(Part 3) Top products from r/macbookpro

If you use 4K, it will (by default, but it is really the only way to run it) run as Retina with the usable space of a 1080p display. This is great, in my opinion - it is how I run it - but not every one agrees. My logic is that this makes the user interface elements that I cannot zoom (menu bar, window title bars etc) the correct size compared to what they were designed to, and I can zoom the window of any application in or out as I please.

The alternative is to go with 2560*1440 and not use Retina. This is what the 27" iMacs used to use before they went Retina. This is fine as well - everything is smaller and not being Retina it is not as sharp, but the usable space is great.

As for connections... Avoid HDMI, it is only problematic. Either get one with a DisplayPort and a USB-C to DisplayPort cable or a mini-dock like this one, or spend more to get everything over USB-C. I use a mini-dock, and it works fine for me.

I use an LG display (27MU67, which is an older model). Works great. Only issue is that the menu system was designed by a monkey, but it's not like I spend any time fiddling with that.

I think a case is more scratch-proof than a skin.

I got [this Procase Case] (https://www.amazon.com/MacBook-Release-ProCase-Keyboard-Crystal/dp/B01N1JHPEF/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1505431476&sr=8-11&keywords=case%2B13%2Bmacbook%2Bpro&th=1) from Amazon, pretty good, it's slim, and the rubberised matte black finish looks great. However, it does not cover the back corners of the MacBook Pro so you gotta a bit careful there.

I had a chance to try out the Incase Case that Apple sells with MBP too. It covers the corners but there's a design flaw that you can only open the machine to 90 degree maximum. (The Apple Store staff helped me put it on so I assume it was put on properly). I can't use my MBP when opening it to only 90 so I returned it and kept the Procase case.

Just my 2cents, but for preventing scratches, you get pretty good value with the Procase Case from Amazon.

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.

I use Satechi.

You can get one Satechi USB C Hub that is a passthrough which has USB-C, two old USB, SD and MicroSD.

I use this Satechi USB C Hub - it doesn't have a power pass through/USB-C port, but does have an extra old USB port.

It works great, small size, and looks awesome with the MacBook Pro.

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 2 options for the type of Macbook Pro that is best suited for you:

• 3.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
  
  
• 16GB 2133MHz memory
  
  
• 512GB PCIe-based SSD
  
  
• Intel Iris Graphics 550
  
  
• Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
  
  
• Touch Bar and Touch ID
  
  However, if you do not care about having the Touch Bar, and since you are in IT, you might have a hard time using the function keys on the Touch Bar, then go for this build:
  
  
• 2.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.4GHz
  
  
• 16GB 1866MHz memory
  
  
• 512GB PCIe-based SSD
  
  
• Intel Iris Graphics 540
  
  
• Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
  
  To solve your USB-A usage, here is a USB Hub that is a steal at $35, which contains 2 USB-A slots and a SD Card (if that might be helpful one day ;p) https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Type-c-USB-3-0-Combo/dp/B015YRD8MA?th=1
  
  

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

I have a recommendation however it does have a zipper but the laptop slides under a flap that protects it from getting scratched up from the zipper here’s the link for it it’s cheap however extremely nice quality, I have one for my 15 inch

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

Oh my! Now that is the product I've been looking for, thank you for posting it. It looks like this model will be the one to fit my late 2013 MBPR 15".

Nevermind, I was looking at USB-C to DisplayPort cables and found a company that offers 60hz with 2USB 2.0 ports and 100mb Ethernet port. It only has 1 review though but it’s positive

Cable Matters USB C Multiport Adapter (USB C Dock with USB C to DisplayPort 4K 60Hz), 2X USB 2.0, Fast Ethernet, and 60W PD in Black - USB-C & Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible for MacBook Pro and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5N3YCD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0P6-BbA0007EW

A lot of people online have recommended this one but I haven’t found any articles or posts saying that it is compatible with my specific MacBook. Samsung makes pretty good products so I have absolutely no issue buying this SSD if it is compatible with my MacBook Pro.

Samsung 860 EVO 250GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76E250B/AM) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07864WMK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9kJdBb6APDD52

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.

Check this out:

https://www.owcdigital.com/products/usb-c-dock

or

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hyperdrive-thunderbolt-3-usb-c-hub-for-macbook-pro#/

Also, you can get another smaller USB-C hub if you needed to plug in things on the go, such as:

http://www.satechi.net/index.php/type-c-usb-hub-gunmetal

And there are plenty of USB-C + USB-A flash drives if you need that for
school/work as well:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingston-DataTraveler-Micro-Flash-Drive/dp/B010HWCFDA

This settles the port situation, other than that the 2017 mode is superior in every aspect. And in few years you'll be glad that you went that route. USB-C will be a big thing and the 2015 model doesn't have any USB-C ports. The new one is also smaller, lighter, has a better screen and battery. No reason not to buy that one in 2017 IMO. If you had the 2015 or even 2014 model I would not recommend to upgrade but if you are upgrading from an older model, upgrade to 2017.

