What are your Macbook favorite accessories ?

[deeddawg]

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

Just my opinion, but I think if this is an item you will use all the time rather than occasionally or only when at your desk, you will quickly find it annoying.

If I were in your situation, I'd either choose a different laptop that includes the SD reader (13 Macbook Air or Pro), or I'd choose a retina Macbook with enough storage that I don't need the flash card.

To put it bluntly, buying a computer that doesn't meet your current (and reasonably foreseeable) needs is foolish.

 

[Vanessa D]

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.

I have a Windows computer and i want to buy a Mac.

I use the minidrive for storage.

I understand i should not choose my Mac just because of the color.
[doublepost=1461962379][/doublepost]

Just my opinion, but I think if this is an item you will use all the time rather than occasionally or only when at your desk, you will quickly find it annoying.

If I were in your situation, I'd either choose a different laptop that includes the SD reader (13 Macbook Air or Pro), or I'd choose a retina Macbook with enough storage that I don't need the flash card.

To put it bluntly, buying a computer that doesn't meet your current (and reasonably foreseeable) needs is foolish.

I understand your opinion, don't worry.

I don't want lose my minidrive, the model i have fits in all Macbooks, when it has a SD slot hahaha

I really liked the pink model, but is not essential to have one.

 

[Picapau21]

anybody tried this out:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DELL-DA200-External-Video-Adapter/dp/B016ZW2BVW

 

[deeddawg]

I understand your opinion, don't worry.

I don't want lose my minidrive, the model i have fits in all Macbooks, when it has a SD slot hahaha

Cool, and I appreciate that you can consider opinions even if you don't necessarily agree with them. You know what's best for you, and likely have a bunch of details you haven't shared, so any suggestions here will need to be weighed in contest of the full information you possess.

 

[Trvlngnrs]

My favorite: Anker PowerCore+ 20100 external battery

I use it to run and charge the laptop on planes and when away from electricity.

 

[c0mm0n]

How long will it take to fully charge the MB ?

Can you really charge and use at the same time ?

 

[Trvlngnrs]

How long will it take to fully charge the MB ?

Can you really charge and use at the same time ?

I don't know how long it takes to fully charge, I just plug it in while I'm flying and it gets full so I unplug it. I keep the computers battery above 50-60% as I like to be "topped off" when I'm traveling for many hours, that way on layovers I don't have to search for an outlet. I'll plug the compute, my phone and my iPad into the Anker battery.

I also have a cigarette lighter plug that has USB C on it to charge the computer if I'm in my truck.

 

[boltjames]

Before BJ says it Windows 10

Damn, got me on Windows 10, it's the best RMB accessory, ever. That said, I happen to be traveling and wide awake in Hong Kong at 5AM so thought I'd snap a quick photo of the Top Travel Essential Accessories For The MacBook:

ASUS WL-330NUL Ethernet Adapter & Micro Wi-Fi Router - My favorite accessory of the bunch, at first glance just looks like an Ethernet-to-USB Adapter (which is needed on occasion) but it's very cool second feature is as a fully functional Wi-Fi Router. You plug it in and it allows you to create your own private wi-fi network so that once signed onto the hotel internet-entry page on the notebook you are one-click away from getting all your iOS devices up and running. I get to the hotel, I turn on my iPhone and iPad's wi-fi, I'm connected instantly, no need to sign in to anything. Oh, and it weighs ounces and is the size of a pack of gum.

Incase Icon Sleeve For 12" MacBook - Best RMB protection bar none. Fits like a glove, designed specifically for our notebooks, has a magnetic closure so no zippers, and has a padded bumper running around the edge. Has saved my from scratches and dents in countless hotel room safes and TSA security xrays, it's a must-have.

Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 - Came out a few months ago, compact and light, and the black matte finish matches the keyboard nicely. Hard to get excited about a mouse but this one is rock-solid, connects in less than a second when the RMB wakes from Sleep or power's-up, its handshake stability is its best feature.

Tera Grand Retractable Ethernet Cable - Nice and compact, for those times when the hotel's wi-fi is brutal and there's no cable for that beckoning hi-speed port just inches away.

Tera Grand Retractable HDMI Cable - Allows connection to a hotel room HDTV of course, I use it for iTunes TV shows and my favorite sports and DVR shows via my HD Slingbox back home. I never watch local TV in a hotel room; it's as if I'm home with my own media collection and 300 channels of FiOS HD.

Apple USB-C Multiport Adapter w/HDMI - Don't fight it, stop looking for third-party alternatives, this one is light and rock-solid.

