Dec 09, 2016 The 12-inch MacBook and the new MacBook Pros have just USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports. So if you want to plug in an iPhone or an SD card, you'll need a dongle. Here's several of them. The new MacBook Pro brings power. And a lot of USB-C ports. Adapt to the new normal with this roundup of new USB-C docks and dongles.
A Bluetooth dongle enables Bluetooth functionality on a Computer without built-in Bluetooth
A dongle is a small piece of computer hardware that connects to a port on another device to provide it with additional functionality, or enable a pass-through to such a device that adds functionality.[1]
In computing, the term was initially synonymous with software protection donglesâa form of hardware digital rights management where a piece of software will only operate if a specified dongleâwhich typically contains a license key or some other cryptographic protection mechanismâis plugged into the computer while it is running.
The term has since been applied to other forms of devices with a similar form factor, such as adapters that convert ports to handle different types of connectors (such as DVI to VGA for displays, USB to serial connection, and in modern computing, USB-C to other types of ports, and Mobile High-Definition Link),[2]USB wireless adapters for standards such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (the term 'stick' or 'key' is more commonly used to describe USB flash drives, as well as modern forms of dongles with slimmer form factors more akin to flash drives), and small form-factor digital media players that plug into HDMI ports.
Etymology[edit]
A parallel port dongle.
There are varying accounts on the etymology of the word 'dongle'; in a 1999 paper, P. B. Schneck stated that the origin was unclear, but that it was possibly a corruption of the word 'dangle' (since these devices 'dangle' from a port on a PC).[3]
A 1992 Byte magazine advertisement by Rainbow Technologies claimed that dongles were invented by and named after a person named 'Don Gall', which spawned an urban legend. Linguist Ben Zimmer noted that the claim was likely a by-product of their 'tongue-and-cheek' marketing style, and 'was so egregiously false that the company happily owned up to it as a marketing ploy when pressed by Eric S. Raymond, who maintains the Jargon File, an online lexicon of hacker slang.'[3][4]
Examples[edit]Copy protection[edit]
Security dongles are typically used to help prevent unauthorized use and copying of certain forms of software. Initially using ports such as the serial port or parallel port, most are now in USB format.
On the other hand, some unlicensed game cartridges have a 'daisy chain' that allows licensed games to pass along their authorization, for instance to circumvent the 10NES chip on the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Small peripheral appliances[edit]
A Chromecast plugged into the HDMI port of a TV. The wire attached to the other end is the USB power supply.
In the mid-to-late 2010s, the dongle form factor was extended to digital media players with a small, stick-like form factor â such as Chromecast and Fire TV Stick â that are designed to plug directly into an HDMI port on a television or AV receiver (powered via Micro USB connection to the television itself or an AC adapter), in contrast to a larger set-top box-style device. Single-board computers, such as the Intel Compute Stick, have also been produced in a similar means.[5][6]
Adapters[edit]
Other[edit]Usb Wifi Dongles For Mac
See also[edit]References[edit]
![]() External links[edit]
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dongle&oldid=922376443'
BestDocking Stations for MacBook ProiMore2019
Docking stations are like power strips for your laptop. They have a variety of ports and usually their own power source so they can handle high-speed data transfer and multiple display connections. They are also usually able to charge your laptop and mobile devices while they work. If you connect lots of devices and peripherals and need high-speed data transfer, these are the best docking stations for MacBook Pro.
Dual 4K support: Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Docking StationStaff pick
With up to 85 watts of charging power, this is one of the few docking stations that can power up the 15-inch MacBook Pro and drive two 4K displays at the same time. With a Gigabit Ethernet port, your laptop is hardwired to the internet. Separate microphone and headphone ports mean you don't have to use a splitter or special USB microphone. Battle for middle earth mac.
$250 at Amazon
Ultimate versatility: Diamond Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
With 3 USB-A ports and a USB 2.1 charging port, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack, there's not much else left for you to want out of a docking station here. The Thunderbolt 3 ports offer fast data transfer with PD charging or direct connection to a Thunderbolt 3 4K display.
