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What are your Macbook favorite accessories ?

c0mm0n

c0mm0n

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 28, 2008
80
24
Hi,

I'm new to the MB 12 and start looking after accessories.
Some people have it for a long time and i'm not the only newcomer with the refresh.

So what are your favorite accessories ? Usb-c adapters, case, sleeve, whatever may be specific to the laptop or really make senses with it.

As a cheaper and better alternative to the Apple Multipart AV, I've ordered the Aukey hub which should arrive tomorrow. Will report using it on a 30" 1600p monitor (U3014)
http://www.amazon.com/Powered-4-Port-Charging-MacBook-Chromebook/dp/B01B7M5SMY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1461327881&sr=8-8&keywords=aukey+usb+-)c

c0mm0n
 
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I like the Apple hub because it works reliably. I haven't yet seen any 3rd party hubs that deliver as promised. Note that the one you posted can't really use all those USB ports it provides, because they get virtually no power. From the description: Note: The USB 3.0 ports on the hub can't be used to charge your phones, tablets or other devices even with the charger plugged into the USB-C charging port(Only very small current can be provided to the USB 3.0 ports). The USB-C input charging port can't be used for data transmission.
 
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c0mm0n said:
As a cheaper and better alternative to the Apple Multipart AV, I've ordered the Aukey hub which should arrive tomorrow. Will report using it on a 30" 1600p monitor (U3014)
http://www.amazon.com/Powered-4-Port-Charging-MacBook-Chromebook/dp/B01B7M5SMY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1461327881&sr=8-8&keywords=aukey+usb+-)c
Click to expand...

Let us know your experience with the following tidbit from the product listing on Amazon:
Note: The USB 3.0 ports on the hub can't be used to charge your phones, tablets or other devices even with the charger plugged into the USB-C charging port(Only very small current can be provided to the USB 3.0 ports)​

I find that a bit in contradiction to the picture showing an iphone and an ipad plugged into the hub. IMHO most folks would think it'd be charging them if they just see the picture and don't read the details.

EDIT: I see zhenya beat me to it. LOL

I've been reticent to buy accessories until I really decide what I need, but I did buy this little guy so I can load images from my camera while in the field: nonda USBC to USB3 dongle
It seems to work well and reliably with my USB3 SD card reader. Haven't tried it with a hard drive; my TimeMachine backups go over wifi to a Synology NAS.
 
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I've read about the shortcomings, but thought I may give it a try. Price difference is important, and i don't care much about the USB.

In fact I already have the version without charging (mistake on order, have to send it back), and just gave it a try :
- 1600p on U3014 with HDMI = OK, had to lower the sharpness (hooked in DP to MBRP 15 otherwise).

- USB
Plugged iPhone through USB : works normally (seen by OS X) and even charges.
Added a Bose bluetooth headset : charges
Added an iPad Air 2 : charges :D

Note : the MB is not charging, the current adapter has no passthrough. So everything comes from the MB.

Have no idea about the electric output, but all devices are now charging through the hub connected to the macbook.

Let's add an USB drive, and do a few transfers :
Works.
Copied a 100mb dmg took 2/3 secs (random usb key)

So now we have an iPhone charging, iPad, bose headset and an usb key all,working at the same time with the HDMI output delivering 1600p :D

iPhone went from 56% to 60% while writing this and doing the tests, not sure about how long for an iPad, but will do the job for the phone (it seems).

This is just very quick a hands on feedback, don't take my conclusions too seriously, but no major flaw at first.

PS : sound is working through HDMI too. (as you'd expect)
[doublepost=1461331414][/doublepost]Charging is slow but works, iPhone now 65%.

Bottom line could be : go for it if you don't expect fast usb charge, but that will still help any iPhone get the 20-30% it may need to end the day.

Playing a game on the phone would probably decrease the battery faster than it charges.
[doublepost=1461332052][/doublepost]Dunno if it can give an idea of the output, but :

Unplugged the iPad (so still iPhone, bose usb and HDMI).

