Apple is permitting owners of its sleek, stylish 12-inch new MacBook to use third-party cables and adapters compatible with the single USB Type-C port.
In a detailed support page for the MacBook, Apple says users can plug in any cable, adapter or drive that can work with USB-C as long as they meet the required USB Power Delivery specification.
However, users will not be able to use third-party USB hubs or devices to charge their new MacBooks. For that purpose, they will have to use the USB-C Charge Cable and the 29W USB-C Power Adapter — which shouldn't be a problem, as both come in the box.
Earlier this year, Apple released the new MacBook with Retina display, a Force Touch trackpad and a slim profile to the awe and wonder of its loyal fans. But despite the rave reviews the MacBook received, many people were irked at Apple for doing away with all the ports except for a single USB-C port.
USB-C itself is not the problem. Indeed, it's believed to be the next generation of USB as it is faster, more convenient, and generally better than all current USB standards. But putting in only one port means users can't even charge their MacBooks and transfer files at the same time.
To remedy the problem, Apple has added a slew of USB-C-compatible cables and adapters to its line of MacBook accessories. In the usual Apple style, they're expensive. Apple's own USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter – which connects to a charging cable, a standard USB device and a VGA-enabled TV – sets users back $79. The USB-C to USB Adapter costs $19 — while users can buy similar products from Amazon at less than half the price.
Other manufacturers are also coming up with their own USB-C cables and adapters — partly to supply to new MacBook customers and partly to catch up to Apple's decision to go USB-C. Belkin has an entire host of cables for connecting different kinds of USB standards to a USB-C port. The cheapest cables, those that connect to micro-USB, cost $19, but other items are actually more expensive than Apple's products.
Monoprice is also offering lower-priced USB-C-compatible cables and adapters, which start at $10 for a three-foot USB-C to USB-A cable. Users might also be interested in the USB-C to DisplayPort Cable and USB-C to HDMI Adapter, which are labeled "Coming Soon" on Monoprice's website. Both items cost $34.99 each and are equivalent to Apple's first-party VGA and digital AV multiport adapters.
And for customers who need more storage on their MacBook, which comes in 256 GB and 512 GB configurations, LaCie offers its new Porsche Design mobile drive with a USB-C-friendly connector in 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB.
