The Adapter Guide for Macbook Pro Thunderbolt 3 – How to Connect an iPhone, Display, Hard Drive, and more!

A great Macbook Pro Thunderbolt 3 adapter can help connect devices like iPhones, displays, hard drives, and more with fast sync and charge capabilities. Searching out an adapter like this can be quite expensive though, especially if you’re seeking something high quality.

Black Friday Cyber Monday Macbook accessories DEAL

All of the hoopla surrounding USB Thunderbolt adapters are based around recent modifications to the Macbook Pro design. The new Macbook Pro comes with Thunderbolt 3 ports of only one type, meaning compatibility is only USB-C. That cuts down a lot on what can be connected. If your devices have USB-A, Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, DisplayPort, HDMI, or another type of connection, you’ll need an adapter to connect. Apple doesn’t include any adapter of the sort with a Macbook, putting it on the customer to find their own. Thankfully, PrimeCables can help.

 

PrimeCables has several adapters in its catalogue including a Thunderbolt Mini DisplayPort to VGA for $8.99, a Thunderbolt Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter for $11.99, a DisplayPort Thunderbolt adapter to HDMI for $5.99, a Mini DisplayPort Thunderbolt and USB to HDMI female adapter for $49.99, and a Mini DisplayPort Male Thunderbolt to DisplayPort to $9.99.

 

There are more than a dozen additional adapters that would work great with Macbook Pro Thunderbolt 3. As long as you shop with PrimeCables, you won’t need to set aside any considerable amount of cash to pick up an adapter alongside your new Macbook Pro purchase.

 

Using PrimeCables adapters, you can connect almost anything to your Macbook Pro using a Thunderbolt 3 connection. Connect USB-C devices, USB-A devices, micro B SuperSpeed USB, iPhones, iPads, lightning earpods, headphones, Thunderbolt devices, DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, VGA, Ethernet, SD cards, FireWire devices, printers, and more.

 

Any time you’re buying an adapter, ensure it’s from a reputable source. You don’t want to put your devices at risk going with a low quality product. With PrimeCables, you can always trust us to deliver a high quality product that’ll get the job done!

 

Regarding a Thunderbolt adapter purchase, know what you’re looking to connect. Consider all the devices you may want to use. The ultimate Macbook Pro setup might just be a few PC accessories away. If you need something with a mix of connections, you may want to purchase a multi-purpose adapter or go with multiple inexpensive adapters. Feel free to jump on board with PrimeCables and browse our guide of different Thunderbolt adapter products. What you need might be right around the corner.

How to Look for the Right Power Adapter and Cable for your Mac Notebook

Depending on the brand of your Mac Notebook, the right adapter, cable, and/or plug varies. As one of Canada’s top eCommerce names in cables and adapters, PrimeCables is here to break down which power adapters and cables are best for a Mac Notebook.

 

Mac Notebook power adapters vary according to wattage, ranging from 29W to 30W, 45W, 60W, 61W, 85W, and 87W. The appropriate wattage needs to be taken into account when buying for your Mac device. Otherwise, you run the risk of shoving too much power into your computer or not giving it enough to do what it needs to do. Be sure to select an adapter with a compatible wattage. Keep in mind, when selecting a higher wattage, it will not make your computer charge any faster. Subsequently, low wattage adapters may not work at all.

 

Many consumers buy what are called MagSafe power adapters. These Notebook power adapters have three primary components you’ll want to know – the connection and adapter, the AC cable, and the AC plug. If you have a Macbook manufactured in 2015 or later, it should come with an Apple 29W or 30W USB Type-C power adapter alongside a USB-C sync and charge cable. For any MacBook Pro manufactured in 2016 or later, it should come with an Apple 61W or 87W USB-C power adapter and a USB-C charging cable.

Best PrimeCables Black Friday 2018 deal for mobile charging cable
Best PrimeCables Black Friday 2018 deal for mobile charging cable

The best thing you can do prior to buying an adapter is just to confirm what kind of Mac product you have. By knowing the correct model and when it was manufactured, this’ll give you all the information you need to get the right cables and adapters to match. Ensure you’re using the correct USB-C charging cable and preferably one that is Apple-certified. If you ever need to get replacement Apple cables or adapters, you can do so at the Apple Online Store if you don’t mind paying a good amount. If you want to save a few bucks though, PrimeCables has the same Apple-certified USB cables and Apple-certified adapters in our catalogue. Don’t hesitate to drop in, check out the inventory, and pick up what you need.

 

Keep in mind a replacement cable or adapter can come in a different size, color, shape, or wattage compared to the original adapter you have. This is normal. As long as it’s able to successfully power and charge your Mac, that’s all that matters. Shop Apple adapters today with PrimeCables and enjoy free shipping on any order above $49 to anywhere in Canada.

How to Connect a MacBook to a TV

Connecting your MacBook to a TV is made easy thanks to this official PrimeCables guide! Remember, contemporary MacBooks are unlike their predecessors in the sense that they use a single video port instead of a mini DisplayPort slot. This must be taken into account when connecting a MacBook to your TV.

