I have a feeling of déjà vu…two years ago I was writing about the awesome new Thunderbolt port that Apple had just introduced, replacing Firewire and Mini DisplayPort. Now comes USB-C, the new almighty all-in-one port. It is so capable it is the only data port shipping on the new MacBook introduced this week at Apple’s media event. So what’s it all about?
Well, much like Thunderbolt, it has the ability to transmit multiple data streams through a single port. Audio, video, data, and (most importantly) power making it capable of being the only port on the new MacBook. Power is key! While Thunderbolt can power devices like external hard drives, it doesn’t have the ability to power and recharge the internal battery. With this single connection you can power and recharge your laptop, connect to an external hard drive, and stream HD content via HDMI all through a single USB-C port.
This sounds well and good, but like all new technologies it will take some time for the industry to catch up. For instance, those using USB 3.0 drives will need an adapter to connect to USB-C. Apple, of course, released adapters alongside the new MacBook. The VGA and HDMI adapters look very similar to the Lightning AV adapters for iOS devices. They provide another USB-C port for charging, either HDMI or VGA, and a USB 3.1 port to connect your USB devices like iPhone, external hard drive, or thumb drives. Again, very similar to Thunderbolt adapters/hubs.
My two cents: it is a great step forward. This new port allowed Apple to create a product that I feel has been missing from their lineup. The MacBook is an amazing combination of an iPad and MacBook Air. Its Retina display takes inspiration from the iPad Air and MacBook Pro w/Retina while it’s size is thinner than even the 11 inch Air and still provides a full-sized trackpad and keyboard. It may be a while before additional adapters come out but to me that is not the point. This machine was built with the wireless world in mind. Like the iPad Air, it is meant to live in a wireless world. AirDrop, WiFi, and AirPlay provide enough wireless connectivity to allow for less of a need for adapters.
Only time will tell, but I foresee this as being the new wave for consumer level laptops. For those that still need to connect to multiple devices throughout the day, (ethernet, older Firewire drives, multiple monitors, etc…) the MacBook Pro w/ Retina is still going to be the best option. Those living in a wireless world, though, will be quite happy with this new update. I am especially excited for a gold laptop!