Battery Monitor is saying the Power Usage is 13.5W
Unplugged iPhone, dropped to 11W.
Removed Bose => 9.5W
Remove USB Key => Still 9.5W
Unplugged the hub (with only HDMI still attached) => goes to 9.4W

I think Power Usage was 15.8 with iPad plugged.

So if it gives 2.5W to iPhone, that's not a bad charger ?
 
Last edited:
c0mm0n said:
So if it gives 2.5W to iPhone, that's not a bad charger ?
Click to expand...

No, not bad, but it's about half of the typical 5W phone charger. That's 500mA at 5VDC; contrast to the 1A and 2.4A charge currents you can achieve for phones and ipads.
 
Three things beside the usual adapters:
The Anker Powercore + - charges the macbook via USB-C and so doubles your battery life away from a power socket. It'll charge fast enough that you can charge and use the macbook at the same time.
USB-C to lightning cable - lets you use the power core to fast charge an iPad or phone, and means you can connect either straight to the macbook
Incase tensaerlite sleeve - slimmest sleeve I've found, looks good, magnetic closure, super-protective. Not cheap though!
 
Different question for y'all:

Anyone bothered by the glossy screen? I have a matte protecter on my MBA and like it, but I'm worried it'll distort the retina on my new rMB. Any thoughts?
 
No, Apple's current anti-reflective coatings are really good. It's not as good as a matte screen in direct sunlight, but anywhere else the screen looks a lot better, and even in direct sunlight it may look better than older matte displays with much lower absolute brightness.
 
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Vanessa D said:
I use a minidrive as storage upgrade.

http://www.theminidrive.com/product...versal-nano-128gb-only-15mm?variant=964409596

Now i want the new pink MAcBook and it doesn't have SD slot.
Neither the space that i need.

If i use a hub, can i get the same speed that i would have with an SD port?
Click to expand...

I still don't get why you want to spend $150 to add 128GB that you can only use via adapter and forces a bifurcation of your file organization when $300 gets you an added 256GB built in plus a CPU upgrade to boot.

Using the Nondo adapter and Transcend SD card reader I've previously referenced, I was achieving the fully rated 80-90MB/s read and write speeds to a Sandisk SD card when I tested recently.
[doublepost=1461843673][/doublepost]
Picapau21 said:
Has anybody tried charging the Macbook using a standard or Quick Charge USB charger and a USB-C cable or adapter:
Click to expand...
For just a little more cost this seems the better choice: http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Premium-Charger-PowerPort-Delivery/dp/B01D8C6ULO
 
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deeddawg said:
I still don't get why you want to spend $150 to add 128GB that you can only use via adapter and forces a bifurcation of your file organization when $300 gets you an added 256GB built in plus a CPU upgrade to boot.

Using the Nondo adapter and Transcend SD card reader I've previously referenced, I was achieving the fully rated 80-90MB/s read and write speeds to a Sandisk SD card when I tested recently.
[doublepost=1461843673][/doublepost]For just a little more cost this seems the better choice: http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Premium-Charger-PowerPort-Delivery/dp/B01D8C6ULO
Click to expand...

The one I picked has quick charge - wondering if it makes a difference though.
 
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c0mm0n said:
Hi,

I'm new to the MB 12 and start looking after accessories.
Some people have it for a long time and i'm not the only newcomer with the refresh.

So what are your favorite accessories ? Usb-c adapters, case, sleeve, whatever may be specific to the laptop or really make senses with it.

As a cheaper and better alternative to the Apple Multipart AV, I've ordered the Aukey hub which should arrive tomorrow. Will report using it on a 30" 1600p monitor (U3014)
http://www.amazon.com/Powered-4-Port-Charging-MacBook-Chromebook/dp/B01B7M5SMY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1461327881&sr=8-8&keywords=aukey+usb+-)c

c0mm0n
Click to expand...

