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User profile for user: peterfrombrockley
peterfrombrockley Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Adapters needed for MacBook 2020

Hi all ... I have an old MacBook Air and have just bought a MacBook Air 2020 to replace it. I see that the new one has USB-C inputs. One is for power, so I need to connect anything else via a single USB-C. Currently I plug in:

  1. A MIDI keyboard or a microphone alternately via a single USB port
  2. A 4 port USB hub goes into another single USB port (all 4 of the ports are used)
  3. A monitor goes into what I think is called a Thunderbolt 2 port

Can I replicate the above with the one port Macbook 2020?

Thanks in advance!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Sep 8, 2020 4:35 AM

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User profile for user: peterfrombrockley
peterfrombrockley Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Posted on Sep 10, 2020 11:31 PM

Thanks for that useful specific information. What I had assumed was that one of the USB-C ports on the Airbook had to be dedicated to power - wrongly, as I now see you can get an adapter which does power, external monitor, and USB-A ports. Then, with a 4-1 hub on the other USB-C I'm good to go.

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User profile for user: peterfrombrockley
peterfrombrockley Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Sep 10, 2020 11:31 PM in response to neuroanatomist

Thanks for that useful specific information. What I had assumed was that one of the USB-C ports on the Airbook had to be dedicated to power - wrongly, as I now see you can get an adapter which does power, external monitor, and USB-A ports. Then, with a 4-1 hub on the other USB-C I'm good to go.

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User profile for user: karina184
karina184
User level: Community Specialist

Sep 9, 2020 7:54 AM in response to peterfrombrockley

Hello peterfrombrockley,


Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.


We understand you are looking for some options on connecting your peripheral devices to your new Mac. We are happy to help provide some guidance.


It sounds like with the amount of accessories you need to connect to your MacBook Air, a USB-C hub would be your best option. You can view the accessories we have to support that, as well as how to reach our sales team using the links below:


Mac Accessories

Contacting Apple


Cheers.

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User profile for user: neuroanatomist
neuroanatomist
User level: Level 9
50,359 points

Sep 9, 2020 9:32 AM in response to karina184

Look for a USB-C dock – those provide power, display output, and multiple USB-A connections over a single connector. I'd look at brands like OWC, Elgato, Belkin, Kensington and Brydge and avoid the <$100 versions on Amazon.


For your display, you'll need a new cable since none of the docks will have a TB2 port (which is the same a mini-DisplayPort for a display*) – depending on your display input (likely HDMI or DisplayPort, many have both) you'd need a cable with that on one end and a connector for the dock on the other (most have DisplayPort, some have HDMI).


EDIT: since you have just a single display, I'd suggest the Brydge Stone dock (not Pro) – it provides power, will use the cable you already have* for the monitor, and has 3 USB-A ports.


*I'm assuming your display is not an Apple Thunderbolt Display. If it is, post back because you'll need a different solution to connect that to a dock or to your Mac.

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Adapters needed for MacBook 2020

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