3 ms·

I don't get the dongle people. You can just buy USB-C to USB-B cords. They cost about the same as dongles. I replaced the cords on all my devices years ago and

I don't get the dongle people. You can just buy USB-C to USB-B cords. They cost about the same as dongles. I replaced the cords on all my devices years ago and never looked back. https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Micro-Braided-Jacket/dp/B00UUBRX0Y https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Micro-Braided-Jacket/dp... https://www.amazon.com/JSAUX-Charger-Braided-Compatible-External/dp/B07CVCKHHR https://www.amazon.com/JSAUX-Charger-Braided-Compatible-Exte... https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Printer-USB-C-Black/dp/B00VKSF39O https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Printer-USB-C-Black/dp/...

smoldesu 5y ago
Or they could have just put both on the laptop like Lenovo has been doing for years. Maybe that tech is too futuristic though, Apple's liable to leave it for the groundbreaking 2026 Macbook Pro that brings back pro ports like USB-A and good old RJ-45.
derekp7 5y ago
It would be really nice if that was the case. However when you pick up a USB C cable, you can't tell if it is suitable for a particular purpose because there are so many optional features in the spec. Data transfer speed, PD, Display Port, HDMI, Thunderbolt 3/4, and probably others that I'm not remembering. I can understand not requiring a heavy gauge wire for a cable that is just transferring data and a bit of power, but it would be really nice if the standard required cables to label the cable ends with symbols representing that cable's capabilities. Oh, and if you have a cable with USB C on both ends, you still can't charge an i-phone since apparently USB C isn't good enough for the phones yet. That's something I really don't understand is even after all these years Apple still hasn't fully standardized on the USB C connector across their devices.
- Eric_WVGG 5y ago
  I agree that the cases of power and displays were very badly handled, but how often does this happen in practice? Your laptop came with a power cord, and if you pick up the wrong one, most retailers are really good about returns. And who needs a collection of display cords? For 90% of use cases any old cord will work. The edge cases sting for sure but overall the design of the plug is a huge win.
  - derekp7 5y ago
    The big thing with power for me is phones and other similar devices. I have one phone that supports a quick charge capability, but I need not only their power brick but also their USB cable (something about a pull up resistor that signals the charger / phone combo to go into fast charging mode). Same thing with a tablet, it has its own fast charging standard. I gave my Pixel C to my Mom, and the charger that came with it seemed to work well on her original Pixel phone. But after a week of using it, the phone went out and had to be replaced. And look up reviews of almost any USB C power delivery hub, they are filled with accounts of Mac's getting fried from using them.
- greentissue 5y ago
  this has been true of USB basically since its 1.0 release. I have micro and mini usb cables, some can charge phones and some cannot. Some can charge my ps3 controllers and some cannot. I bought a usb-a male to usb-a male at some point. Never got it working with anything. Sounds like you have a problem with USB and are just noticing it now with usb-c.

smoldesu 5y ago

Or they could have just put both on the laptop like Lenovo has been doing for years. Maybe that tech is too futuristic though, Apple's liable to leave it for the groundbreaking 2026 Macbook Pro that brings back pro ports like USB-A and good old RJ-45.

derekp7 5y ago

It would be really nice if that was the case. However when you pick up a USB C cable, you can't tell if it is suitable for a particular purpose because there are so many optional features in the spec. Data transfer speed, PD, Display Port, HDMI, Thunderbolt 3/4, and probably others that I'm not remembering. I can understand not requiring a heavy gauge wire for a cable that is just transferring data and a bit of power, but it would be really nice if the standard required cables to label the cable ends with symbols representing that cable's capabilities. Oh, and if you have a cable with USB C on both ends, you still can't charge an i-phone since apparently USB C isn't good enough for the phones yet. That's something I really don't understand is even after all these years Apple still hasn't fully standardized on the USB C connector across their devices.

Eric_WVGG 5y ago
I agree that the cases of power and displays were very badly handled, but how often does this happen in practice? Your laptop came with a power cord, and if you pick up the wrong one, most retailers are really good about returns. And who needs a collection of display cords? For 90% of use cases any old cord will work. The edge cases sting for sure but overall the design of the plug is a huge win.
- derekp7 5y ago
  The big thing with power for me is phones and other similar devices. I have one phone that supports a quick charge capability, but I need not only their power brick but also their USB cable (something about a pull up resistor that signals the charger / phone combo to go into fast charging mode). Same thing with a tablet, it has its own fast charging standard. I gave my Pixel C to my Mom, and the charger that came with it seemed to work well on her original Pixel phone. But after a week of using it, the phone went out and had to be replaced. And look up reviews of almost any USB C power delivery hub, they are filled with accounts of Mac's getting fried from using them.
greentissue 5y ago
this has been true of USB basically since its 1.0 release. I have micro and mini usb cables, some can charge phones and some cannot. Some can charge my ps3 controllers and some cannot. I bought a usb-a male to usb-a male at some point. Never got it working with anything. Sounds like you have a problem with USB and are just noticing it now with usb-c.