(Part 2) Top products from r/macbookpro

OK, I feel like I can help here. I purchased a the base model 2019 13" MBP (8gb ram, 128 GB SSD, i5 1.4ghz) to use for live music production/performance, running multiple audio tracks and multiple midi inputs at once. I was super worried about the 8gb ram, but it performed like a dream. Whatever they did with this new processor makes this thing super smooth.

That said, the only reason I didn't get the 16gb ram is because it would have been a custom order with a two week wait and I needed it ASAP. If I could go back, if I'd had the time, I would have gone with 16gb. Monitoring CPU and memory usage through performances, I can see it pushing up into the upper third of its capabilities. Still very much within its limits, but I would've liked to have the extra leeway. Zero issues with overheating, I hardly ever even hear the fan running. And I'm a huge fan of the keyboard. Sooo smooth and responsive.

I was also super worried about the tiny 128 gb SSD. I got the 1TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, which uses USB-C, and ran all of my sound patches and tracks straight from the hard drive. The data transfer rates are pretty much the same as an internal SSD and I've actually found that I love having all of my big data files on a separate drive now. So the tiny internal drive hasn't been an issue at all and it encourages to be pretty minimalistic as far as what I'm actually keeping on the local drive.

I think the machine with the stats you're looking at is going to be MORE than capable of what you need, and I think the pros of the MBP is still very much worth the extra cost. It's an incredible computer that I expect to have for years to come. And just for reference, my laptop before this was a 2010 MacBook Pro with SSD and 8 gb ram that still runs like an absolute champ, so that should speak to how long these things can last.

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Good luck!!

Ok.. here's my final update. I found another monitor it's more expensive but it is 4k and better on my eyes for coding. I am not coding at UHD resolution though - I'm coding at the 1920x1080 so I can read the text lol.

However for video or such i can switch it back to UHD and enjoy an amazing picture..

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XPJYVF2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And then the doc for my office I am using ( one monitor on usb-c and one on display port)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CZPV8DF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The mini doc i use for traveling around which has my usb adapter for my travel mouse and connects to the hdmi monitor at home is :

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074J79WWJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All are working great!

My solution to my question came in several parts:

First off, I bought a thunderbolt 3 to dual displayport adapter. Works perfectly and with minimal setup. It was this one: "Certified Cable Matters Thunderbolt 3 to Dual DisplayPort Adapter for Mac and Windows Supporting Dual 4K 60Hz"

Then, about a week later a coworker was selling this dock for $40, so I replaced my power supply with that, giving me a bunch more USB ports and allowing me to remove the Anker 7-port hub.

It all works great together, and I have a spare displayport and hdmi connector if I want to expand.

posted this on another thread:

As a 2016 Mbp-tb owner, I'm really feeling that I do not need as many dongles as I expected when I first bought my mac.

The two cables I have and use often:
USB type C to USB 3.1 micro-B (the flat kind for my external HDs)
link

USB type C to HDMI

I also have a transcend portable USB 3.0 port that I used with my old MacBook Pro, connects via USB 3.1 micro B as well. Switched out the connecting cable and works perfectly with my mac. https://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Information-SuperSpeed-USB-TS-HUB3K/dp/B005D69QD8

The good thing is, most of WD's hard drives are connected via 3.1 micro B anyways. So I normally just need to bring one cable to either connect to my USB 3.0 hub or my external hard drive.

To be totally honest, the number of cables/dongles I have for my mbp is actually less than what I used to have to use for my 2011 mbp.

LG 27UK850 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GVTD9N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ex5ZBbH0BD6ZW

But it’s probably more than you want to spend. I have an LG 27ud69 which is probably only $350 right now (haven’t looked) and I connect it via DisplayPort to usb c cable.

I’d just get something like that and a nice usb c dongle for your standard usb needs.

Or you could always get a gently used good condition Thunderbolt Display which has the dock built in. Although they are getting old now, it’s still a high quality display. I use one in addition to the 4k.

Hi! The option you mentioned will NOT work...

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All Retina Mid-2012 - Early 2013 will need an adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/QNINE-Adapter-MacBook-Replacement-Converter/dp/B01LXLU3A9

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You can also only use M.2 SATA drives, like the M.2 860 Evo: https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-500GB-SATA-Internal-MZ-N6E500BW/dp/B078218TWQ

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Good luck!

