Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Super Sticky Thread for USB-C Docks, Cables and Accessories [MERGED]
- Thread starter Truefan31
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I was wondering if the Satechi hub will charge the Mac at the full 29W when no other device is connected to the hub? I am looking for a hub which can charge the Macbook at the full 29W but can also be used un-powered for when I just want to connect a single flash drive, and there seems to be nothing that can reliably do this!
Thanks!
usb-c will become mainstream someday the one plug to rule them all, but man, such a mess right now as early adopter.
Some things will work with the macbook but not other devices; vice versa. A charger can claim PD "Power delivery" but not output the full rate. Macbook uses 14.5V/2A 29W, but some only provided 12V/1.5A 18W or less. Certain hubs will only work a certain way. E.g it will power the macbook but other ports are disabled etc.
Even as a techie it is confusing and hard to decipher which will work. You need to dig through the spec and complaints in user reviews. Imagine the average consumer like your parents trying to figure it out.
Some things will work with the macbook but not other devices; vice versa. A charger can claim PD "Power delivery" but not output the full rate. Macbook uses 14.5V/2A 29W, but some only provided 12V/1.5A 18W or less. Certain hubs will only work a certain way. E.g it will power the macbook but other ports are disabled etc.
Even as a techie it is confusing and hard to decipher which will work. You need to dig through the spec and complaints in user reviews. Imagine the average consumer like your parents trying to figure it out.
I've been checking in on the CalDigit USB-C dock every few weeks for the past several months, like many of you!
They used(?) to have two different docks available for pre-order. One was bus-powered, they other was wall-powered more like a semi-permanent dock. It was $159 USD with a pre-order discount of $149.
When I check now, it appears they've combined the functionality of the two previous docks, and possibly made one that can function on either bus-powered, or wall powered? Check it out: http://caldigit.com/usb-3-1-usb-c-dock/
Also, I don't see any way to order/pre-order this dock, and the others aren't available on the pre-order page at this time, either: http://www.caldigit.com/store-amazon.asp#USB-C-Adapter
EDIT: after some digging, I found the original dock page here: http://www.caldigit.com/USB-C/ However, I still don't see the bus powered hub, and I'm not sure if there is a difference between the original dock and the new(?) one I linked above. The pages are sure different!
They used(?) to have two different docks available for pre-order. One was bus-powered, they other was wall-powered more like a semi-permanent dock. It was $159 USD with a pre-order discount of $149.
When I check now, it appears they've combined the functionality of the two previous docks, and possibly made one that can function on either bus-powered, or wall powered? Check it out: http://caldigit.com/usb-3-1-usb-c-dock/
Also, I don't see any way to order/pre-order this dock, and the others aren't available on the pre-order page at this time, either: http://www.caldigit.com/store-amazon.asp#USB-C-Adapter
EDIT: after some digging, I found the original dock page here: http://www.caldigit.com/USB-C/ However, I still don't see the bus powered hub, and I'm not sure if there is a difference between the original dock and the new(?) one I linked above. The pages are sure different!
Last edited:
Yep I'm using this with a 2015 rMP, in conjunction with an HDMI->DisplayPort converter, it drives my 1440p monitor fine. When I first started using it sometimes the monitor would not wake when reconnecting the hub for a second time, however this problem seems to have gone away, I'm not sure why. Probably because I stopped fiddling with it
My only criticism is that the HooToo logo on the top is a light which is annoying in a dark room, turning it upside down fixes the problem well enough (providing you don't mind the USB ports facing to the rear).
Update: Did some more fiddling around. Found something very weird. The hub works fine when upside down, but when positioned normally the display will not wake when reconnected. Very odd indeed, will open a ticket with the manufacturer, see what's going on there.
Last edited:
HooToo Shuttle 3.1 Type C Hub HDMI working well with my Dell 34" (3440x1440) & Monoprice 27" (2560x1440) monitors
MINIX NEO C, USB-C Multiport Adapter with HDMI - Space Gray (Compatible with Apple MacBook) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ANITHVQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_t0RCxb4GSRR3A
The reviews on Amazon are not encouraging, considering it was my first choice of adapter that had everything I needed. People have lost data on flash and hard drives connected to the USB ports, lost connectivity on the Ethernet port, the throughput drops down to USB 2.0 when HDMI is connected, it charges the MacBook inconsistently, runs hot, etc. I would wait for version 2 or an updated model from them.
Cynergy USB C Ethernet Hub USB 3.1 RJ45 Gigabit LAN Multiport Adapter with USB C Power Delivery for Charging and Multiple 3 Port USB 3.0 Hub for Macbook 12" with Retina Display and Chromebook Pixel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018UGVYFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_64RCxbQCHCJRS
Since this was half the price of the Minix and uses native OS X drivers, the Cynergy hub was a no brainier for me. I didn't need the HDMI out, and it's been running strong for over a month now with no issues.
I've come across a company KADi CREATIVE after some hunting, small start up but have a portable hub option and a few neat cables, I picked it over the NEO because I can use my USB 3.0 to Ethernet adapter with it.
https://kadicreative.com/collections/the-kadi-collection/products/the-kadi-port?variant=14058610951
[doublepost=1467867948][/doublepost]
I've come across a company KADi CREATIVE after some hunting, small start up but have a portable hub option and a few neat cables, I picked it over the NEO because I can use my USB 3.0 to Ethernet adapter with it.
https://kadicreative.com/collections/the-kadi-collection/products/the-kadi-port?variant=14058610951
Attachments
I've found that its a really lightweight solution and good for travel, also looks great and fits with my Macbook. Downside is the extra USB C port on it isn't fully functional, so I cant link my Mini display port adapter to the spare USB C. Although I am yet to find a USB C so far which has 2 x USB C anyway, otherwise so far so good, It's also the best value I found for price (with HDMI).
