Q: Does a decent charging usb-c hub exist?
One size compromise in the new MacBook is really problematic: only a single USB-C connection which is also necessary for charging. That means that you can only use that connection for either charging or something else. Hence, the Apple VGA/DVI adapters have a charging USB-C port so you can charge and use VGA/DVI. But that means you cannot put anything else on that port again (such as some other USB gadget).
What is needed is a MacBook hub/minidock where you can attach the Apple charger via USB-C (and which then passes the charging on to the MacBook) and which has then still more USB-C (USB 3.1 preferably) ports left in such a way that things like Target Disk Mode works if you need it and that you can still attach more USB-C devices, such as USB-C to Gigabit ethernet, USB-C to VGA etc. without having to run your MacBook on battery power.
And for charging the MacBook, you need 29W on the USB-C port that goes from the hub/dock to the MacBook and it needs to understand the charging protocol.
I would have thought that given the need for such a thing, it would be available from some third party provider, but I haven't been able to find one.
The ideal minidock would have minimally
- Get power in from Apple Charger with USB-C
- Connect to MacBook and pass on the charging @ 29W with the charging protocol supported so the MacBook gets charged
- Have at least one extra USB-C USB3.1 available (e.g. for gigabit ethernet converter or other USB use)
- Have VGA (and DVI) available (for presentations and such)
So, my question is: is there such a versatile beast?
iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), Core i7, 27"
Posted on Nov 7, 2015 2:54 AM