BJ

 

[jeremiah256]

Damn, got me on Windows 10, it's the best RMB accessory, ever. That said, I happen to be traveling and wide awake in Hong Kong at 5AM so thought I'd snap a quick photo of the Top Travel Essential Accessories For The MacBook:

ASUS WL-330NUL Ethernet Adapter & Micro Wi-Fi Router - My favorite accessory of the bunch, at first glance just looks like an Ethernet-to-USB Adapter (which is needed on occasion) but it's very cool second feature is as a fully functional Wi-Fi Router. You plug it in and it allows you to create your own private wi-fi network so that once signed onto the hotel internet-entry page on the notebook you are one-click away from getting all your iOS devices up and running. I get to the hotel, I turn on my iPhone and iPad's wi-fi, I'm connected instantly, no need to sign in to anything. Oh, and it weighs ounces and is the size of a pack of gum.

Incase Icon Sleeve For 12" MacBook - Best RMB protection bar none. Fits like a glove, designed specifically for our notebooks, has a magnetic closure so no zippers, and has a padded bumper running around the edge. Has saved my from scratches and dents in countless hotel room safes and TSA security xrays, it's a must-have.

Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 - Came out a few months ago, compact and light, and the black matte finish matches the keyboard nicely. Hard to get excited about a mouse but this one is rock-solid, connects in less than a second when the RMB wakes from Sleep or power's-up, its handshake stability is its best feature.

Tera Grand Retractable Ethernet Cable - Nice and compact, for those times when the hotel's wi-fi is brutal and there's no cable for that beckoning hi-speed port just inches away.

Tera Grand Retractable HDMI Cable - Allows connection to a hotel room HDTV of course, I use it for iTunes TV shows and my favorite sports and DVR shows via my HD Slingbox back home. I never watch local TV in a hotel room; it's as if I'm home with my own media collection and 300 channels of FiOS HD.

Apple USB-C Multiport Adapter w/HDMI - Don't fight it, stop looking for third-party alternatives, this one is light and rock-solid.

BJ

TIL I'm an travel amateur. Great post.

 

[walala]

Incase Icon Sleeve For 12" MacBook - Best RMB protection bar none. Fits like a glove, designed specifically for our notebooks, has a magnetic closure so no zippers, and has a padded bumper running around the edge. Has saved my from scratches and dents in countless hotel room safes and TSA security xrays, it's a must-have.

Do you know how much the case weighs? In grams or ounces?

I've never used a laptop sleeve but just got the 2016 m7 MB and I'm considering it. However if it's heavy I won't do it.

 

[boltjames]

Do you know how much the case weighs? In grams or ounces?

I've never used a laptop sleeve but just got the 2016 m7 MB and I'm considering it. However if it's heavy I won't do it.

Can't say the actual weight (check the Incase website for the Icon 12" For MacBook), but it is incredibly light and incredibly thin. It's the sleeve equivalent of the RMB. Put it this way- it's the only sleeve Apple sells for the RMB in their stores. Go check it out, you won't be disappointed. I'm a bit of a sleeve-junkie, this one is the best balance of form factor and protection you'll find. Apple Stores have a one week return policy, you can give it a trial run today and bring it back if you don't like it.

I use the sleeve for when I travel on aircraft as it's very good for TSA x-ray bins and hotel room safes. I have a backpack with a padded compartment the rest of the time, no need for a sleeve then.

BJ

 

[walala]

Can't say the actual weight (check the Incase website for the Icon 12" For MacBook), but it is incredibly light and incredibly thin. It's the sleeve equivalent of the RMB. Put it this way- it's the only sleeve Apple sells for the RMB in their stores. Go check it out, you won't be disappointed. I'm a bit of a sleeve-junkie, this one is the best balance of form factor and protection you'll find. Apple Stores have a one week return policy, you can give it a trial run today and bring it back if you don't like it.

I use the sleeve for when I travel on aircraft as it's very good for TSA x-ray bins and hotel room safes. I have a backpack with a padded compartment the rest of the time, no need for a sleeve then.

BJ

Ah ok thanks. I couldn't seem to find the weight on their website (at least the mobile website) but given how incredibly light the MB is and the fact that I'll be traveling extensively this year with a very minimal setup (carry on only), every little bit counts.

When I'm back in my computer I'll check their main desktop page.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[boltjames]

Ah ok thanks. I couldn't seem to find the weight on their website (at least the mobile website) but given how incredibly light the MB is and the fact that I'll be traveling extensively this year with a very minimal setup (carry on only), every little bit counts.

When I'm back in my computer I'll check their main desktop page.

Thanks for the reply.

No problem.

There are cheaper neoprene sleeves that are thinner. Some protect three sides with an open top, most have clumsy zippers, some have no reinforced edges.

The Incase Icon is the one you want for four-sided full edge protection and easy in/out access due to the zipperless magnetic design. The subtleties make the difference in sleeves.

BJ

 

[Picapau21]

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.

So I ended up buying the charger.

When connected with a micro usb to usb-C adapter it charges the macbook when in sleep mode and will provide power when laptop is running but will not to both at the same time which makes sense as it is rated lower than the apple charger.