$230 at Amazon
Extremely powerful: CalDigit TS3 Plus Docking Station
Not only does this diminutive box power up to 85 watts of charge, but it's also got two Thunderbolt 3 ports with 40Gbps of data transfer. You also get DisplayPort support, USB-C, Digital Optical Audio, three USB-A ports, one of which supports 15 wats of device charging, a separate headphone, and a microphone jack, and an SD card reader. It's the workhorse of multi-port docking stations. https://honeyclever.weebly.com/malware-software-for-mac.html.
$310 at Amazon
Vertical Expandability: Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Plugable's reliable docking station provides 60 watts of charging with five USB-A ports, one of which supports device charging. It also has two Thunderbolt 3 ports for fast data transfer and 4K display support. You can even daisy chain up to five Thunderbolt 3 devices to a single supported port. With the included base adapter, you can set this dock in a vertical or horizontal position for the ultimate in desktop customization.
Usb C Adapter For Mac$239 at AmazonSpace saver: Henge Docks Vertical Dock
Though this isn't actually a docking station (it doesn't have additional ports or its own power source), it's a neat little accessory that might be the perfect fit for your desktop. You slide your MacBook Pro into the dock, and your two USB-C ports are redirected to two ports on the side of the dock. So you don't lose the use of your USB-C ports, but you can still keep your laptop out of the way. It's a great way to work in Clamshell mode with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
$199 at Amazon
5K support: StarTech Docking Station
StarTech's docking station has eight different ports, including Ethernet, USB-A 2.0, microphone, headphones, Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort, USB-A 3.0 for fast charging, and HDMI. It is explicitly designed to let you connect a 5K display using the Thunderbolt 3 port, or two 4K Ultra HD monitors using the Thunderbolt 3 port and the DisplayPort port. Free vpn for mac.
$265 at Amazon
<!-- ###Security and flexibility: Kensington SD5000T Docking Station
Kensington's Thunderbolt 3 Dual 4K docking station gives you security and flexibility. Connect your two 4K monitors to the Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort ports for full Ultra HD support. Kensington also adds a bit of extra special security with a lock slot, so it doesn't 'walk away' from your shared public space.
$239 at Amazon
Mounts to MacBook: LandingZone Docking Station
LandingZone makes a docking station that actually connects to the 15-inch MacBook Pro. It has 16 ports, including three USB-C 3.1 ports, two USB-A 3.1 ports, a USB-A charging port, an HDMI port, a mini DisplayPort port, an SD and microSD card slot, and a few more. It doesn't support 5K or dual 4K connections, but it does support multi-display connection if you have a few standard or 1080P monitors.
$299 at Amazon
Powerful but portable: OWC Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
This powerful port extender is one of my favorites. It's small enough to fit in your backpack if you need to take your hub on the go but is powerful enough to be a stationary docking station. The DisplayPort supports a single 5K display at 60Hz, or you can connect two 4K displays (one via DisplayPort and one via USB-C) up to 60Hz. It also has a hybrid 3.5mm microphone/headphone jack so that you can connect your podcasting gear, right to your MacBook Pro.
310 at Amazon
Docking station, hub, or adapter: Which one is right for you?
Docking stations are designed for multi-display use with charging support. They usually have their own power supply and can charge your laptop and mobile devices while also providing fast data transfer and 4K or 5K display support. For the most part, they're meant to be stationary to give your desktop workflow more versatility and convenience. When it comes to docking stations, I personally use Elgato's Thunderbolt 3 docking station because of its 85W charging support and its dual 4K display option.
Hubs are very similar to docking stations; They always have a lot of ports but don't always have their own power source. They also tend to be more portable because they're lighter and smaller (and don't need their own wall plug). If the docking stations listed here seem like too much for you, you may need a hub instead.
Dongles For Macbook
Adapters are the simplest peripherals for port versatility. They are almost always a single-port changeover, like USB-C-to-USB-A or USB-to-Lightning, though sometimes they may have one or two additional ports, like HDMI. They're the least expensive, but also the least versatile. You may not need 4K or 5K display support, high-speed data transfer, or 12 different things plugged into your MacBook Pro at the same time. A simple single-port adapter may be a better solution.
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