue; there's plenty room on the rear side for ports (not that Apple has ever squeezed in as many as could possibly go there...)

Exactly my point; form over function and the MBP got a whole 1/8" thinner. Focusing on ever thiner devices is simply an exercise in diminishing returns...

Q-6
[doublepost=1497205830][/doublepost]

It's just silly to replace the ports that do what, nearly 100% of all connectivity (excluding video), and replace it exclusively with ports that won't directly connect with any of it.

There will be times when you need to connect and don't have the adapters with you and you'll be stuck. All for what -- for want of 1 stinkin' port??

And that's the point. You have to solve all these new problems and have situations where your computer won't do what you need it to do... all for what?

There's really no excuse for not having 1 USB-A port in 2016-2017. So much for "it just works" being the mantra of Apple.

I would suggest "it just doesn't work" sick, tired of dongles, adaptors and most of all "rolling the dice" Apple is just becoming a provider of trendy, fashionable hardware, where form over function rules above all, albeit beautifully executed. Anyway Apple's current position is allowing us to explore other options more focused on productivity, than wowing the average consumer...

Q-6

 

[SteveJUAE]

Is simple if Apple offered the same reliability, it would not be such a problem, they don't. Had Apple offered a docking solution at launch it wouldn't be such a problem, they didn't. Well Apple did drop the price of USB C peripherals, however only as a reactionary measure to the negative reception of the 2016 MBP.

You still don't get it! If you as the user are not in a position to control what your system connects to, the dongle situation is just another headache to deal with. It's not that you need dongles & adaptors, it's that they are now mandatory for literally everything. I agree with the the "professional" comment as I no longer employ Apple's MBP in a professional role...


That's hilarious, "you would be furious" and Apple wouldn't careless, yet "you" continuously defend Apple for doing exactly the same with the MBP that many other users have issue with. After all "you" could just purchase a "adaptor or dongle" for your iPhone Told you it's all about the money, sooner you wake up to that one, sooner you'll understand Apple...

n.b. USB C is an open standard, ipso facto no $$$ for Apple

Q-6

Exactly, even ignoring Iphones whats in the box with your MBP is not even a 100% USB-C standard cable, it meets USB-C (USB 3.1) for charging but it's not (USB-C 3.1) for data it's only USB 2.0 so all your super new ports are dumbed down if you use this cable and things like target disk mode will not work, more Apple cheapness IMO

Now if you realsise this and buy the approved Beilkin TB3 data cable it's not suitable for charging your MBP 15" as it's only 60w rated

This is the current problem with USB-C ports. Yes the plug is standardised but what goes through it and the cables you can buy is not. Theres more permutations of cable types than there is USB-A plug types.

The standard is good but is simply abused by OEM's and 3rd party suppliers. USB-A for the novice was far simplier it fitted or not end of story

Certified and compliant TB3 100w 2m cables are like hens teeth and are not a couple of bucks for a one cable solution

There is more risk of damaging your laptop with USB-C than with Virus IMO and this is before we even talk about dongles and adaptors which is another minefield of inconsistance and incompatabiliteis

 

[turbineseaplane]

Remember when Apple put some adapters you might need in the box with your new machine?

Sure would be nice if they tossed in a few handy USB-C adapters and cables with their super premium priced laptops to help ease the pain and inconvenience..

 

[vipergts2207]

Exactly, even ignoring Iphones whats in the box with your MBP is not even a 100% USB-C standard cable, it meets USB-C (USB 3.1) for charging but it's not (USB-C 3.1) for data it's only USB 2.0 so all your super new ports are dumbed down if you use this cable and things like target disk mode will not work, more Apple cheapness IMO

Now if you realsise this and buy the approved Beilkin TB3 data cable it's not suitable for charging your MBP 15" as it's only 60w rated

This is the current problem with USB-C ports. Yes the plug is standardised but what goes through it and the cables you can buy is not. Theres more permutations of cable types than there is USB-A plug types.

