2016 macbook pro accessories, usb help

Question

Level 1

8 points

2016 macbook pro accessories, usb help

just got it to replace mid-2010 model! Will miss the ports and the internal CD/DVD drive, as i switch, so I need a hub that will connect the thunderbolt to several USB ports, compatible with USB 2.0 for older devices I have (Apple cable i got only gives me one). Not interested in speed or HDMI. Also need recommendation for external CD drive, all the ones i looked are non-name brands with mixed reviews. Don't want Apple super-drive, too expensive and bad reviews!

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, 2 TBT3), iOS 11.1

Posted on Nov 11, 2017 7:29 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Nov 11, 2017 9:02 AM in response to silviasr

Hi,

Google for thunderbolt 3/usb-c to usb hub and you'll find too many of them for me to list. Find one you like and check Amazon reviews for it. Base your purchase on the number of ports you need, reviews, and price. Note that they'll be USB 3, but that is backwards compatible with USB 2.

Reply

Answer 2

silviasr Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 11, 2017 9:05 AM in response to tjk

thank you - i had done that and it's a bit overwhelming as you say... too many, all unknown brands, and like everything the reviews go from awful to fantastic.... one seller ( of a lenovo device) replied they were all usb 3.0 and not necessarily compatible with usb 2.0.

Reply

Answer 3

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Nov 11, 2017 10:52 AM in response to silviasr

Narrow down the reviews by using the search term "Mac" in Amazon, then base your decision on that if your other criteria are me. Don't worry about names. There are so many unknown names because this is all so new, but some are dependable as evidenced by their Mac reviews.

Don't know what to say about the seller claiming incompatibility with USB 2; the USB 3 standard states that it is compatible with USB 2....

Reply

Answer 4

silviasr Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 27, 2017 11:51 AM in response to silviasr

just got around to this. the choices were overwhelming, i bought a simple lenovo with 4 usb 3.0 ports on amazon and very, very small footprint (around $17). it's gone from the site - when i click on my order a different lenovo appears. But an unexpected problem came up: it interferes with my router and I lose my wifi connection. I thought this was really weird, so I started browsing for another inexpensive simple one, and one of them mentioned the exact same problem with a simple Anker! For now I am using the apple thunderbolt to a single USB and then an amazon basics hub with four 2.0 ports I was using in my old mac.

Reply

Answer 5

silviasr Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 27, 2017 2:26 PM in response to tjk

it's actually about 8 ft away - as far as it goes.

maybe things will get better once FIOS actually arrives for apts in DC - still using DSL so the hub is the least of my problems... thanks for the help.

Reply

Answer 6

Nov 27, 2017 2:42 PM in response to silviasr

You could probably find this cheaper, but I have this one and I love it! It looks like it's part of the laptop with not only its snug fit, but also the colors match!

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hyperdrive-usb-type-c-hub-for-select-apple-macbook- laptops-space-gray/5833400.p?skuId=5833400&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=04abf7bc-97c8-4a62 -b496-7cde024df73f&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=pg199075&ksdevice=c&lsft=ref:212,loc:2

Reply

Answer 7

silviasr Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 11, 2017 10:53 AM in response to tjk

thanks!

Reply

Answer 8

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Nov 11, 2017 10:54 AM in response to silviasr

You're welcome. 🙂 Hope you'll post back when you get one and have had a chance to try it out.

Reply

Answer 9

tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Nov 27, 2017 1:36 PM in response to silviasr

It's not common, but as you've found out, USB 3 can interfere with other things that are too close. How close is your router? Can you move it away from the hub?

Reply