Does a decent charging usb-c hub exist?

Question

Level 2

305 points

Does a decent charging usb-c hub exist?

One size compromise in the new MacBook is really problematic: only a single USB-C connection which is also necessary for charging. That means that you can only use that connection for either charging or something else. Hence, the Apple VGA/DVI adapters have a charging USB-C port so you can charge and use VGA/DVI. But that means you cannot put anything else on that port again (such as some other USB gadget).

What is needed is a MacBook hub/minidock where you can attach the Apple charger via USB-C (and which then passes the charging on to the MacBook) and which has then still more USB-C (USB 3.1 preferably) ports left in such a way that things like Target Disk Mode works if you need it and that you can still attach more USB-C devices, such as USB-C to Gigabit ethernet, USB-C to VGA etc. without having to run your MacBook on battery power.

And for charging the MacBook, you need 29W on the USB-C port that goes from the hub/dock to the MacBook and it needs to understand the charging protocol.

I would have thought that given the need for such a thing, it would be available from some third party provider, but I haven't been able to find one.

The ideal minidock would have minimally

- Get power in from Apple Charger with USB-C

- Connect to MacBook and pass on the charging @ 29W with the charging protocol supported so the MacBook gets charged

- Have at least one extra USB-C USB3.1 available (e.g. for gigabit ethernet converter or other USB use)

- Have VGA (and DVI) available (for presentations and such)

So, my question is: is there such a versatile beast?

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), Core i7, 27"

Posted on Nov 7, 2015 2:54 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Nov 7, 2015 3:51 AM in response to Gerben Wierda

Lots of:

look for a selfpowered usb hub: do not buy the ones with a second usb connector for power, but buy one with a decent power connector for connection to the wall outlet. Buy a USB3 hub that is usb2 compatible.

Do not buy cheap stuff from unknown brands.

For example on Amazon you will find dozens.

En een goede dag gewenst,

Lex

Reply

Answer 2

John0001

Level 2

396 points

Nov 7, 2015 4:19 AM in response to Gerben Wierda

Not exactly what you're looking for (no additional USB C except the charging) but this is coming soon:

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/hub-usb-c-hub-card-reader-display-port-and-more-06- 05-2015/

more exciting since ts the only USB C to Thunderbolt adapter I know of.

Reply

Answer 3

Gerben Wierda Author

Level 2

305 points

Nov 7, 2015 4:38 AM in response to John0001

John0001, Hub+ is a Kickstarter project which seems to have failed. The site explains why: there are no chipsets yet which can do this reliably and according to the people behind the project there are no such chipsets on the horizon. This might explain why there are no good products yet.

October 14 Very Important Update and a Big Decision Dear Backers, Hope you are doing well. We understand that you may be feeling frustrated and maybe even angry at the moment in regards to the delay. We, like you,... Read more 115 Comments 109 likes

Reply

Answer 4

Gerben Wierda Author

Level 2

305 points

Nov 7, 2015 4:40 AM in response to Lexiepex

LexSchellings — Will one of those hubs also charge the MacBook when in use?

Reply

Answer 5

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Nov 7, 2015 7:02 AM in response to Gerben Wierda

No.

for that you need the charger.

Reply

Answer 6

Nov 7, 2015 7:07 AM in response to Gerben Wierda

Try one of these: https://eshop.macsales.com/preorder/OWC-USB-C-Dock/

Reply

Answer 7

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Nov 7, 2015 7:22 AM in response to Gerben Wierda

The usb port is approx 1 Amp, at 5 Volts this means 5 Watts. The mac charger is about 60-90 Watts.

Reply

Answer 8

Gerben Wierda Author

Level 2

305 points

Nov 7, 2015 8:07 AM in response to Lexiepex

@LexSchellings Yep, you still need the charger. So the essential bottleneck remains: you either use the USB-C or you charge through it.

@Phil0124, The OWC dock has this charing and using, but it is huge (not really useful to carry around if you have just shelled out max for the Retina ultra-portable and they do not show the extra power adapter that comes with it so you will be carrying two) and it also does not provide any reuse of either previous Thunderbolt (to VGA, DVI, etc.) adapters or thunderbolt/MiniDisplayPort monitors, it only offers 4K HDMI, so you have to shell out for yet more adapters to connect to most existing monitors and beamers. Oh, and it is not available, only promised, so we'll have to see if it materialises.

I think this is a design problem which needs a solution and I also think Apple should at least have provided one themselves. Just a decent USB-C hub that would allow charging and using in full would have done it. One with also at least a single thunderbolt port would have been nice.

The ultimate dock for me:

- Is small, easy to carry

- Uses the existing power adapter from Apple that you already have so you do not have to carry another.

- Powers the MacBook

- Has USB-C (USB 3.1) port(s)

- Has either thunderbolt ports (so you can reuse existing adapters) or VGA/DVI/Gigabit Ethernet

- Supports the MacBook in Target Disk Mode on USB-C

Reply

Answer 9

Lanny

Level 6

13,225 points

Nov 7, 2015 8:57 AM in response to Lexiepex

The mac charger is about 60-90 Watts.

FYI: The Mac charger that ships with the 12" MacBook, the subject of this posting, is 29 watts.

Reply

Answer 10

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Nov 8, 2015 1:30 AM in response to Gerben Wierda

You can charge the macbook through the USB-C port, but you need the charger. I am not sure there exists a hub that will pass power into the USB port. The USB-C port when becoming more used, may be there will be USB-C hubs.

Reply

Answer 11

Gerben Wierda Author

Level 2

305 points

Nov 8, 2015 5:54 AM in response to Lexiepex

@LexSchellings — And that is exactly the core problem: the current situation is: either use the USB-C for charging or use it for something else. Only Apple's DVI/VGA adapters pass on charging so far, I believe.

Reply

Answer 12

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Nov 8, 2015 8:03 AM in response to Gerben Wierda

Yes, not much to discuss now. Maybe start a kickstarter project?

Reply