The standard is good but is simply abused by OEM's and 3rd party suppliers. USB-A for the novice was far simplier it fitted or not end of story

Certified and compliant TB3 100w 2m cables are like hens teeth and are not a couple of bucks for a one cable solution

There is more risk of damaging your laptop with USB-C than with Virus IMO and this is before we even talk about dongles and adaptors which is another minefield of inconsistance and incompatabiliteis

Thunderbolt cables have always been expensive, that's nothing new. As for 2m 100w USB3 USB-C cables. I have a feeling they likely go against USB specifications as I have yet to find one.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Thunderbolt cables have always been expensive, that's nothing new. As for 2m 100w USB3 USB-C cables. I have a feeling they likely go against USB specifications as I have yet to find one.

You may well be right and it's exactly my point to those who say currently there is cheap alternatives or one cable solutions

Don't get me wrong I have 5 USB-C devices and several dongles thumb drives etc but there is hardly any cross consistent compatibility or interchange of cables etc between them

In theory it would be nice that the Mrs and I can travel with minimal charges and cables between our phones, laptops etc with USB-C, the reality is not here yet and this is before I have stepped in to the office/hotels/friends where it just gets messy

 

[Queen6]

Remember when Apple put some adapters you might need in the box with your new machine?

Sure would be nice if they tossed in a few handy USB-C adapters and cables with their super premium priced laptops to help ease the pain and inconvenience..

Apple used to be one of the best cooks; sitting back and watching everyone else experimenting, then and only then releasing a killer product based on a well thought out recipe. These days they can barely boil eggs and want to charge you for the water

Q-6

 

[CaptRB]

These threads are soooo funny!

I added 5 dollar USB adapters to any cables requiring it. It cost very little and I don't even notice it nor would anyone else.

I typically use 3 of my 4 ports on my 15" touchbar, but the 13" has become a very sweet traveling companion (don't tell my wife).

Everything works. USB-C makes life easy and simple. One port rules them all.


R.

 

[Chancha]

I have no clue why people defend Apple on this so much.
It is not some grand master plan to move tech forward.
This simply serves their own goals and likely lowers their own costs.

I can never understand why it happens so much, even for a Mac fan centric place like here there should still be some standard of reason. The whole issue is always about lack of choice, and some of those defenders act like if you don't fall into that narrowly defined use-case of current gen Apple products, then you are at your own fault for not following tightly enough onto the techno trend. In my eyes, Apple makes products that serve people needs, not the other way round. Like someone said here USB-A is being deployed by billions around the world, if someone thinks it will be gone in less than 5 years then he will be very wrong. The other day I was on a flight and along the lounge, the gate, the inflight seat, they all had direct USB-A access for device charging or even media center access. And then there is always some form of 3.5mm jack present. I don't see these being changed any time soon.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Everything works. USB-C makes life easy and simple. One port rules them all.
R.

I can only presume YMMV by having limited USB-C devices

This has nothing to do with adaptors, plugs converters dongles etc to legacy devices or USB-A ports etc

USB-C has not simplified the potential numerous different cables you still require to connect 2 different devices in a USB-C to USB-C configuration

If anything it has made it more complicated as you need to understand the cable specifications and your ports fully before you attempt to interchange else it may simply not work, give poor results or downgraded performance and at it's extreme damage your device

Other than not being able to plug the cable the wrong way around because eg TB3 has piggy backed itself to USB-C standard whilst making it easier for PC/laptop OEM's it's added no real value to the user in cable terms now or potentially in the future .

Until there is a one do it all cable is supplied by all OEM's the average user will be left with an array of specs and cables to decipher and carry around (ie no change or improvement)

IMO USB-C is one step forward and 2 steps backwards currently for cable selection for USB-C to USB-C

 

[PBG4 Dude]

See my view point on this whole thing is, its my choice to buy the equipment. I buy the equipment knowing what will be compatible. If I don't like it I have the choice to just not buy it. For me it is what it is I either adapt or I don't.

It is not the end of the world and I refuse to let myself get worked up over a cable.

I really am trying to live by the whole "don't sweat the small stuff" mantra.

I hear you man. Going to hit Staples and get a $10 USB Type-C to USB3 HDD cable for the important stuff and the rest can connect to the USB-A dongle thing I picked up.