Just this morning Apple refreshed its 12-inch MacBook with a faster processor and improved battery life. Whether you’re springing for the new models released today or going refurbished, you’ll likely need a few key accessories to round out your setup. While the MacBook has an attractive thin design, it comes at the cost of a single USB-C port. Additionally, it can be a tough sell as an everyday machine without some external input devices. Head below for a roundup of some of our favorite accessories for the 12-inch MacBook.
An excellent place to start is with some USB-C cables. Whether it’s for powering your device or transferring data, a few extra are bound to come in handy. We’re big fans of Anker’s USB-C cables, with a solid name and a variety of options, it’s a safe bet for your new MacBook. Here’s a look at a few options available:
- 3.3-foot USB-C to USB 3.0: $10
- Powerline Reinforced 3-ft. USB-C to USB-C: $12
- Powerline Reinforced 3-ft. USB-C to USB 3.0: $12
- 3-ft. USB-C to microUSB : $8
If you’re in need of additional length, this 10-ft. braided nylon option from iOrange-E for $11.49 should do the trick.
One of the major complaints about the 12-inch MacBook is its lack of ports. There are a few different ways to solve this problem. One of the easiest is to add a USB-C hub to your setup that will bring additional I/O to the party. This Satechi Type-C 3-in-1 hub offers two USB 3.0 ports, a pass-through USB-C charging port, plus SD and microSD card readers. It is designed specifically for the 12-inch MacBook with complimentary color and styling. It retails for $44.99 at Amazon. An alternative would be HooToo’s 3-port USB 3.1 hub with HDMI and SD card inputs. Although it is more expensive at $79.99, it offers a powered USB port and video output.
If you feel like you’re only in need of a few added USB 3.0 ports, there are additional options available at lower price points. Anker’s 3-port hub is a simple solution to increase your inputs plus it has a built-in Ethernet port for wired connectivity, if needed. At $27.99, it’s a solid addition at an affordable price point.
Apple’s base configuration for the 12-inch MacBook ships with 256GB of flash storage but sometimes you need to quickly transfer your files from one device to another. SanDisk has a line of USB-C storage products that are perfect for these types of situations. Its Ultra USB-C type flash drives are available in capacities ranging from 16GB to 128GB and start at just $11.40. If you’re frequently going between other devices, SanDisk’s Dual USB 3.0/C drives are also quite handy to have in your bag. These feature a USB 3.0 port on one end and a C connector on the other. It’s a great way to transfer files from your 12-inch MacBook without fears of compatibility. It currently sells for $38 at Amazon.
One of the least discussed benefits of the 12-inch MacBook’s USB-C port is the ability to charge your device with a power bank if needed. You’ll need a high capacity battery with quick transfer speeds to keep things running. We recommend Anker’s PowerCore+ 20,100mAh USB-C and dual-port USB 3.0 battery pack. That’s a large enough capacity to fully charge a MacBook one time. With two different USB ports, you’ll be able to use it for all of your devices. It is capable of pushing out 5V/3A via the USB-C output. Even better, this power bank ships with a USB-C cable.
More MacBook Accessories:
Griffin BreakSafe Magnetic USB-C Power Cable: $40 | Griffin
Kanex USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter: $15 | Amazon – Full Review
Aukey USB-C to HDMI Adapter: $20 | Amazon
TechMatte USB-C to microUSB Adapter: $8 | Amazon
Samsung T3 Portable USB-C External Solid-State Drives: from $100 | Amazon
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Ive found the KADi Port to be my personal favourite, its not metal like the Satechi hub but its heaps more portable in my opinion!