USB3 ports on my new Macbook Pro are so close together, I can't see how to use 2 on one side

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Level 1

8 points

USB3 ports on my new Macbook Pro are so close together, I can't see how to use 2 on one side

Seems like the new Macbook Pros have a bad design decision in that the ports are so close to each other, that any connector takes up too much room to be that close to another connector.

I've had to buy $100 in new connectors already, so I can hook up to 2 monitors. But with those cables in, I can't use the other ports.

My connectors to HDMI are a slim profile. It's not like they're honking big.

Is this a way to force me to buy Apple's cables?

Seems like a really bad design. :-(

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)

Posted on Oct 14, 2017 7:22 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Gary Scotland

Level 7

25,898 points

Oct 15, 2017 10:04 AM in response to kblock111

Seems like the new Macbook Pros have a bad design decision in that the ports are so close to each other, that any connector takes up too much room to be that close to another connector.

I do not understand the problem you are having, I have a MacBook Pro 13 inch 2017 with two USB-C ports and have not encountered any issues using any of the USB-C connectors I have. I took this picture today of My MacBook Pro with the Apple supplied charger and a USB-C to VGA adaptor connected. As can be seen there is plenty room for two connections at the same time:

So what is the make and model of the items you are connecting?

None of the USB-C connectors I use cause any problems, whatever the combination I use them in:

USB-C to:

VGA
HDMI
USB 3 socket
Thunderbolt
Gigabit Ethernet Adaptor
Belkin Hub (expensive but the most useful accessory Iv ever bought for a laptop) image below:

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Answer 2

kblock111 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 15, 2017 8:01 AM in response to leroydouglas

It said, "brand new with USB3 ports", so I would have thought that would be enough info. It's a 2017 where they got rid of the lightning connectors and replaced them with USB3 ports that are ridiculously close together.

At the least, I was hoping someone with the same model would let me know how they're dealing with the lack of thoughtful design. :-(

I'm assuming if you spend the $$$ and buy Apple connectors, that may be one solution but I'm hoping there's some other ideas out there.

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Answer 3

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,209 points

Oct 14, 2017 8:25 AM in response to kblock111

This is a user-to-user support forum. That isn't a problem that I've had and I do have some 3rd party cables, but if you want to let Apple know, you may want to also post to Feedback - MacBook Pro - Apple

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Answer 4

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,209 points

Oct 15, 2017 8:29 AM in response to kblock111

kblock111 wrote:

I am looking for user-to-user support. Do you have a MacBook Pro with USB3 connectors? If so, I would find it boggling (or maybe lucky), that you've had no issues using both ports on one side.

Yes. No issues.

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Answer 5

Oct 15, 2017 8:48 AM in response to kblock111

Third-party adapters will likely do the function specified. Their manufacturers have no motivation to make the computer-end small. Their manufacturers just want them to be cheap enough, so they are optimized for ease of manufacture.

Apple adapters are made to be used in exactly the environment of an Apple Notebook computer. In addition to being very likely to do the jobs you require, they have a great deal of though behind their physical design as well. Looking at the list of USB-C adapters available at the Apple Online store, it appears to me that each one has a very small and delicate USB-C plug, so that they will not crash into the device in the next port.

I would like to propose a radical theory: Apple adapters will work with your Mac, first time, every time. And that is why they are WORTH their premium prices.

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Answer 6

kblock111 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 15, 2017 10:05 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Haha, what would be even more radical would be if they allowed people to use the things they buy from any vendor. But yeah...Apple.

I already wasn't appreciating having to buy all kinds of brand new connectors and adapters.

But I may need to either go with Apple or buy things in person where I can see how wide they actually are.

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Answer 7

kblock111 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 15, 2017 10:09 AM in response to Gary Scotland

That hub looks sweet! I will look into it.

I bought some USB-C to HDMI connectors that have a pretty thin profile. But then I bought some USB-C to USB-2 from Aukey and they're not super wide, but apparently too wide to get in next to another connector.

I need to connect to two monitors.

The power unfortunately, takes up another port.

And that leaves me with one more port and apparently I need a new adapter for it.

The hub is probably the way to go.

Thanks!

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Answer 8

Oct 14, 2017 8:32 AM in response to kblock111

Do you say what Mac specifically you are using?

Model , year

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Answer 9

kblock111 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 15, 2017 8:03 AM in response to FoxFifth

I am looking for user-to-user support. Do you have a MacBook Pro with USB3 connectors? If so, I would find it boggling (or maybe lucky), that you've had no issues using both ports on one side.

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Answer 10

Oct 15, 2017 12:31 PM in response to kblock111

The Apple HDMI adapter is a Multi-Port adapter that has another USB-C so you can plug in the power adapter next to the HDMI port, and gives back a rectangular USB-A/USB-2 port in the process.

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