You will need a thunderbolt 3 double hdmi output dongle

Apple doesn’t make one but there are other manu that do

Something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Thunderbolt-Dual-HDMI-Adapter-Black/dp/B01ANR5AJU

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

Here's one version, I think you have to match the exact model you have, but I'm not sure. I think eBay has some cheap ones too. I'm going to get one myself.

One other note: I used a micro fiber cleaning cloth from Harbor Freight to clean my MBP and it remove most of the scratches. Only the deep ones are still there.

https://www.amazon.com/FBA_iSDA504ASV-aluminum-microSD-Adapter-MacBook/dp/B012F8ALBC/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=CjwKCAiAqqTuBRBAEiwA7B66hSdWE3sTP6fwWv_2VZC63YCTTWM6tF1s_rziuS85PJnd-E8hmgOWpxoCMjcQAvD_BwE&hvadid=177145685918&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032536&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10943898827529527355&hvtargid=kwd-396472616232&hydadcr=18038_9812677&keywords=macbook+pro+microsd+adapter&qid=1573523352&sr=8-3

I recommend anker. I own several anker cables and power banks, and they're all quality stuff.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01MZ61PRW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Dont forget that usb-c hubs are coming out that address those issues. some are multi-purpose (hdmi/DP, Ethernet, USB 3.0) and some just do things like USB-C to dual DP/HDMI. Check out https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Thunderbolt-Dual-HDMI-Adapter/dp/B01ANR5AJU, Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock from Belkin (http://www.belkin.com/us/F4U095/p/P-F4U095/)

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.

You can always get this little guy for $30 to store anything large such as audio/video/photos/backups/documents on, and can easily transfer files to another machine that uses USB-A: https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Digital-32GB-Traveler-DTDUO3C/dp/B010HWCFDA/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1499430383&sr=8-14&keywords=usb-c%2Bthumb%2Bdrive&th=1

Just don't use it to run applications or a virtual machine off of.

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?

External SSDs are surprisingly tiny. The Samsung T3 is native USB-C (USB 3.0) as well... although it only comes with a USB-A <-> USB-C cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T3-Portable-SSD-MU-PT250B/dp/B01AVF6WN2

Samsung 860 EVO has been reliable for me.
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-500GB-Internal-MZ-76E500B-AM/dp/B07864WMK8/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1537452002&sr=1-1&keywords=samsung%2Bevo%2B860&th=1

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

>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.

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

Satechi USB-C Hub Adapter..
Satechi Type-C USB 3.0 3 in 1 Combo Hub for MacBook (with USB -C Charging Port) (Space Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019PHF9UY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2rToyb71Y5968

comfyable makes the one I use. link

Lenovo USB-C Hub, Type C Adapter with HDMI Port, Gigabit Ethernet Port, USBC Charging Port, 2 USB 3.0 and 1 USB 2.0 Ports, SD/TF Card Reader, for MacBook Pro and More USB C Devices https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077G5C9Z1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9vcMAb1STTE0M

I was just made aware today that a case can somehow mess with dissipating heat, which I guess makes sense, but my MBP rarely gets hot, so I have a case for it.

https://www.amazon.com/ProCase-MacBook-Release-Keyboard-Without/dp/B01N1JHPEF

Also comes with a keyboard cover. I've used both the case and keyboard cover for a little over three months, and I haven't had any problems.

ZXUY Hard Drive SATA 2nd HDD Caddy Tray for Unibody 9.5mm Laptop CD/DVD-ROM Drive Slot (Replacement Only for SSD and HDD) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058AH2US/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_C1RaI8GLyjBPM

Samsung 750 EVO - 500GB - 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-750500BW) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G844L88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_EEZETiobgw5lt

This is the mount for the HDD (i have the OS running from SSD, and moved the HDD to where the disk drive was.
It's very simple to do, you may want to do some googling if you aren't familiar with/ Disk Utility.

I have a Samsung as well. It's a 480GB SSD. Then I took my optical drive out and put my original HHD in its place. I use Carbon Copy Cloned to keep an external duplicate of my system in case my SSD crashes or looses power in bad timing. It's saved me a few time when I delete a file on accident. Most importantly, no matter what SSD you get, remember to enable TRIM.

How to enable TRIM
MBP SATA Bay

I needed one with Ethernet, HDMI and sdcard, got this https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B077G5C9Z1?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Works fine, but forget about 2.4ghz WiFi when using it. I guess that's the case with most USB c hubs tho.

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

So, I was looking into reviews of products from this brand and there are some really really bad reviews :( Should I still buy it? Check:

https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Type-C-MacBook-Charging-Silver/dp/B019PHF9W2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499533860&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=satechi+usb+c&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Type-C-Combo-MacBook-Charging/dp/B019PHF9UY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1499533860&sr=8-5&keywords=satechi+usb+c