Basically in an emergency or when travelling it would be possible to let it charge overnight using this thing. Will need to time it properly and see how fast the charging is as I suspect it will be relatively slow. Also converter dongles do not help with charging and so it may actually charge faster with a proper USB-A - USB-C cable (which i don't have)

 

[youngturk]

anybody tried this out:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DELL-DA200-External-Video-Adapter/dp/B016ZW2BVW

I have this, yet I have no macbook yet. Today it cleared the customs in Cologne and should be shipping the France soon. i tested it on windows pc, workes fine and people say it also works fine on mac as well.

 

[c0mm0n]

No passthrough charging right ?

 

[youngturk]

No passthrough charging right ?

Nope

 

[empaulio]

BJ- I think thats the best set of accessories for the rMB , currently looking them all up!

 

[boltjames]

BJ- I think thats the best set of accessories for the rMB , currently looking them all up!

Thanks empaulio, glad I could help.

BJ

 

[soulreaver99]

(also featured on Lifehacker! http://lifehacker.com/the-tech-daily-essentials-bag-1726146998)

Some changes from last year's photo, but more or less the same

MacBook Retina 2016 1.3Ghz/8GB/512GB/Space Gray

Waterfield Designs Staad Backpack - best backpack ever - survived trips coast to coast and around the world
Microsoft Arc Mouse - love the flat compact design. Also a great mouse overall

HooToo Shuttle - Awesome USB C dongle/dock, much more worth it than Apple's. This has 3 USB 3.0 Ports, quick charging, full sized HDMI and SD Card Reader

USB-C to USB-A Adaptor - to charge from ANY standard USB port

Samsung T1 1TB SSD Drive - Super small compact high speed SSD drive for video and photo editing on the go. Totally life changing

Verizon MiFi Portable Hotspot - really good internet everywhere when free wifi sucks.

HooToo Wireless Travel Router - multifunction battery pack to charge devices, highjack hotel internet/Wifi to use Chromecast

Chrome Cast - Netflix and Hulu on the go

 

[0983275]

That Cocoon's Grid-It is amazing, also have one of their bags that has the grid-it built in, it's very useful.

Right now I don't have any favorite accessories, but if I had to pick one out of what I have, it's Apple Multiport AV adapter, sure it's expensive and there are adapters/hubs with more ports, but I needed something that's 100% reliable, most hubs I can find has issues powering external drives that can be resolved by restarting the MacBook when the hub's connected, which is annoying. I can still return the adapter and get something better anyways, I'm waiting on CalDigit's USB-C Mini Dock, hoping it's as good as their docks.

 

[Queen6]

Here`s my current favourites, with 2015 1.2 Retina MacBook


Buffalo USB backup drive - !@#$ happens enough said, soon to be replaced by SSD

Apple USB C to USB A - Just plain useful when some one passes you that USB A flash drive

Apple Digital Multiport Adaptor HDMI - Solid no complants at all, still the best option out there.

Sandisk USB C/USB A Flash drive - obvious ultra handy

Swiftpoint GT forget regular mice - Superb ergonomics and bring the "Touch" function of W10 to non touch systems

Huawei ES5372 MiFi 4G router & WiFi repeater - Invaluable adds a layer of protection and full speed internet connection on the go

RIVA S - Never travel without a decent aptX BT speaker, RIVA S being one of the best in class (Also B&O A1)

Westone W40`s - Simply awesome

I have other notables that always travel with me; 32Gb Samsung 8.0 Tab S2 with 128 Micro SD card, BT keyboard, Apple ethernet - USB adaptor, spare Apple USB C charger & cable, Sandisk Connect Wireless Drive with 192Gb onboard (64+128), USB 3.0 hub

On the road now, Vietnam for another 16 days, then off to Southern China

Q-6

 

[c0mm0n]

Gonna try this as a travel charger
http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Premium...8335&sr=8-1&keywords=Anker+PowerPort++5+USB-C

 

[chappys4life]

My favorites:

Inateck Gray sleeve (I use a chrome messenger bag with it)
Anker PowerCore+ 20100 (love this battery pack)
Apple Digital Multiport Adaptor HDMI (keep at work, sometime in my bag)
Aukey USB C Powered Hub (stays at my house, great adapter)
Aukey USB C cables (I stash these everywhere home, gf's, work, 2 in bag)

 

[ccrgt]

My can't-do-without accessory for my rMB is a 'Satechi Type-C Pass through USB hub with USB-C charging port'. It is brilliant. I recently added Windows 10 to my rMB, using Parallels Desktop and while loading/installing everything, I had the hub attached with the rMB charging and with 2 USB sticks. I could not have done without the Satechi hub for that task. It does get very hot, especially when it is being used for a long time but it is such a handy device to have.