All new Apple gear, whether it’s a MacBook Pro laptop or a MacBook Air, or even iMac desktops, come with an increasingly limited number of ports, and if you want more, like the new ones. . IMac, you will have to pay for them.
Added to this is the fact that these ports are only of one type: Thunderbolt, which is compatible with USB-C. A 24-inch iMac comes with two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports; some models also include two USB-C ports.
As of today, you probably have devices that use USB-A, Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, DisplayPort, HDMI, or something else. That being said: how are you going to connect them to your new equipment? There is no choice but to use one of the Thunderbolt adapters that we offer here.
If you are planning to buy a new 24-inch iMac, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, be sure to set aside a considerable amount in your budget for the adapters you will need. Apple does not include any in the box except the power adapter.
The best option is usually to choose to buy a combo base, such as the multiport adapter Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C for $ 59.99 at Amazon. Another similar device is the D-Link DUB-M810 with a total of 8 connectors in 1 of similar price.
Both connect via USB-C and include a USB-C pass-through port, two USB 3.0 ports, as well as a 4K (30Hz) compatible HDMI port for an additional display. With this, you won’t have to carry multiple adapters on your travels.
If you don’t want to buy a base, or can’t find a base with the combination of connections you need, Apple or another company probably has the adapter you are looking for. We’ve created this guide to help you choose what you really need.
Be sure to check the product return policies. Sometimes third-party adapters don’t work as they should. Consult the opinions of users where possible and read the specifications carefully.
How to connect USB-C devices
Thunderbolt ports on the new 24 inch iMac, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air work with USB-C devices, which have the same connector shape. If you want to use a USB-C device, you can simply connect it to one of the Thunderbolt ports.
No additional adapters are needed, unless you have already occupied them. Uff.
How to connect USB-A devices
USB-A is probably the most familiar USB connector. This is the USB connector we had in previous MacBooks. (Terms such as USB 4, USB 3, and USB 2 refer to the speed at which data travels through the connector.)
In newer models this connector is gone, so you’ll have to resort to an adapter like the Satechi or D-Link mentioned above. You can also get the Apple’s official adapter from USB-C to USB for a price of 25 $.
If you need to connect multiple USB-A devices, opt for a USB-C to USB-A hub instead. On Amazon you will find models of very varied brands, as is the case of the model 12 in 1 by VAVA.
How to connect SuperSpeed micro B devices
The connector is often used with external storage devices. You will need a new cable, such as the USB C to Micro USB cable from StarTech from only 15 $.
The name of the cable is confusing, as it could be confused with micro USB. But if you check out the product page on the website of StarTech, you will be able to see a clear picture of the SuperSpeed micro B connector on the cable, which is quite different from the micro USB.
How to connect an iPhone or iPad
Well, that will largely depend on what model or generation of iPhone or iPad device you have, because if you’re still using the USB-A to Lightning cable (or 30 pin if it’s older) you will need to maybe the USB-C to USB Adapter previously mentioned.
If it turns out that you don’t want to use an adapter, you’ll need to purchase one of the Lightning to USB-C cables that cost around $ 12.99 from Amazon. You can get a longer version (up to 2 meters) and braided for a little more money.
New iPhones and iPads include a USB-C to Lightning cable, and the iPad Pro includes a USB-C charging cable since this is its new connection port, so you won’t need it. adapter for these new devices.
How to connect Lightning headphones
This is a adapter With a Lightning female connector on one end and standard USB-C on the other, so you can use compatible headphones on your MacBook or iMac computer through any of the included ports.
How to connect a 3.5mm headphone jack
In this case, we are in luck. The MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and 24-inch iMac (2021) retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, so just plug it in and go. It’s simple.
If you need a second headphone adapter, you can always use a 3.5mm audio splitter. There is infinity, like the Belkin with outputs to connect up to 5 different headphones.
How to connect Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 devices
Earlier versions of Thunderbolt have a different connector than the Thunderbolt connector on today’s 24-inch MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac. The adapter you need is Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 from Apple which amounts to costing around 55 $.
How to connect with an external display
This can consume a large chunk of your budget as there are many different types of display connectors. Then we will tell you the combinations with which you can find so as not to get lost or take surprises.
DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort
To connect your computer to a DisplayPort display, you need a USB-C to DisplayPort cable or adapter. At
If you need a adapter mini DisplayPort, the price for which you will find it will be very similar.
HDMI
Apple offers the adapter multipuerto USB-C digital AV, but for a price of 79 $, which also has a USB-A port and a USB-C port which will only be used for recharging. Be careful. Apple released a new version of this adapter (model number A2119) in August 2019 that supports HDMI 2.0.
The old version (model number A1621) supports HDMI 1.4. If you’re buying on the web, you can check the box for the model number, and in an Apple Store, you’ll likely get the new model.
But if you buy elsewhere or at a possible sale, you could end up buying the old model. Apple has a support document which details the differences between the two adapters.
If you don’t want to spend that much money on an adapter, you can always resort to any model of Amazon which meets what you are looking for, with models starting at 10 $.
DVI
If you still have a monitor at home with this type of DVI connector, you will need a USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) to DVI cable to use it. You will find an infinity of Models with different lengths according to your requirement.
VGA
Another of the video connectors with more tradition is that of VGA. Although Apple has its USB-C to VGA multiport adapter, you will find in Amazon a wide offer. Make sure to choose male or female connectors depending on your monitor layout.
How to connect to Ethernet
You will probably use a Wi-Fi wireless connection most of the time to connect to your home network, but using a wired Ethernet connection has its advantages during times of telecommuting when countless devices are connected to your network.
To connect to an Ethernet network, you need an adapter such as the Adapter Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet, available on Amazon for $ 29.99. Be careful because many hubs include this serial port.
How to connect SD cards
If you are using a DLSR camera or some other kind of standalone camera, you may have a way to transfer your files wirelessly. Otherwise, you will need an adapter to access the SD card.
The dual slot USB C card reader Ugreen It will cost you a little over $ 12.
How to Connect FireWire Devices
If you have a FireWire to USB-A cable, you can try using the USB-C to USB Adapter from Apple.
If you have a device with a 4-pin 1394 FireWire connector (commonly used in video cameras), you will need to use a USB-A to FireWire 1394 cable 4-pin ($ 6.99 on Amazon) with the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter.
Trying to connect FireWire 400 and 800 devices becomes more complicated. Apple has a adapter Thunderbolt to FireWire for 55 $, but it also has a connector Older, cheaper Thunderbolt that doesn’t support the latest specs.
How to connect a printer with USB-B
Most printers today offer wireless connectivity, so you don’t need a cable. But maybe you have an older printer, or wireless printing isn’t entirely reliable.
Most consumer printers have a USB-B port. It is a square connector, very different from USB-A or USB-C. To use it, you will need a cable such as USB C printer cable from Posugear 3 meters long for less than 10 $.
If you already have an adapter USB-C and USB, you can use the USB-A to USB-B cable that came with your printer and connect it to the adapter. From there you can connect it to your laptop as a bridge.
How to add a MagSafe power connector to your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro
The power adapter included with the new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air does not have a removable MagSafe connector. MagSafe was a lifeline for laptops in the past when someone tripped over the power cord to prevent falls.
But you can still add a MagSafe connector. It is possible to use magnetic connectors such as cafes with transfer magnet and 2 meters in length. This is a power cable only with an adapter that acts as a MagSafe connector.
Do not miss our ranking of best USB-C hubs for Mac, where you will find endless possibilities united in the same device, with which you will invest in the purchase of a very versatile product.
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