Since Mac has settled on the most flawed connecter ever made (USB C) is there a cable that works better than others?

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Level 1

78 points

Since Mac has settled on the most flawed connecter ever made (USB C) is there a cable that works better than others?

My MacBook Pro has four USB C connectors. One of them works much of the time, the other three provide an endless stream of beeps as the charger disconnects and reconnects due to the faulty connectors, and certain disconnections when attempting to run an external drive. Using the one port that usually works I have to back up every 30 seconds or so, since the latest "upgrade" gives us a Finder that freezes if you attempt to use an external drive and so one loses everything one was working on in the finder. Added to this magnificence is Disc Utility freezes more often than it works. I've tried it on a variety of drives, no difference. I'm hoping and praying to find a cable that makes the seriously flawed USB C more dependable.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Aug 2, 2023 4:30 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

steve626

Level 6

14,523 points

Aug 3, 2023 8:59 PM in response to Mr. Bacon

Mr. Bacon wrote:

My MacBook Pro has four USB C connectors. One of them works much of the time, the other three provide an endless stream of beeps as the charger disconnects and reconnects due to the faulty connectors, and certain disconnections when attempting to run an external drive. Using the one port that usually works I have to back up every 30 seconds or so, since the latest "upgrade" gives us a Finder that freezes if you attempt to use an external drive and so one loses everything one was working on in the finder. Added to this magnificence is Disc Utility freezes more often than it works. I've tried it on a variety of drives, no difference. I'm hoping and praying to find a cable that makes the seriously flawed USB C more dependable.

I think you are falling into the logical flaw of extrapolating a one-off experience into condemnation of USB-C (or the Mac's use of USB-C) generally. We have over 3000 of these Macs at my employer and I have never heard of anything like your experience. Rather than conclude that all USB-C are bad, maybe you simply have a broken laptop, why not have your laptop repaired at an Apple Authorized Service Provider?

It's not just Macs that use USB-C, PCs use them too. Many peripheral come with USB-C connectors as well. Both of my headphones have them as do scores of external drives.

What you describe is not user serviceable, you need to find a qualified technician to fix it.

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Answer 2

Johnb-one

Level 6

9,180 points

Aug 3, 2023 6:37 PM in response to Mr. Bacon

Hi, Mr.bacon..

most flawed, eh, well, I guess you haven’t ever had to deal with a scsi connector, adc or anything like that… first off, I’m just a user here same as you and everyone else here. Griping to me ( and others) might get you a little help, but that’s it… seems like you have a problem with your MacBook pro’s usb connectors… have you

a) done a reset smc/pmu and zapped pram on startup 3-4 times ? ( this only works on Intel Macs, and T2 Mac’s, not on m1 and m2macs)

b) started up in safe mode by holding down the shift key on startup until you see the words “safe mode” on your screen??

c) run Apple diagnostics to see if it’s a hardware problem… I think you get to that by holding down the “D” key on your keyboard on startup

d) called Apple support at their 1-800 number and politely , patiently asked for help/explained your problem to them

e) booked an evaluation at your local Apple Store with a Genius Bar, most of ‘em have a phone number ( hint,hint) and if you’re polite and patient and provide documentation as needed, you can make progress and get help, but if not…. The evaluation is free, anyways… you should also be able to find an AASP ( apple authorized service provider ) not too far away from you

John B

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Answer 3

Mr. Bacon Author

Level 1

78 points

Aug 3, 2023 6:37 PM in response to ku4hx

There is plenty of evidence if you investigate USB C troubles online, it appears that plenty of users are suffering, "USB C is ridiculously flawed," "It's 2022 and USB-C is still a mess," "USB-C port manufacturing/design defect or flaw?" "It’s 2022, so why is USB-C still so **** complicated?" being amongst the numerous web posts. The one certainty is USB C needs an upgrade. As I've said before, what I'm looking for here is not an argument, I'm seeking the most effective cable to use with this flawed connector.

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Answer 4

Aug 3, 2023 7:44 PM in response to Mr. Bacon

<< As I've said before, what I'm looking for here is not an argument >>

No, you did not say that before, you just barged in here and called ALL Apple MacBook Pro hardware junk.

We may be able to help you with technical issues. Readers here are other Users like you.

But if you just want to vent, please go elsewhere. This forum prides itself on civility.

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Answer 5

Mr. Bacon Author

Level 1

78 points

Aug 3, 2023 8:44 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Dishonesty and selective editing isn't likely to help. I described my situation and asked for suggestions for a cable that might improve the performance. I've been a satisfied Mac user for over 35 years. Nowhere did call "ALL Apple MacBook Pro hardware junk," I was speaking of the USB C ports, and the backwards flow of an "upgrade." Simple facts. You not appreciating my experience doesn't make me uncivil. I pointed out that USB C is not all that it's cracked up to be AND provided various external sources to back that up. Interestingly, I've received not a single useful suggestion for a very simple question. Maybe going elsewhere isn't a bad idea. I remember Steve Jobs whose intent (performance rather than bottom line) seems not to have rubbed onto Tim Cook, who worked with him for years.

Also, I've converted dozens of PC/Microstuffed users to Apple and want to do all I can to see Apple maintain its superiority.

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Answer 6

Mr. Bacon Author

Level 1

78 points

Aug 5, 2023 3:52 PM in response to steve626

For heaven's sake, I provided that very info and examples of users of many brands of computer who are having exactly the same problems, I am, i.e. "USB C is ridiculously flawed," "It's 2022 and USB-C is still a mess," "USB-C port manufacturing/design defect or flaw?" "It’s 2022, so why is USB-C still so **** complicated?" Hardly a one off, and this MacBook HAS been to the Mac store where they found nothing wrong and admitted the problem is common (they did charge me for the non-discovery, however). What I was hoping for was a brand of connector cable which works the best with the obviously flawed USB C. I gave up and did my own research, finding, https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-cables/ thus answering, as I all too often have to do, my own question.

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Answer 7

Mr. Bacon Author

Level 1

78 points

Aug 5, 2023 4:25 PM in response to Mr. Bacon

For heaven's sake, I provided that very info and examples of users of many brands of computer who are having exactly the same problems that I am, i.e. "USB C is ridiculously flawed," "It's 2022 and USB-C is still a mess," "USB-C port manufacturing/design defect or flaw?" "It’s 2022, so why is USB-C still so **** complicated?" Hardly a one off, and this MacBook HAS been to the Mac store where they found nothing wrong and admitted the problem is common (they did charge me for the non-discovery, however). What I was hoping for was a brand of connector cable which works the best with the obviously flawed USB C. I gave up and did my own research, finding, https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-cables/ thus answering, as I all too often have to do, my own question.

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Answer 8

Aug 5, 2023 4:52 PM in response to Mr. Bacon

Experience shows that people who enter screaming will probably never be satisfied, so Readers here are not willing to put much energy into finding a solution for you. To be certain that there is no ambiguity:

"It's your attitude"

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