To check your Mac's compatibility with external video hardware, click the Apple logo at the top left of the screen, then hit 'About this Mac.' In the popup, hit 'Support,' then click 'Specifications' on the next window. And in many cases, you can even connect two external monitors or TVs at once.

Using a TV with a Mac can also give you a second monitor, making work or gaming more productive and enjoyable. Netflix, chances are your big flat screen TV is going to offer a better viewing experience than the computer you use to go online.Ĭonnecting a Mac to a television allows you access to the world wide web on a much larger screen. Streaming service, the line between computer and television is growing ever more blurred. If you're looking for the ultimate tool for your high-speed data transfer, multi-display 4K or 5K connection, and built-in charging, a docking station may be your best bet.These days, as more and more people are watching their movies and TV shows via a For the most part, they're meant to be stationary to give your desktop workflow more versatility and convenience. 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.

If the adapters listed here aren't going to give you enough options, you may need a hub instead.ĭocking stations are designed for multi-display use with charging support. They also tend to be more portable because they're lighter and smaller (and don't usually need their own wall plug). Hubs are designed to make your MacBook Pro more versatile, providing several different ports. My personal recommendation is to always have a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter like the one Apple sells on hand because that's the most commonly used cable for connecting peripherals to your computer. They're the least expensive but usually only do one thing. 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.

$45 at Nomad Adapter, hub, or docking station: Which one is right for you?Īdapters are the simplest peripherals for port versatility. It's 1.5 meters long and made out of kevlar, so you could throw it off the side of a cliff, and it'll still work like new to connect your devices to your MacBook Pro. It's my favorite adapter cable, and I take it with me on all my trips. It also supports USB-C PD (power delivery) at up to 100 watts. This universal cable is made of kevlar and has three connector options USB-A, USB-C, and micro-USB.

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