MacBook Air 2018 basic hub options?

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Level 1

24 points

MacBook Air 2018 basic hub options?

Hi All,

I've been asked by a friend to help out with their home set up. They just bought a new MacBook Air and as well as using it on the go, they want to set it up at home connected to a monitor, keyboard & trackpad, with the option of being able to connect external USB drives while being able to charge it at the same time...

I think a basic hub like this will do the job:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07CNZNQKZ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A1BZ6O 1SQKWP4D&psc=1

But I'm not sure if there's anything better to recommend, or if they could go cheaper, or if I'm missing something. I've not moved over to Thunderbolt 3 yet so I don't know my way around the tech... Any advice?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)

Posted on Nov 28, 2018 3:13 AM

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Answer 1

dwb

Level 7

33,310 points

Nov 28, 2018 10:13 AM in response to beanwalls

As I've looked at hubs one thing I've noticed is that there are a lot of multi-port hubs that look the same with different offbrand names. I'd definitely look for something from a name brand company. In my own current setup I'm using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse which eliminates the need for 2 ports. If you keep one USB C for free for charging then the second could used to connect a hub that provides video and addition USB ports. There are a number of name brand hubs that match that description.

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Answer 2

beanwalls Author

Level 1

24 points

Nov 28, 2018 6:27 AM in response to beanwalls

I also wonder if perhaps they bought a USB-C monitor (some which I've heard will charge the MacBook at the same time as connecting a monitor) then they wouldn't need anything other than a USB-C to USB3 adaptor...

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Answer 3

beanwalls Author

Level 1

24 points

Nov 28, 2018 10:48 AM in response to dwb

Do you have any suggestions of name brands? I've not heard of any of the ones I've found so far...

Also, what do you think about the idea of getting a USB-C monitor that will act as a charger at the same time - so only using one port to do two things, leaving one free to connect a simple USB 3 hub and that gives them everything they want.. and frees up the charger that comes with the Air to be used when travelling and so no need to buy a second...

I don't know if that's a good angle. I might be wrong about what these monitors can do, or the ones that can might be very expensive...

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Answer 4

dwb

Level 7

33,310 points

Nov 28, 2018 11:39 AM in response to beanwalls

I don't know anything about recent displays with USB C support other than what I've read at Amazon but what I have read leaves me thinking that the display isn't using the same computer port for both receiving video and charging the computer.

As far as name brands go: I've purchased products made by Ankor, Lenova, iogear and sabrent which have pleased me.

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MacBook Air 2018 basic hub options?

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