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Super Sticky Thread for USB-C Docks, Cables and Accessories [MERGED]

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deeddawg

macrumors G5
Jun 14, 2010
12,467
6,568
US
zhenya said:
That's exactly the kind of device I want - an all-in-one hub and power brick built into one device. Still, I have zero confidence in kickstarter hardware campaigns, let alone ones based on usb-c, so I'll wait this one out!
Click to expand...

Agreed. It's a great concept (except the part about microSD instead of SD), but given the difficulty other companies have had with USBC docks, I'd be surprised if they achieve their September/October dates. I do hope they're successful, it's just clear that USBC is tricky.

So far I don't really have a distinct need, but expect I will eventually. I'll consider the available solutions at that time.
 
M

misterbig

macrumors member
Aug 19, 2010
98
17
zhenya said:
That's exactly the kind of device I want - an all-in-one hub and power brick built into one device. Still, I have zero confidence in kickstarter hardware campaigns, let alone ones based on usb-c, so I'll wait this one out!
Click to expand...

I'm with you. Marble looks nice and the videos on their Kickstarter page look legit but considering how many companies (some of them major ones) are struggling to put out USB-C docks that work properly, I would only pay for something that's already released and proven to work. I'm not holding my breath for Marble to ship in 2016 as designed.
 
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Outrigger

Outrigger

macrumors 68000
Dec 22, 2008
1,765
96
gnatmm said:
HooToo on Amazon and the Apple multi adapter actually work.
Click to expand...

I got the HooToo and when I plugged it in, the charging keeps going on and off as if I'm plugging and unplugging constantly. After reconnecting a few times, it went away which is a bit concerning. Also, when I connect it to a 1920 x 1200 display via HDMI, the screen turns black every 10 sec making it unusable. I'm not sure if its the cable or the monitor but I will get another HDMI cable and try it again.
 
ctyrider

ctyrider

macrumors 65816
Jul 15, 2012
1,042
620
John-crichton said:
Marble project is on Kickstarter. Clic here.
I know that a lot of you guys are so-so with kickstarter projects as i believe that Hub+ as failed, despite a complete pledge.
This dock, apparently, answers to any of my needs so I've decided to jump on the boat for the DCS2.
I just wanted to let you know that this one seems to be a good contender for those searching around .... and are not in a hurry (ETA is on October).
Click to expand...

This looks nice - probably one of the better dock designs I have seen, mainly due to compact size. Of course, this is Kickstarter, so this may be just another vaporware project like Hub+.. So while I won't be funding this (or any) Kickstarter campaign - I will be keeping an eye, if it ever ships.
 
pshifrin

pshifrin

macrumors 6502a
Mar 14, 2010
518
387
Outrigger said:
I got the HooToo and when I plugged it in, the charging keeps going on and off as if I'm plugging and unplugging constantly. After reconnecting a few times, it went away which is a bit concerning. Also, when I connect it to a 1920 x 1200 display via HDMI, the screen turns black every 10 sec making it unusable. I'm not sure if its the cable or the monitor but I will get another HDMI cable and try it again.
Click to expand...

When i connected my 2016 MB via the OWC dock to my Dell P2415q it was doing the same thing. Swapped HDMI cable to a new one and it hasn't happened since.
 
tyr2

tyr2

macrumors 6502a
May 6, 2006
832
234
Leeds, UK
I received a Dell WD15 dock today (after getting impatient waiting for the CalDigit one). So far I have been unable to get any video output from it on either DisplayPort, HDMI or VGA. The cable connection is up, the monitor just goes to sleep, I have been fiddling with SwitchResX but so far have not been able to achieve video at any resolution/refresh rate.

The rest of the ports work, though oddly not initially, after a bit of fiddling they seemed to spring into life. Tested USB, Gig ethernet and the front port audio.

I'll continue fiddling to see if I can get some video out, but I'm really hoping for 1440p, at any refresh rate, I bought this dock specifically for the DisplayPort functionality as my monitor won't do 1440p over HDMI unfortunately (Dell U2713HM)

Update: I installed Windows 10 in Bootcamp to see if video would work from there, unfortunately no dice. I think this dock is fundamentally incompatible with the MacBook. I'm considering raising a support case with Dell but I might just return it.
 
