Apple doesn't often go backwards when they change ports. I don't think we'll see USB A ports on a Mac ever again. USB-C is great even if there is about a decade long transition to get all items over to it.
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What ports should make a return to the 2021 Macbook Pro?
- Thread starter senttoschool
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They "went backwards" when they added ports back for these new systems because their minimalist approach was shortsighted. A single USB-A port would make a lot of sense. More so than HDMI. I'd rather have a dongle for that than a dongle just to plug in one of many thousands of USB-A devices.
It would have made sense but not how Apple seems to operate. USB-C is the future so the fact Apple even admitted a mistake and added back HDMI is something new.
I never use it but know a lot of people who need it for presentations. I haven't needed to use a USB-A device on my 2018 MBP for a long time either. Everyone has different needs of course. A USB-A port takes up more room so maybe on consideration. I just don't think we will ever see a USB-A port on a Mac laptop again and probably will leave all Macs if they haven't already. They aren't there in the 24" iMac at least.
They probably made the decision based on data on which ports MBP users actually use. I would have also liked to see USB-A ports, but a single port would have been an insult. If you need USB-A ports, you will probably need more than one. If there is only space for one port, more people will find HDMI useful.
HDMI implies a monitor or TV. Not really an "on the go" thing, so less of an issue with requiring a dongle.
Or a projector or something similar. If your job involves plenty of in-person meetings at various locations, HDMI is probably the most important port in your laptop.