Before BJ says it Windows 10 :D
 
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Picapau21 said:
The one I picked has quick charge - wondering if it makes a difference though.
Click to expand...
It claims to send a full 29W to the MacBook so I'm not sure you'll get much faster than that. (assuming that's a correct statement)

I think Qualcomm's QuickCharge is only available on some Android phones (and maybe tablets?) so for me it's of no concern. Worth validating before buying.

Once caveat though: You're not going to get 77 watts of charging out of a 60 watt device, so I doubt you'll get 2.4A on all four USBA ports plus 29W on the USBC at the same time. Not an issue for me and my gadgets, but it may be for others.
 
deeddawg said:
It claims to send a full 29W to the MacBook so I'm not sure you'll get much faster than that. (assuming that's a correct statement)

I think Qualcomm's QuickCharge is only available on some Android phones (and maybe tablets?) so for me it's of no concern. Worth validating before buying.

Once caveat though: You're not going to get 77 watts of charging out of a 60 watt device, so I doubt you'll get 2.4A on all four USBA ports plus 29W on the USBC at the same time. Not an issue for me and my gadgets, but it may be for others.
Click to expand...

Qualcomm outputs = 5V/2A, 9V/2A and 12V/1.5A
Apple USB-C Charger output = 2A @ 14.5V

This thread suggests that a samsung charger works so qualcomm one might do the job
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/retina-macbook-and-15w-quick-charge.1920579/

Will give it a go when I get it and try and do some tests. I suspect it will throttle the output depending on how many other things are connected but could still be very handy for charging everything from one plug socket at night.
 
My favorite accessories:
  • The Apple A/V Media adapter. I have two. One for the bag if needed while running around, one for work that is used as a permanent port replicator, connected to power, a USB hub with built-in ethernet, with the HDMI going to an external monitor. Apple wireless keyboard (the older one that takes AAs) and the new magic trackpad provide input controls. I go in to work, plug in the adapter, and I'm good to go with a full blown dual monitor workstation with external keyboard, mouse, and three free USB ports.
  • A nice form-fitting sleeve to provide protection on the go. There are many that fit well.
  • A USB-A - USB-C cable for charging on the go. It won't charge it fast, and it won't charge it while it's on (will only slow drainage). However, when it's in sleep mode or off, a standard USB power source with this cable will charge it slowly. Works great in a portable pinch when all your adapters/accessories/computer bag are NOT with you.
 
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WickedPorter said:
My favorite accessories:
  • The Apple A/V Media adapter. I have two. One for the bag if needed while running around, one for work that is used as a permanent port replicator, connected to power, a USB hub with built-in ethernet, with the HDMI going to an external monitor. Apple wireless keyboard (the older one that takes AAs) and the new magic trackpad provide input controls. I go in to work, plug in the adapter, and I'm good to go with a full blown dual monitor workstation with external keyboard, mouse, and three free USB ports.
Click to expand...
Love this. USB-C is so capable. And goes to show how you really can get by quite comfortably with just one port - in fact a second USB-C port would be quite redundant in that setup!
 
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Brookzy said:
Love this. USB-C is so capable. And goes to show how you really can get by quite comfortably with just one port - in fact a second USB-C port would be quite redundant in that setup!
Click to expand...

I agree... a lot of fuss has been made over nothing. If one needs multiple ports then don't get the macbook! Its like saying that a 2 door convertible is rubbish because I need a mini-van with more seats! Apples to Oranges!

Personally I barely ever use a USB port anymore...Maybe less than once a month and am already used to carrying my display port VGA adapter around everywhere.
 
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deeddawg said:
I still don't get why you want to spend $150 to add 128GB that you can only use via adapter and forces a bifurcation of your file organization when $300 gets you an added 256GB built in plus a CPU upgrade to boot.
Click to expand...

I already have the mini drive.
It works very well to me so i don't need a CPU upgrade for now.

thanks for the suggestion

:D
 
Vanessa D said:
I already have the mini drive.
It works very well to me so i don't need a CPU upgrade for now.

thanks for the suggestion

:D
Click to expand...

What do you use the mini-drive for? As additional storage? Which mac do you have? It does seem a bit expensive for what it is.
 
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