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headcase

headcase

macrumors 6502
Jul 4, 2007
355
51
Raleigh, NC
tyr2 said:
I received a Dell WD15 dock today (after getting impatient waiting for the CalDigit one). So far I have been unable to get any video output from it on either DisplayPort, HDMI or VGA. The cable connection is up, the monitor just goes to sleep, I have been fiddling with SwitchResX but so far have not been able to achieve video at any resolution/refresh rate.

The rest of the ports work, though oddly not initially, after a bit of fiddling they seemed to spring into life. Tested USB, Gig ethernet and the front port audio.

I'll continue fiddling to see if I can get some video out, but I'm really hoping for 1440p, at any refresh rate, I bought this dock specifically for the DisplayPort functionality as my monitor won't do 1440p over HDMI unfortunately (Dell U2713HM)

Update: I installed Windows 10 in Bootcamp to see if video would work from there, unfortunately no dice. I think this dock is fundamentally incompatible with the MacBook. I'm considering raising a support case with Dell but I might just return it.
Click to expand...

Perhaps worth seeing if the unit is faulty and have them ship you another (or try testing the unit with a PC).
 
tyr2

tyr2

macrumors 6502a
May 6, 2006
832
234
Leeds, UK
headcase said:
Perhaps worth seeing if the unit is faulty and have them ship you another (or try testing the unit with a PC).
Click to expand...

I've decided to return it. I found this thread on reddit which looks like other people have the same problem.

I'm considering getting this USB 3->DisplayPort adapter https://www.startech.com/uk/AV/USB-...rd-Multi-Monitor-Adapter-2560x1600~USB32DPPRO using DisplayLink, I only need the display for Xcode really so if it's a bit laggy I won't mind too much, but I'll still need a regular USB-C dock as well...

Alternatively I guess I go back to waiting for the Caldigit dock, or maybe the Pluggable one if that gets to market first.

I really could do with something to power DisplayPort at 1440p, i'm working at home at the moment and not being able to use my primary display is a real bind. Maybe I give up with DisplayPort entirely and invest in a monitor with a more modern HDMI port...

Update: Maybe getting a HDMI->DisplayPort adapter is the better idea. I see this is available https://www.startech.com/uk/AV/Converters/Video/hdmi-displayport-converter-4k~HD2DP so the setup would be USB-C to HDMI Adapter (maybe the apple one), to HDMI->DP adapter. At least that would eliminate any potential lag issues with a DisplayLink based solution.

Update2: I think I've decided to give the CalDigit dock another week or two, you never know, miracles happen

Update3: Caldigit have advised they are 'hoping for a months time', so now I'm back to thinking UDMI/DisplayPort adapter.
 
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boast

boast

macrumors 65816
Nov 12, 2007
1,411
868
Phoenix, USA
headcase said:
Here's the latest list of USB-C accessories from Monoprice, which continues to expand. I've always found their gear to be high quality / high value.

http://www.monoprice.com/pages/usb_31_type_c
Click to expand...

Dang, still no multiport adaptors with DisplayPort.

And a bit OT, but I am not sure which is funnier, the question or the answer for the VGA review:

Doesn't fit my Apple Air
Click to expand...
tech support said:
If the Macbook Air is a model that uses USB C it should have fit no problem. Was it possibly being blocked from connecting all the way or did it just not fit in the port at all?
Click to expand...

:confused:

Wait, I just realize the confusion is in their description
Apple is taking this to the extreme, with the latest MacBook Air® featuring only a single USB C port for charging
Click to expand...
:D
 
tyr2

tyr2

macrumors 6502a
May 6, 2006
832
234
Leeds, UK
I finally have a solution to my DisplayPort 1440p needs! I ended up purchasing the HooToo hub with power and HDMI output then this HDMP to DP adapter. It worked first time with my Dell U27813HM. Finally a nice pin sharp display from my MacBook.

