Useful Mac Accessories for New 16-Inch MacBook Pro Owners

[MacRumors]

Apple in November released the 16-inch MacBook Pro, a replacement for the 15-inch MacBook Pro. The new MacBook Pro features a larger display, a new scissor keyboard that's more reliable, 9th-Gen Intel processors, and higher storage space and RAM.

For those of you who recently purchased a new MacBook Pro, we did a roundup of Mac-related accessories that you might find useful over on our YouTube channel.

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• Power Adapter Extension Cable ($19) - Apple's MacBook Pro models ship with a Power Adapter and a USB-C cable for charging purposes, but Apple no longer includes a Power Adapter Extension Cable in the box, so if you need a longer charging cable, you're going to need to purchase one yourself. Apple sells the cables on its website for $19, and while there are third-party options, it's probably safest to stick with Apple's version.
• Incase Icon Lite Backpack ($50) - If you already have a laptop backpack designed for a 15-inch MacBook Pro, you should also be able to use it with the 16-inch model. If you're looking for something new, we like the Icon Lite Backpack, which has a minimal look but with plenty of storage space. There's a dedicated MacBook Pro sleeve, zippered compartments of various sizes, and some extra pockets to hold all of your gear. It's wrapped in Incase's Woolenex material, which is good at resisting water.
• Native Union Stow Sleeve ($80) - For those looking at a more minimal protection solution that works with existing bags and backpacks, sleeves are a good option. The Native Union Stow Sleeve features a simple, no frills design with a leather and fabric exterior and a protective interior for the MacBook Pro. There's also an external pocket for papers you need to get to quickly. It's $80, but we suspect that the high-quality craftsmanship will hold up over time. There are, of course, plenty of other cheaper options that are just as attractive, so make sure to do some research before purchasing.
• LaCie 2big Dock Thunderbolt 3 ($649) - If you want to create a nice desktop setup for docking your MacBook Pro and you're someone who needs a ton of storage, the LaCie 2big Dock Thunderbolt 3 is a good option, with storage capacity that starts at 8TB and goes all the way up to 28TB. There are two swappable drive bays at the front of the device, along with a USB-A port, an SD card reader, and two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Logitech MX Keys ($99) - Those who use an external display with their MacBook Pro might also be in need of a new keyboard. The Logitech MX Keys Keyboard features keys that are soft and easy to type on, plus it's backlit and has useful function keys.
• Logitech MX Master 3 ($99) - Likewise, if you need a mouse for a desktop setup, the Logitech MX Master 3 pairs well with the Logitech MX Keys. The mouse is similar to the MX Master 2 but with a better scroll wheel, custom function buttons, and a new thumb scroll wheel. Both of these accessories support Logitech Flow for easily transitioning from one machine to another, and there are apps for customization options.

Do you have other favorite MacBook Pro products? Let us know in the comments, and we may include them in a follow up accessories video.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Article Link: Useful Mac Accessories for New 16-Inch MacBook Pro Owners

 

[ElectricPotato]

A stylish bandolier to hold the dongles.

 

[CarlJ]

I... I don't think I want an external keyboard that's substantially larger than the 16" MBP itself.

 

[4487549]

I... I don't think I want an external keyboard that's substantially larger than the 16" MBP itself.

Would have made more sense for the prior generation of MacBook Pro's.

 

[Builddesign]

Would like to have see something related to no SD card reader or docks like satechi or startech. Not sure how these relate to a 16” other than tight fitting backpack...

 

[jaster2]

Dropped by an Apple Store last weekend and checked out the new 16” MBP. This is the first model update that’s actually heavier than what it replaced. I get that it’s 1 inch bigger but I really didn’t notice more screen space. I would have voted for the keyboard changes and max RAM increase in the 15” form. BTW I’ve yet to find a portable dock solution that is 100% solid with my MBP 15”. QuickTime seizes often when I’m playing videos and streaming from HDMI.

 

[gattacan]

Killer laptop case made out of carbon fiber. Best protection for the new 16" MacBook Pro I've ever seen. valeocases.com

 

[ronaldsauve]

I have the 16” MacBook Pro fully optioned except I only ordered the 2TB SSD. Traded in a late 2016 MacBook Pro also fully optioned except only a 1TB SSD. I use it with 3 Dell monitors, 2 - 24”, Ultrasharp 2415, and 2418 touch monitor, and 1 - 34”. I use it mostly to do Material Detailing for building projects, and constantly have prints open in Bluebeam Revu on the 34”, Safari and Email on first 24”, and Excel on the other 24”, and my Notes app on the computer itself. I have other apps open at times also, usually on the MacBook Pro screen or on the first 24” monitor. With my late 2016 MacBook Pro, I was always having to force quit apps or it would get so bogged down that it would be slow to respond at times, running low on only 16 GB ram. I had originally used VMWare to run some Windows programs including a CAD program, but eventually removed VMWare and set it up with Bootcamp to run those programs. With the 16” MacBook Pro, and 64 GB ram, that’s no longer an issue, it runs fast all the time! So I’ve installed Parallels Pro with the same Windows 10 Pro, and the same programs, and no slowdowns!
For accessories I have the following:
A CalDigit TS3, with this I have several extra USB-C connections, one that can provide power to the MacBook Pro, one to host a Samsung T5 1 TB external SSD that I use in tandem with a Synology NAS to do backups via Time Machine, and the rest for other uses, but in addition I now have several USB-A 3.0 connections, and several other connections for SD, mic in, head phones or speakers out, music in and out, DP, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. This is a very useful accessory.
I already have the Logitech MX2, and like it, and I am interested in the newer MX3, but I’ll probably stay with the MX2, at least for now.
I also have a Logitech K811 minimalist illuminated, rechargeable keyboard that I use via Bluetooth.
I have an inexpensive headphone set I use for Skype and phone calls from my iPhone via the Macbook Pro.
i pretty well satisfied with my setup at this point, and I use it working from home.