Popular accessory maker Anker has shown off its upcoming lineup of USB-C cables and adapters including USB-C to USB 2.0, 3.0, and USB-C solutions. Especially interesting for 12-inch MacBook users is Anker’s USB-C to Lightning cable — the first that I’ve seen from a reputable vendor — which will allow users to connect iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches with Lightning ports directly to Apple’s USB Type C-only notebook for charging and syncing.
Apple currently only offers three USB-C adapters including its $19 USB-C to USB Adapter for use with standard USB accessories and $79 USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter and USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter. It also sells a $29 USB-C Charge Cable which connects to its $49 29W USB-C Power Adapter for charging the new MacBook.
As we’ve not yet seen a USB-C to Lightning cable from Apple, Anker’s upcoming PowerLine USB-C to Lightning cable particularly interesting. Ideally, it’d be helpful to see a whole line of USB Type C-based power adapters fit for iPhones and iPads in the future to make transitioning from the standard port to the new, reversible port possible without adapters.
Anker hasn’t revealed pricing details for most of its PowerLine USB-C cables including the also useful USB-C to Micro USB cable in the lineup, which would be handy for restoring Apple TVs, updating Beats headphones firmware, or charging most power bricks or other accessories.
The PowerLine USB-C to USB 2.0 cable is priced at $15.99 and available for pre-order, though, while the rest of the lineup is described as ‘coming soon’ without additional details. It’s USB-C accessories also include power bricks, hubs, and more adapters worth checking out. Anker joins Apple, Belkin, and Google as well as other accessory makers in offering USB-C cables and adapters for use with Apple’s new 12-inch MacBook and other USB-C computers like Google’s latest Chromebook Pixel which includes a port on either side.
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As much as I hate this for not having any thunderbolt ports, I wish they would have made it like Google’s and had a USB-C on both sides.
A 14- or 15-inch version with 2 USB-C ports would be awesome. I’m mostly okay with the single port design, but it can be awkward at times.
I’d completely agree. I’ve just ordered one of the Macbooks. But the only question in my mind is would it really have been a stretch to add a second one?
Since this MacBook is meant for portabiltiy and trips, plus everything is supposed to happen wireless. I wish they would have added a LTE option. Same like the iPads, when you order a MacBook you can choose between a LTE one or not. Probably adds 100$ to it.
Yes. This omission is just getting absurd.
Are you serious?
The reason why they didnt add an LTE option is because Mac is designed to work with your phone – you tether it, like in the adverts…
i use a macbook pro for work… i use my phone for the internet to check emails etc…
no need for LTE inside that ties you to a certain network — tether to any phone, free wifi spots, home wifi, portable wifi — wifi creates more options than built in LTE
I agree with Paul. I would never want to pay for LTE hardware or data on on my iPad or MacBookPro. Use use the “Personal Hotspot” on your iPhone and it tethers to your iPad of notebook computer in seconds. Give it a try.
Because tethering (usually works out cheaper too).
Where’s the USB 3.0 to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BBD7NFU/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p147_d2_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=1KA0C8ZPA2K9G77QD30E&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop
Kanex has one, have it for testing, anything I should try out?
Why isn’t anyone coming out with USB-C hubs with Power Delivery to go with all these wonderful cables? From what I can tell (and I’m far from being an expert, of course), USB-C, USB 3.1, and Power Delivery could all come together into a single charger with 3 or 4 USB-C ports (and hell, maybe even one USB-A port for old-time’s sake) that replaces the MacBook’s included charger and acts as a hub so you can plug multiple devices in. One plug to rule them all, and then all you need is a handful of cables for your various devices.
Why are these cables black with ugly writing on? Make them white with no writing – only then will the design conscious (i.e. the owner of these MacBooks) – buy them.
Wow. Now with the new Apple Keyboard and Trackpad, if I have a Macbook (the new one with the USB C) how am I going to charge it.
USB to USB C ok.
USB to Lighting
But USB C to Lighting …. that is a totally niche affair.