It's not the prettiest solution, the USB power cable for the DP adapter isn't quite long enough so I had to use the provided USB extension cable. Also the light on the hub is rather unnecessary, I might just flip it over. But I'm not going to grumble too much, it works and that's good enough!

Update: After recabling everything it stopped working, the display just went into sleep. I unplugged everything and replugged and it's ok again. Not sure what caused that, will investigate. I suspect the order in which things are attached is important somehow...
 
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Outrigger

Outrigger

macrumors 68000
Dec 22, 2008
1,765
96
tyr2 said:
I finally have a solution to my DisplayPort 1440p needs! I ended up purchasing the HooToo hub with power and HDMI output then this HDMP to DP adapter. It worked first time with my Dell U27813HM. Finally a nice pin sharp display from my MacBook.

It's not the prettiest solution, the USB power cable for the DP adapter isn't quite long enough so I had to use the provided USB extension cable. Also the light on the hub is rather unnecessary, I might just flip it over. But I'm not going to grumble too much, it works and that's good enough!

Update: After recabling everything it stopped working, the display just went into sleep. I unplugged everything and replugged and it's ok again. Not sure what caused that, will investigate. I suspect the order in which things are attached is important somehow...
Click to expand...

its not consistent which is why I returned it.
 
Outrigger

Outrigger

macrumors 68000
Dec 22, 2008
1,765
96
tyr2 said:
Which bit? The Hootoo or the HDMI/DP adapter?
Click to expand...
the HooToo. sometimes, the charging works, sometimes, it doesn't. sometimes the video will output to the monitor, sometimes, I can't wake the monitor for a signal. The worst is the monitor will go black for a few seconds every 20 seconds or so and that makes it unusable.

I'm using the hyperdrive USB type C hub which is similar to the satechi one.
 
tyr2

tyr2

macrumors 6502a
May 6, 2006
832
234
Leeds, UK
Outrigger said:
I'm using the hyperdrive USB type C hub which is similar to the satechi one.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Unfortunately I don't think the Hyperdrive is available in the UK yet.

After a bit more experimentation it seems the monitor will work fine on an initial connection to the HooToo and the Mac. After that a disconnect/reconnect of the HooToo won't work, until the display has it's power removed from the back and sometimes the HooToo needs it's power removed too.

So that's far from ideal but it at least works, coupling the monitor and HooToo to the same switched power supply should at least make it work when reconnecting. It's disappointing this is necessary... maybe I'll try the Apple HDMI adapter and see if that has the same problem or not.

Update: Just a note to say the Audio works through the hub and HDMP/DP adapter and out through the monitor. I wasn't particularly expecting it to, so that was a nice surprise.

Update 2: I discovered that as long as the dock is connected when the lid of the Macbook is closed then everything works just fine.
 
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M

Macbook14in

macrumors regular
Apr 22, 2016
151
62
PDFierro said:
Not sure if anybody has seen these, but there are two Kickstarter projects that are offering USB-C to Lightning cables. They are only capable of charging though, so it doesn't eliminate the need for the adapter.

https://www.kickstarter.com/project...ler-double-your-charging-speed?ref=nav_search

https://www.kickstarter.com/project...allest-keyring-cable-on-steroi?ref=nav_search

Monoprice also has a new USB-C to USB adapter that looks interesting, it gets rid of the cable: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=103&cp_id=10330&cs_id=1033001&p_id=13507&seq=1&format=2
Click to expand...

What is ideal is USB-C to Lightning adapter though... That way, iPhone users will be able to use the same cable to charge their 12" Macbook
 
G

guoruiwu

macrumors newbie
May 30, 2016
1
0
I just received my Hyperdrive USB-C mini-displayport hub and it's working really well. The only nitpick is that the connection to my MacBook is flimsy so if I nudge the hub a little the hub will move around a tiny bit.

For some reason, their USB-C mini-displayport hub is no longer showing up on their website: https://www.hypershop.com/products/hyperdrive-usb-type-c-hub-with-mini-displayport

IMG_0998.JPG
 
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M

Macbook14in

macrumors regular
Apr 22, 2016
151
62
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