I have this one and it's awesome. I've also heard really good things about this one, recommended by WireCutter.

Not sure if you mean a plastic snap on case or a sleeve, but this is the sleeve I use and it’s been pretty decent.

Tomtoc Laptop Sleeve for 12.3" Microsoft Surface Pro 5 /4 / 3 | Apple 13 Inch New MacBook Pro A1706 & A1708 | Dell XPS 13 | 11.6" Acer HP ASUS Chromebook Tablet, Support up to 11.97 x 8.36 I https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H4ZRGBY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LxuVAb4MR5D3F

If it did work it would only charge at 5v 3a which would be a measly 15 watts. You would need a USB A to USB C cable and depending on the cable it may further limit change amps.

Honestly I wouldn't even recommend it, to me it's not worth risking your new MacBook. I would buy a USB C USBPD power bank if any have been made yet as the best would be USB C to USB C.

Edit: here is an example on amazon PD USB Type C Portable Charger RAVPower 26800mAh Power Bank (Faster Recharged in 4.5 Hours with USB-C Input; 30W USB C Output; 30W Type-C AC Charger; Dual iSmart 2.0 USB Ports) For Phones, Macbook 12" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LRQDAEI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_06-Oyb3HT2404

https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Aluminum-Multi-Port-Adapter-Ethernet/dp/B01FWT7MEK/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1498406390&sr=8-15&keywords=macbook+pro+ethernet+adapter

MBP has a headphone jack but this is the best I could find

This is GREAT! It's small, durable, 1TB and fast! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078STRHBX/?coliid=I1C3LI5BMCA5ZC&colid=3C272EN14AC&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Absolutely. Its easy to do it, and ifixit actually has a tutorial on it along with many other ones . Essentially you’ll need an ssd caddy like this one:

ESYNiC 2.5inch 9.5mm 2nd Hard... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01I15ZVKY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share (worked flawlessly on my 2011)

Unplug and remove the DVD drive (connected by a sata cable in couple of places iirc)

Then swap the DVD drive with that caddy, and inside the caddy you’ll install your secondary ssd. Ssd will plug and play to the same sata cable as the optical drive.

Edit: to clarify, everything will work as it did before however now you’ll see an additional storage drive. No additional steps are required.

Update-

I bought this case: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N590YOT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It fits the laptop well, but is bulkier than the photos. Lots of protection, but more than I need. Also, although it is the correct dimensions at the 4 corners, it seems like it would fit an iPad on top of the laptop in the main compartment, so it feels a little loose when carrying.

Overall, it will work for most I assume, but not want I want. Will look to other Tomtocs since at least it was sized correctly.

https://www.amazon.com/Rankie-2-Pack-Adapter-Hi-speed-Black/dp/B01EL4PVFE

I got these. Work great. But the speed may not be fast enough for you: USB 3.0.

I don’t think 15 inch sleeves will fit, I would recommend this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HCF0ZMI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OSs0DbEW3SQPZ

You should get a monitor that support DisplayPort. The u2417h is a good monitor. And you should get a usb c - DisplayPort cable that support DisplayPort alt mode.

Choetech

Plugable

I have used both of them. I have had no problems at all.

Hootoo USB-C hub - $60 (I got it on sale $45)
https://www.amazon.com/HooToo-Adapter-Charging-MacBook-Chromebook/dp/B019R9ILTG

Aukey USB-c to USB-3 adapter - $9
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01AUKU1OO/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yontex USB-C to lightning- $10 (they have multiple good variations)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072Q9NM2X/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also purchased a mouse and external CD/DVD Player.

I can’t speak to docks, but my USB-C to DisplayPort cable is from Uni (Amazon Link) and supports display to display pass through so you only need to plug one thing in for both monitors.

I think your 2011 MBp should have a Thunderbolt Port. If you own another Mac with a Thunderbolt Port you could use a TB Cable. Did that once between two Macs and it was pretty fast. IIRC TB 1 offers about 10Gbit/s already.

