Double check my proposed new setup?

[scottcampbell]

Thanks for stropping by. I've been thinking through a new computer setup and would love to run it by you to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Short version: 14" MBP ('21), plug into USB C at my couch, which runs all the way to my entertainment center, where a hub connects it to power, external hard drives, and the TV.

• 2021 14" MBP from Best Buy, $400. I'm hesitating to buy because black Friday is right around the corner, plus new version may be released soon. I'm hesitating to wait because this seems like a great price, and Apple seems to be raising prices with new products lately.
• Long USB-C cable, 20 foot, did I pick the right specs for charging and data transfer? Also, is there any concern with the cable being that long?
• USB Hub / Dock. I picked this one because it doesn't have a built-in dongle cable. I will be attaching it to power, a 4K TV via HDMI, and two hard drives, one for Time Machine and one for storage.

I'm open to all thoughts and suggestions. Haven't upgraded my computer in 10 years, so I appreciate extra eyes on my purchases.

 

[ilikewhey]

that cable won't work, you need thunderbolt 3 or 4 cables. and to get one that works at greater distance you looking at 100 bucks plus easy.

 

[scottcampbell]

that cable won't work, you need thunderbolt 3 or 4 cables. and to get one that works at greater distance you looking at 100 bucks plus easy.

Thanks. If I can make 15' reach, how does this one look?

 

[ilikewhey]

no idea, try it and find out? from my knowledge, this is the longest working cable that i heard of,

Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) Pro Cable (3 m)

Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable provides superfast data transfer, charging, and connection to your compatible Mac. The braided design avoids tangles. Buy now.

www.apple.com

 

[maflynn]

plug into USB C at my couch, which runs all the way to my entertainment center,

Would that create a tripping hazard? Why connect it a 15 foot cable, what solution does that provide that maybe wireless wouldn't?

 

[ilikewhey]

Would that create a tripping hazard? Why connect it a 15 foot cable, what solution does that provide that maybe wireless wouldn't?

lol maybe bury it underneath the carpet?

 

[maflynn]

lol maybe bury it underneath the carpet?

That's still a tripping hazard and stepping on the cable will eventually cause it to fail ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[scottcampbell]

Would that create a tripping hazard? Why connect it a 15 foot cable, what solution does that provide that maybe wireless wouldn't?

Thanks for the input. My idea is to route it around the perimeter of the room, and/or under the couch, so it won't be a tripping hazard or get stepped on.

As far as wired vs. wireless, I don't see any good solution for Time Machine wirelessly. I'd also like lag-free picture on the TV, rather than AirPlay which is useful but not instant.

 

[ilikewhey]

Thanks for the input. My idea is to route it around the perimeter of the room, and/or under the couch, so it won't be a tripping hazard or get stepped on.

As far as wired vs. wireless, I don't see any good solution for Time Machine wirelessly. I'd also like lag-free picture on the TV, rather than AirPlay which is useful but not instant.

yeah wireless solution would be pretty difficult to get it right, unfortunately i don't see a long cable solution since the longest working cable is only 3m long.

 

[scottcampbell]

yeah wireless solution would be pretty difficult to get it right, unfortunately i don't see a long cable solution since the longest working cable is only 3m long.

What specification are you looking for to determine if a cable will work or not for this scenario?

 

[xraydoc]

Thanks for stropping by. I've been thinking through a new computer setup and would love to run it by you to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Short version: 14" MBP ('21), plug into USB C at my couch, which runs all the way to my entertainment center, where a hub connects it to power, external hard drives, and the TV.

• 2021 14" MBP from Best Buy, $400. I'm hesitating to buy because black Friday is right around the corner, plus new version may be released soon. I'm hesitating to wait because this seems like a great price, and Apple seems to be raising prices with new products lately.
• Long USB-C cable, 20 foot, did I pick the right specs for charging and data transfer? Also, is there any concern with the cable being that long?
• USB Hub / Dock. I picked this one because it doesn't have a built-in dongle cable. I will be attaching it to power, a 4K TV via HDMI, and two hard drives, one for Time Machine and one for storage.

I'm open to all thoughts and suggestions. Haven't upgraded my computer in 10 years, so I appreciate extra eyes on my purchases.

Might work. USB cable runs that long can get finicky, so definitely buy from someplace that has good return policies if it doesn't work the way you want.

Also make sure your hard drives are self-powered and not bus-powered when extending things that far.

Edit: Fixed typo on word "doesn't"

 

[scottcampbell]

Might work. USB cable runs that long can get finicky, so definitely buy from someplace that has good return policies if it does work the way you want.

Also make sure your hard drives are self-powered and not bus-powered when extending things that far.

Great tips.
My 14TB storage drive is self-powered, but my 5TB time machine is not. However, the drive would be connected with a short cable to the hub, and the hub would be connected with a short cable to the wall outlet. So that's where it would get its power - rather than from the hub > long USB > laptop - right? 🤔🤷‍♂️

 

[xraydoc]

Great tips.
My 14TB storage drive is self-powered, but my 5TB time machine is not. However, the drive would be connected with a short cable to the hub, and the hub would be connected with a short cable to the wall outlet. So that's where it would get its power - rather than from the hub > long USB > laptop - right? 🤔🤷‍♂️

Yeah, if the hub is powered, then you're probably ok.

 

[scottcampbell]

New plan: Buy a router that has USB ports and plug the hard drives in there.
Wish I had thought of this sooner. 😅
I'll just connect to the TV occasionally as needed.

EDIT: Wait, my BackBlaze backup only works with hard drives physically plugged in to the computer. 🙄