Ethernet ports???

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Level 1

12 points

Ethernet ports???

Okay I have the older 13” model. My job takes me into 3-5 homes a day working on people’s internet. I keep the computer in a backpack for ease of carrying and protection. I need to upgrade and be able to upgrade my MacBook Pro…. But I cannot seem to find a laptop that has the Ethernet connection built in… this used to be a MacBook Air thing since they were thinner and used for less professional things. I do not want to buy a separate dongle that will need to be plugged and unplugged at each home I go in and out of and each time I set up my computer or put it away…. Apple MUST have an option for people who work with computers PROFESSIONALLY since it is in their name MacBook PRO! Where am I missing this? My only option so far is to buy a desktop and carry that thing in and out of homes!

any advice would help…. I love the MacBook and do not want to buy any PCs again but need an Ethernet port to use a MacBook…. I’m caught in a little bit of a pickle.

thanks all

Posted on Oct 19, 2021 4:30 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 19, 2021 7:25 AM in response to Lukedawg26

MacBook Pro has not had Built-in ethernet since Retina 2012 models.

The dongle for Ethernet ONLY is a very small item and only a tiny bit more trouble than just plugging in the RJ-45 plug.

You don't need a 17-port Dock.

.

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Answer 2

Oct 19, 2021 8:38 AM in response to Lukedawg26

You can provide feedback to Apple: Product Feedback - Apple

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Answer 3

Oct 19, 2021 8:35 AM in response to Lukedawg26

I'm an IT consultant and systems engineer (does that qualify me as a Pro?) supporting various people at home and at work for many years and have had zero issues with any of the ethernet adapters on whichever model required them. I've found plugging them in and out (100s of times a month sometimes) has not kinked or worn out any cable/port/connector in any way. I've not had to buy any spares either. One thing I have avoided is buying a 3rd-party alternative. They may be cheaper but not necessarily better. As ever it's your choice and YMMV.

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Answer 4

Oct 19, 2021 9:11 AM in response to Lukedawg26

MacBook Air from the 2011 model onward do not have an Ethernet port. They replaced the Ethernet port with a Thunderbolt port, and offered first a 10/100 USB Ethernet adapter/dongle, then later a 10/100/Gigabit ThunderBolt Ethernet adapter/dongle.

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Answer 5

Lukedawg26 Author

Level 1

12 points

Oct 19, 2021 8:08 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I will agree the time it would take to use the dongle is minuscule… my concern is wear and tear. So going into and out of up to 25 homes a week I would need to plug in and remove it 50 times a week… not to mention the possibility of getting the small cord kinked. I have used my MacBook Pro now as a refurbished model since 2010…. Not had an issue at all. I would now need to carry these two extra pieces to do my job. The extra one in case the dongle breaks in my backpack or get kinked of course. And from what I see they aren’t cheap products… perhaps would need to buy a new one 2x a year due to breakage or wear and tear?… I just do not understand why they have the MacBook Air and IPad Pro models that are perfectly good and built to be used as a wireless device with all the benefits of a computer but come on a MACBOOK PRO this should be as close to a desktop option as it gets so that way PROS can use it… the Ethernet option has never really been replaced as I go in and out of homes each day and see all ports used and I am unable to change or run proper diagnostics on these router modems without being plugged in…

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Answer 6

Lukedawg26 Author

Level 1

12 points

Oct 19, 2021 8:59 AM in response to Antonio Rocco

This is excellent news! This was my main concern the wear and tear of in and out on a port.

I still remain frustrated that the MacBook Pro model does not have multiple diverse ports as it should be the deluxe option for laptops and with all the other options as previously mentioned that do not have these options as the IPad and MacBook Air….

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Ethernet ports???

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