External TB Drive would work too. But now that the TB2 days are gone i guess that connector won't have a future... there are ext. drives that have both ports, USB3 and TB though

edit: this one looks decent: https://www.amazon.com/LaCie-Rugged-Thunderbolt-Portable-STEV2000400/dp/B01E5YIIWS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496141963&sr=8-3&keywords=thunderbolt+drive

I did a lot of looking and this video by Matt Granger convinced me to get the CharJenPro - it’s $50.
https://youtu.be/XZSnRjDRrvY

https://www.amazon.com/CERTIFIED-CharJenPro-USB-C-ADAPTER-Aluminum-body/dp/B01MXKJC4M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=mattgranphot-20&ie=UTF8&qid=1497903700&sr=8-1&keywords=charjen+usb+c&linkId=e11ca1b69366ed0eb425e36d85b1c132

Wait so is this faster and smaller than those portable ones like SanDisk Extreme Portable https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-1TB-Extreme-Portable-SDSSDE60-1T00-G25/dp/B078STRHBX?

Sounds like you’ll need a dock with dual Display outs. Most can do it if they have at least one DisplayPort and an additional Thunderbolt


Or a Dual DisplayPort USB-C hub and another cable into the other port for charging.

I got a tomco one for my 13". It's a good fit. Nothing special about it but I put it in there and then into my bag for work.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H4ZRGBY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just noticed this happening on my new 15" touchbar MBP. I purchased these Rankie adapters which work perfectly for what I need, but regardless of which port I plug them into, wifi stops working.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EL4PVFE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is this the adapter itself? Apple's ports?

I bought the following and works well with my acer monitor at 4K@60Hz (I also used with a 4K dell monitor, which
I don't remember the model number).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N11K30W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Having said that, I haven't tried it on high sierra.

I'm using this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J4BO0X8 - recommended by https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-usb-c-adapters-cables-and-hubs/

It has "two USB 3.0 ports, Type-C pass-through charging port, and 4K HDMI (30 Hz) video output"

Has been working fine for me so far

I got the same keyboard cover, but I only use it when the lid is open. I am afraid that it might touch the screen when the lid is closed (I made my own simple test and concluded that it is safer to not have anything between the screen and the keyboard when the lid is closed)

I got this tomtoc sleeve. I like it so far.

I got a dbrand skin for scratch protection. top and bottom only, no palm rest, no trackpad.

No screen protector, because again I see to it that nothing is in between the screen and the keyboard.

>Already looking to an adapted for USB and that’s really it for now.

There are two kinds of USB-C to USB-A adapters. The very compact type, and the cable type. The very compact type is nice because they're so small, but the problem they have is sometimes they're so wide the block the next port. The cable type of adapter should not have that problem because the USB-C end is kept narrow.

The nice thing about both is that they are now extremely inexpensive, now well below $10 for a 2-pack.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BK2XL2F/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UUBQ710/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UUBQ710/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Using this. Works great.

I've tried the Dell TB16 and couldn't get it to produce video on my external monitor. It worked for everything else (USB ports and powering my MacBook). For now, I'm using a Dell WD15 dock as a USB hub and power, but use a cheap USB-C dongle with HDMI port to connect to my external monitor.

It’s 27” LG monitor . LG 27UK850-W 27" 4K UHD IPS... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GVTD9N?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I've used the seagate usb drives, oldest one I have is at least 4 years old. bus powered usb 3.0

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https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Portable-External-Photography-STDR2000100/dp/B00FRHTSK4

It is not edited, and it is connected using thunderbolt 2. This is the usb3/Thunderbolt SSD in the photo:

https://www.amazon.es/Lacie-Rugged-Externo-port%C3%A1til-Thunderbolt/dp/B01E5YIIWS/ref=sr_1_3?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=27BTIAAMP6KZA&keywords=thunderbolt+2+ssd&qid=1567234755&s=gateway&sprefix=thunder%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-3

Is this the one that you have?

>what can I expect in term of battery life ? More 2 or 4 hours ?

Depends completely on your usage. Heavy usage will probably get around 2-4 hours.

Don't expect the battery to last all day with 3 VMs running and other stuff.

>Do you have any recommendation for a powerbank able to charge this bad boy ?

https://www.amazon.com/RAVPower-Portable-26800mAh-Recharged-Nintendo/dp/B01LRQDAEI

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Delivery-Charger-Portable/dp/B01MZ61PRW

Your MBP 15 will have a max discharge rate of ~90 watts, the power banks above can push out 30w.

