The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    MacBook Pro 13 - mini displayport adapter blocks USB port?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by dukwei, Jun 19, 2011.

  1. dukwei

    dukwei Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hi everyone,

    Does anyone know of any mini displayport to HDMI/DVI adapters that do not block the adjacent USB port?

    I tried searching "mini displayport usb port" in this Apple sub-section forum, but didn't find any relevant hits.

    I recently purchased macbook pro 13. I'm going to hookup an external monitor, so I need to get a mini displayport to DVI adapter. I prefer just get a cheaper aftermarket one if possible, but i see people saying the aftermarket mini display jack blocks the adjacent usb port on the right (along w/ the adjacent firewire port on the left).

    • "Mini DisplayPort end is wide enough to block the usage of the USB port next to it on my MacBook Pro"
    • "cable blocks both nearby ports (fw800 and one USB)on my 17" brand new MacBook Pro 2011 model."

    Thanks.

    Bobby
     
    dukwei, Jun 19, 2011
    #1
  2. doh123

    doh123 Without ME its just AWESO

    Reputations:
    996
    Messages:
    3,727
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    a normal sized displayport adapter will not block the USB port.

    the USB ports are right at spec in how close they are together, so when you use a USB device that is extra fat (which is out of USB specs like many are) it has trouble fitting. Using standard USB sized plugs fit fine.
     
    doh123, Jun 19, 2011
    #2
  3. kornchild2002

    kornchild2002 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    1,007
    Messages:
    1,925
    Likes Received:
    32
    Trophy Points:
    66
    I purchased a 3rd party HDMI adapter from Amazon, I am pretty sure it was this one (though, when I purchased it, Amazon had the product in stock and it was only $12).

    It des not block any of the adjacent ports on my MBP. You essentially have to look at the male plug that hooks up to the MBP and make sure it is a small profile like the one I linked you to. Most of the ones I have come across are small profile like that. I don't think the issue is with the HDMI/DVI adapter but rather the larger profile of the male USB plugs for the other products that are hooked up to the MBP. They use a larger footprint that tends to get in the area surrounding the minidisplay port.

    The port proximity on the MBP line is the only thing that I really don't like on my MBP. It is fine when I am using Apple USB cables and ones that take the design of the MBP into account but it is bad when I plug in something that is a little older or one of the thumb drives I have at work (which is about twice as wide as my actual thumb).
     
    kornchild2002, Jun 19, 2011
    #3
  4. dukwei

    dukwei Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    doh123/kornchild2002 - thanks for your advice and input; this helps a lot. I appreciate it.
     
    dukwei, Jun 19, 2011
    #4
  5. dukwei

    dukwei Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Just an update -- i ended up buying an adapter from eBay seller emilyandlily. Just tried it out and seems to work OK so far. It doesn't block the USB port next to it.
     
    dukwei, Jul 6, 2011
    #5