usb-c Archives - MacSparky https://www.macsparky.com/blog/tag/usb-c/ Get More Productive with Your Apple Gear Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:29:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.macsparky.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cropped-MacSparky-Logo-2022-Slate-White-32x32.png usb-c Archives - MacSparky https://www.macsparky.com/blog/tag/usb-c/ 32 32 The New Apple Pencil https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2023/10/the-new-apple-pencil/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 01:28:58 +0000 https://www.macsparky.com/?p=15155 This week, Apple released a new budget Apple Pencil ($79 US) that dumps the Lightning connector for USB-C. I like that they took the trouble to change the design. The old Lightning pencil had the plug at the top, leaving me with a (nearly) irresistible desire to turn my iPad into the world’s most expensive... Continue reading →

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New Apple Pencil

This week, Apple released a new budget Apple Pencil ($79 US) that dumps the Lightning connector for USB-C. I like that they took the trouble to change the design. The old Lightning pencil had the plug at the top, leaving me with a (nearly) irresistible desire to turn my iPad into the world’s most expensive and precarious lollipop. This new design saves us from the temptation.

This also marks another step in Apple removing the Lightning connector from the line. When considering what is next for the transition to USB-C, my money’s on keyboards, trackpads, and Magic Mouse. Wouldn’t it be nice if the Apple Mouse got a redesign in the process to something that doesn’t have to be turned on its side to charge?

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]]> iPhone 15 Pro Max First Impressions (MacSparky Labs) https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2023/09/iphone-15-pro-max-first-impressions-macsparky-labs/ Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:26:23 +0000 https://www.macsparky.com/?p=15071 I heard from several of you over the weekend that are enjoying your new iPhones and Apple Watches. Good on you. I spent the weekend kicking the tires on my new iPhone 15 Pro Max, and I dig it… This is a post for MacSparky Labs Members only. Care to join? Or perhaps do you... Continue reading →

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]]> I heard from several of you over the weekend that are enjoying your new iPhones and Apple Watches. Good on you. I spent the weekend kicking the tires on my new iPhone 15 Pro Max, and I dig it… This is a post for MacSparky Labs Members only. Care to join? Or perhaps do you need to sign in?

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]]> Untangling USB-C https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2021/12/untangling-usb-c/ Wed, 29 Dec 2021 17:07:37 +0000 https://www.macsparky.com/?p=11485 I just recently discovered Glenn Fleishman’s post about the confusing state of USB-C cables and how to (more or less) untangle them. The problem, if you didn’t already know, is that even though all USB-C cables have the same connector, they don’t have the same capabilities. Just recently I ran a speed test on my... Continue reading →

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]]> I just recently discovered Glenn Fleishman’s post about the confusing state of USB-C cables and how to (more or less) untangle them. The problem, if you didn’t already know, is that even though all USB-C cables have the same connector, they don’t have the same capabilities. Just recently I ran a speed test on my external USB-C cabled SSD only to discover that its performance was way below spec. Unknowingly, I had used one of my short USB-C charging cables instead of one of my short USB-C data cables, which is much faster. Glenn’s piece on this mess is excellent.

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]]> Review: Inateck Aluminum Unibody USB-C 3 Port USB and Ethernet Hub https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2015/09/review-inateck-aluminum-unibody-usb-c-3-port-usb-and-ethernet-hub/ Tue, 08 Sep 2015 15:47:03 +0000 https://macsparky.wpengine.com/2015/09/2015-9-review-inateck-aluminum-unibody-usb-c-3-port-usb-and-ethernet-hub/ With the inclusion of the USB-C port, the new MacBook is more friendly to third party parts manufacturers than it has been in a long time. There’s already a long list of established accessory makers and upstart Kickstarters all cooking up ideas to take advantage of this new port.  View fullsize One of the first... Continue reading →

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]]> With the inclusion of the USB-C port, the new MacBook is more friendly to third party parts manufacturers than it has been in a long time. There’s already a long list of established accessory makers and upstart Kickstarters all cooking up ideas to take advantage of this new port. 



One of the first arrivals in my bag is the Inateck Unibody USB Hub (Product Page) (Amazon). This travel-friendly device features three bus powered USB 3.0 ports and an Gigabit Ethernet port. This is all in a small package less than 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. It has a 1 foot USB-C cable attached for plugging into your MacBook. I’ve been testing the Inatech against the Apple USB to USB-C adapter and find no discernable difference in data transfer speeds. While about $10 more than the Apple adapter, I think the Inatech’s two additional USB ports and Gigabit Ethernet make it the better value.

I like this device because it has a nice aluminum design that is befitting the new MacBook and gives me a lot of flexibility for just a little room in my bag.


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