What dongles or adapters are really necessary?

[Saturn007]

So, we may be getting a new 2017 MacBook Pro.

Do we really need anything other than one $19 UBS-C to USB-A adapter? (And, probably cheaper if not Apple's.)

We have and use:

1) USB multi-card reader (SD, CF, etc.).

2) Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter. (Would this even work?!)

3) iPhones, iPads, & iPod Touches with sync cables that end in USB.

4) Cameras with cables (various connectors) that end in USB.
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Isn't the easiest thing to do here is get and use a USB-C to A adapter?

Or, would a USB-C hub with card reader and a lightning to USB-C cable produce that much faster transfers?

Is #2 even usable with USB-C?! Would we need to get a USB-C to Ethernet special cable?

 

[PBz]

I have the Belkin USBC and not only does it get hot but I swear it's not getting full speed. Seems slower than my wifi, which averages about 400-600 up and down.

 

[PieTunes]

Like anyone, what is really needed depends entirely on one's... well, needs. The USB-C to USB-A adapter is the only dongle I own and use because it's all I personally need. Everyone's use case is different.

 

[Stefan johansson]

For syncing phones and iPads,wifi or Bluetooth works ok for me,but as my rMBP got standard USB port,transferring files from cameras,memory cards or other devices is easy done withouth any dongles. However I got one,a Logitech port splitter.

 

[puckhead193]

most things now have USB C as an option, i think its easier to just replace the cable or device then use adaptors. for example i just got USBC SD card reader.

 

[ZapNZs]

If you will use the devices simultaneously, then a dock is probably ideal (if you buy a nTB, then a dock is probably ideal regardless.) If you will not, I agree that USB-C --> microA/microB/B cables makes life easier. Some new cables and a USB-C-->A adapter and it will be an easy transition.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

Really depends on what you use it for doesn't it?

1 USB-C > A adapter is useful to have around. Otherwise I just use a USB-C > Lightning, > HDMI, > HDD. Keep meaning to get one for SD but camera wirelessly transfers or I plug it in using the adapter, so haven't had the heart to grab one yet.

 

[Saturn007]

Appreciate the perspectives. Questions for the group:

1. Would a USB-C hub with camera card reader produce faster transfers than a USB-C to A adapter connected to regular USB-A card reader?!

2. Would an iPad lightning to USB-C cable produce faster transfers than an iPad lightning cable to a USB-A to USB-C adapter?

3. Is an old Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapter even usable with USB-C?!

4. Or, would we we need to get a special USB-C to Ethernet cable?

Bottom line: I'm trying to figure out if I can get by with buying only the single C to A adapter or if, either for speed reasons, or incompatibility, I need to buy special USB-C adapters, cable,s or hub!

 

[leman]

1. Would a USB-C hub with camera card reader produce faster transfers than a USB-C to A adapter connected to regular USB-A card reader?!

There shouldn't be any difference, but I don't think that anyone did any benchmarks on it. Of course, you should take care that your total cable length is still reasonable and probably the latency might suffer just a notch.

2. Would an iPad lightning to USB-C cable produce faster transfers than an iPad lightning cable to a USB-A to USB-C adapter?

Same as above.

3. Is an old Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapter even usable with USB-C?!
4. Or, would we we need to get a special USB-C to Ethernet cable?

You can use the TB-3 to TB-2 adapter and then use the old ethernet adapter (this works, have tried it out myself).

My recommendation is to get a USB-C hub that hass pass-through charging, card reader and Ethernet. These things don't cost that much, the weight and size is comparable to a single compact adapter.

 

[Saturn007]

Leman, great advice! Is there a USB-C hub you'd recommend?!