Good experience with mine so far. I saw the occasional person complaining but so far I've tried:
-Multiple USB A devices no problem
-SD card reader: transferred several gigs from my SLR cameras pics
-Heat: little warm, never burning
-External 2.5" HD read with no external power
I'm loving mine
I agree with the previous poster's comments. I'll add that my MacBook will recognize an iPad Pro 9.7" plugged into the USB-A port only if I have the charging cable plugged in, as well. Other devices, such as an iPhone, work fine without power. I've asked if this is normal but for now assume it has to do with the additional power requirements of the iPad.
Another potential downside is that it slides out of the USB-C port on the MacBook fairly easily. So for "desktop" use a box with a corded plug may be a better option. However, it seems like it will work well for traveling.
I wanted to add a few thoughts on adapters I've tried.
1. ProCIV 3-in-1 adapter - Had good reviews and the price was right ($32). Seemed to be very similar to other cheap Chinese adapters. When I received it, it felt a bit flimsy. Plugged it in and my external HDMI monitor had thin black lines running through it. Reconnected it, and the display started to flicker. Reconnected again, and the screen was black. Reconnected again, and the adapter started to make loud electrical buzzing noises. Returned for a refund.
2. Anker Premium USB-C hub - Build quality was very nice. Felt substantial. But it was a large hub, and more expensive ($60). The second USB port was nice. However, the external monitor's picture would jump and twitch every 30 seconds to 1 minute. I emailed Anker's famous customer support, and it took them multiple days to reply. And then another couple days to set up the return. Still waiting on my refund. Would have been easier and faster just to initiate the return through Amazon.
3. Monoprice multiport adapter - I had been keeping my eye on Monoprice, and this is a relatively new offering from them. The plastic casing feels kind of flimsy. The USB-C connector also does not fit into my computer super snugly. It feels loose. Performance-wise, so far so good. I did see the screen twitch like the Anker did once, but it has not happened again. Seems to be a solid budget option ($30).
1. ProCIV 3-in-1 adapter - Had good reviews and the price was right ($32). Seemed to be very similar to other cheap Chinese adapters. When I received it, it felt a bit flimsy. Plugged it in and my external HDMI monitor had thin black lines running through it. Reconnected it, and the display started to flicker. Reconnected again, and the screen was black. Reconnected again, and the adapter started to make loud electrical buzzing noises. Returned for a refund.
2. Anker Premium USB-C hub - Build quality was very nice. Felt substantial. But it was a large hub, and more expensive ($60). The second USB port was nice. However, the external monitor's picture would jump and twitch every 30 seconds to 1 minute. I emailed Anker's famous customer support, and it took them multiple days to reply. And then another couple days to set up the return. Still waiting on my refund. Would have been easier and faster just to initiate the return through Amazon.
3. Monoprice multiport adapter - I had been keeping my eye on Monoprice, and this is a relatively new offering from them. The plastic casing feels kind of flimsy. The USB-C connector also does not fit into my computer super snugly. It feels loose. Performance-wise, so far so good. I did see the screen twitch like the Anker did once, but it has not happened again. Seems to be a solid budget option ($30).
Last edited:
Confirmed this one , usb-c to VGA works with MacBook 2016 and 2015 and Thunderbolt 3 laptop. http://www.amazon.com/Adapter-quality-ChromeBook-Thunderbolt-Computers/dp/B01AO9487M/
Has anyone tried this Belkin USB-C hub?
http://www.belkin.com/uk/p/P-F4U090/
It seems like a good way to:
1. Add standard USB ports
2. Duplicate the USB-C port of the MacBook to enable one for charging whilst using another for adapters like USB-C-to-VGA or USB-C-to-mDP etc....assuming the ports enable power-in and passes through a proper USB-C signal...
http://www.belkin.com/uk/p/P-F4U090/
It seems like a good way to:
1. Add standard USB ports
2. Duplicate the USB-C port of the MacBook to enable one for charging whilst using another for adapters like USB-C-to-VGA or USB-C-to-mDP etc....assuming the ports enable power-in and passes through a proper USB-C signal...
Lefort1, can you confirm that the Hootoo is able to have two usb 3 hard drives attached and transfer data between them at USB 3 speed?
I have the Minix, and it will mount two hard drives OK, but will not transfer data between them.
Thanks
Another interested party here! I don't have an rMB yet but am thinking pretty seriously about one before I need to do some more traveling.....and obviously the question about what to connect to the thing is going to be important.
Another question for you, which has nothing to do with Apple or Macs, but rather your user name.....any connection between it and particular reconstructive surgical procedures which are named LeFort?
Another question for you, which has nothing to do with Apple or Macs, but rather your user name.....any connection between it and particular reconstructive surgical procedures which are named LeFort?
I have also tried the Anker three port hub, which initially seemed to do better than the Minix, but stopped abruptly after 2.9gb of a 13 gb folder while transferring.
However it did enable me to run an iTunes back up of my iPhone to an external Samsung T1 drive (iPhone and T1 connected to Anker). This was over 40gb no pauses.
Can one plug a conventional wall powered USB 3 hub into the Apple USB-C multi adapter while it is also powered from wall?
This might enable data transfer between two connected hard drives, which so far I have established is not possible with the Minix or the Anker USB-C hubs.
Thanks
This might enable data transfer between two connected hard drives, which so far I have established is not possible with the Minix or the Anker USB-C hubs.
Thanks
This seems to be a reliable if clunky way of getting full use of extra USB3 ports.
I hae ordered a Hootoo to try but if that doesn't do what I want I will return it and settle for the USB3 hub plugged into the Apple USB-C multi adapter.
Just found this review on Amazon. Go to the one star review where reviewer specifically says it will not transfer data from one hard drive to another.