When you have the money I would go for a ‘27 and 4K.

This is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/LG-27UK850-W-Monitor-Connectivity-FreeSync/dp/B078GVTD9N/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549261162&sr=1-4&refinements=p_n_size_browse-bin%3A3547807011&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=lg+monitor&dpPl=1&dpID=51H6TNlg8SL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Aluminum-Multi-Port-Adapter-Ethernet/dp/B01FWT7MEK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487702186&sr=8-1&keywords=satechi+usb+c
the one I use

I was having a similar issue with using HDMI to USB-C and I bought a DP to USB-C and my MBP no longer detected my monitor as a TV. This one worked well for me:

USB C to DisplayPort Cable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075V27G2R?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N11K30W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I’m not entirely sure but I’ve linked what the cable is that I use.

Would this work?

ESYNiC 2.5inch 9.5mm 2nd Hard Drive Caddy Tray for Apple Unibody MacBook MacBook Pro 13 15 17 SuperDrive DVD Drive Enhance Your Data Storage Replacement Only … https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01I15ZVKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_93DdBbJX0MHPW

Um... Wat. External HDs are not that expensive lol there are lots of 1 TB+ eHDs for less than $100. You got scammed

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B079V4L9BD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZovxDbRD3F3NR


https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00FRHTSK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RpvxDb99D714Y

I would not recommend this type of adapter as many in the comments have said its easy to damage your laptop if u puma into something or move it unintentional it will damage ur usb c port or scratch your Mac I personally use a dongle type one that its like $ 30 on amazon and so far so good ill give you a link in case u want to check it out

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074J79WWJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

if i find the damn screwdriver for the backplate I will. nope, fit completely fine. I used this adapter here and it went in without a problem.

https://www.amazon.com/QNINE-Adapter-MacBook-Replacement-Converter/dp/B01LXLU3A9/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=qnine+sata&qid=1556589215&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

How does the breaksafe compare to the stock cable in terms of charge times?

Also, how is the HooToo dongle holding up? Ive read some reviews that it struggles to power more than 2 devices at a time.

Im on the fence between that and this Satechi one

Can't I just use a cable like this: USB-C to DP ? If it works at 4k@60Hz then it should at least do 100-120hz? I don't really need the full 144hz. My MacBook Pro just has 2x USB-C ports.

EDIT: Isn't USB-C like the same as Thunderbolt 3? Or am I retarded?

I bought 2 Aukey adapters and they were absolute shit. They wiggle too much inside the USB-C and constantly drop in/out of connection. If they weren't so cheap, I'd return them.

Shitty ones I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUKU1OO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Another reason those adapters are shitty is you are trading one USB-C/Thunderbolt port for a USB 3.0 port when you could really get a lot more. Shit, the more I think about it, the more I'm pissed I even picked them up at all :)..

But moving on...

I picked up this USB-C hub for travel reasons:

https://www.hypershop.com/collections/usb-type-c/products/hyperdrive-hub-for-usb-c-macbook-pro-13-and-15-2016-2017

I like it because it attaches physically without dangling off of the side of the laptop. It costs more than many you will see on Amazon but I think for two reasons. 1) It's a near-match of the color of the MacBook and made of aluminum so it doesn't feel cheap, and 2) It has HDMI-out since, you know, not everybody has thunderbolt/display ports in 2017, especially if you travel to different locations, HDMI is good to have as an option.

Next, I picked up this enclosure for SDD sata drives:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0716LDKDC/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I popped a 1TB drive in there, and that's where I put my stuff that doesn't need to be on my 512GB drive 24/7. Even VMs run fine from it.

And on a whim, I picked this one up, too:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071DPYR9B/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Why? 3 more USB ports doesn't hurt (the hub mentioned first only gives 2), and it has an Ethernet jack, in those few cases where there's no wifi.

I don't own any yet but I am debating between the Hootoo one and this one, which seems to be unavailable right now. I have heard the Hootoo one heats up more than it should, and how the logo light can be kind of annoying. This one apparently heats up less according to the reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXKJC4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_50rDybF6GT276