My iMac is 24 inch, Early 2012, with OS X El Capitan version 10.11.6 and has 4 USB ports.
Before I purchase a new device, which can be connected via Bluetooth to my iMac/iPhone or alternatively, connected via a cable to a USC port, what alternative methods are available to enable me to use this new device with my Mac, as I assume the new cable with a USC connector will not be compatible for my USB slots on my Mac.
iPhone SE
The newer connector is actually called USB-C, because it's derived from USB. It's quite multifunctional, but typically a USB-C device is "backwards compatible" with regular USB so all you need is a cable like this.
Dear Martin,
Thank you for your prompt reply. I will enquire of the provider of the new device if they ship the cable with the device and if not, I will purchase the one you referred to in the link. Once again, thanks for your help.
RP
Bob,
Thanks for all this useful information. I never thought I would get such an excellent number of suggestions in such a short time of signing up to this forum. Other "helpful" sites either miss the point of the problem or never reply.
RP
Thanks Bob,
I will only be using 1 USB-C cable for my new device and that will be plugged in to my iMac USB 2.0 port. I'm currently waiting for confirmation from the supplier as to the cable type that is included in the device package. I have asked the same question about my compatibility for connection to the iMac, but still awaiting his reply. However, at least I am more aware of possible solutions. Thank you.
RP
StarTech also has a wide variety of Thunderbolt 3 docks that seem to work well.
How many traditional USB 2 or USB 3 devices do you need to connect, and how often.
You can get USB-C Thunderbolt 3 docks giving your 2 or 3 USB 3 ports for under $100 U.S.
I have a CalDigit TS3 Thunderbolt 3 dock that gives my 5 USB3 ports with a type-A connector (traditional), a USB3 port with a USB-C connector, and a USB3 gen2 (10Gigabits/second) USB-C port. In addition it also has a DisplayPort, a USB-C Thunderbolt out, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and it provides up to 85watts power to my Macbook Pro. I got the Caldigit direct from Apple for $250 U.S.
I drive 2 external displays (4K 32" DELL monitor via DisplayPort), and an older 1080p Samsung via a USB-C Thunderbolt to DVI adapter. I have 4 of the USB3 Type-A ports in use, and the USB3 Gen2 Type-C port in use, plus the Gigabit Ethernet.
There are a lot of other USB-C Thunderbolt docks available. Google can help you with that.
USB or USC
