Splitting the charging and data transfer capacities of a Thunderbolt 3 port

I am trying to help out a friend who bought a MacBook Pro with 2 USC-C/Thunderbolt3 ports, thinking it would be possible to 1) charge her computer, 2) drive a USB-C type connector 4K monitor, and 3) drive a USB-C/Thunderbolt hard drive. The ideal product would be a simple hub that allows a connection to the laptop and to another Thunderbolt device while also delivering power. The only hubs I can find that provide this are enormous and cost well over $200. Are there any products that can provide this most basic of functions for a more reasonable price?

Posted on Jan 26, 2019 1:50 PM

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1 reply

etresoft

Level 9

57,098 points

Jan 26, 2019 2:30 PM in response to Stephen Bunnell

Sorry, but “thunderbolt” and “reasonable price” is an unusual juxtaposition. You can get dongles for cheaper, although not necessarily “reasonably priced” for a dongle. Most Apple video dongles also have an input port for charging as well as an output port. You may not need the video with that USB-C monitor, but I think that is just as well. You may not be able to get full speed data over the USB while also using it as 4K video. So use the video dongle in one port for power and external drive. Then use the other USB port for video.

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Splitting the charging and data transfer capacities of a Thunderbolt 3 port