 

The first step is to identify which video ports you are working with. Anything produced after 2015 should have a single USB Type-C port. If you are using a MacBook manufactured 2011 or earlier, expect to find a mini DisplayPort. Next, ensure your MacBook has been charged. Newer MacBooks use the same port to charge and act as an output, thereby it will need to be charged before plugging it into the TV.

 

From here, you’ll need to purchase a MacBook adapter cable, more specifically an adapter for USB-C to HDMI. MacBooks using mini DisplayPort connectors will need a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter cables. Also, if you don’t know where to find a cable adapter like this, you can search one out on PrimeCables’ site. There you’ll find great deals on cables, adapters, and PC accessories. Needless to say, it’s a sit well worth bookmarking. You should be able to find a cheap adapter cable that is still high quality and well manufactured.

 

After you have your adapter in-hand and before connecting anything, shut off the TV as not to accidentally damage anything. Next, plug in the HDMI connector into your TV’s port. Ensure it’s fully inserted. Next, attach the other end of the cable to your MacBook.

 

Now, turn on your TV and switch it to the HDMI input.  There, you should see your MacBook’s screen displayed on your flat-screen in crystal clear resolution. If there are any issues, go to your MacBook, click on the Apple menu, go into ‘System Preferences’, click on ‘Displays’, and then, you should be able to change resolutions accordingly. If your TV is high-definition, you can play with the resolution to maximize the viewing experience as you prefer it. You may also want to open the sound menu, click ‘Output’, and select the speakers you want access to.

 

It’s that simple! That’s how you connect your MacBook to a TV. If you run into any trouble, it should be relatively straightforward to find a solution via the inputs on your flat-screen or using your MacBook.

 

Shop your favourite cables, adapters, USB Type-C cable, and more from Canada’s own PrimeCables.

How to Connect a Mac to a TV using HDMI for Full Audio and Video Support

Though years ago, connecting a computer to a TV came with challenges requiring a mix of cables, adapters, switches, and all sorts of gizmos and gadgets, things have changed. Today, connecting your Mac computer to a TV through HDMI is easy.

how to connect macbook to tv
how to connect macbook to tv

There are plenty of reasons why Canadian households have chosen to connect their Mac to their flat-screen, including to share business presentations, to game, and for movie streaming. From start to finish, we’re here to help share how to do it in the most efficient way. Using HDMI is the best recommendation for maximizing video and audio quality.

 

As shared, using an HDMI cable will be the easiest way to make this connection. Whether you’re using a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, or other Apple computer, HDMI is cheap, keeps resource usage low, maintains a high video quality with no risk of latency, and provides a much more versatile signal. All you’ll need beyond your computer and flat-screen is to an HDMI cable and the DisplayPort to HDMI adapter required to make the HDMI connection possible. Keep in mind the latest MacBook models already have an HDMI port so you may not even need an adapter.

 

Let’s say your MacBook does not have an HDMI output. Then, you must find your Thunderbolt or DisplayPort output and connect your adapter to it. The location of this may vary depending on the model of MacBook so give your computer a quick search. After connecting the HDMI adapter to the video output, connect the HDMI cable to the adapter and then, turn on the computer. From there, jump on the flat-screen and switch the video input source to its intended HDMI destination. The great thing about Macs are that they should instantly pick up on the connection to an HDTV. Instantly, you should see what’s on your desktop on your screen.

 

As great as this is, there are a few additional steps to take to optimize your MacBook to TV performance. If you’re seeking to watch a movie or play games from your MacBook, you may want to use the Display Mirroring feature. Go into “System Preferences”, into “Displays” and then “Arrangements”, and then, “Mirror Displays”. Set up the TV display as your MacBook’s primary display. You’ll also want to change the sound output from the Mac to the TV via HDMI, possible going through “System Preferences”, choosing “Sound”, and then “Output”.

 

Connecting your MacBook is pretty easy though occasionally you may run into some issues. Be sure to follow these steps and hopefully you won’t run into any surprises. If you do experience a problem not covered in this guide, search it out online. The Internet’s filled with forums of people who’ve run into all sorts of technical issues with computers, home theater accessories, and product. We can almost guarantee the answer’s out there. All the best with hooking up your computer to TV using HDMI!

It’s a New Era for USB with the Type-C Connector

The ushering in of the Type-C USB standard marked the beginning of a new era in consumer cables. Connecting with PrimeCables, Canadian households buying USB Type-C cables have enjoyed the most advanced USB cable in the market today. If you’ve recently purchased an upgrade on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or another digital device, a USB Type-C may be exactly what you need. If you’re curious, please feel encouraged to read ahead.

 

USB Type-C cables were released to market a few years ago after pressure was put on to produce a cable adaptable to future technology developments. USB Type-C was what the industry come up with, to critical acclaim. USB-C cables are used for everything from sync and charging smartphones to hooking up digital devices to home theater systems. There’s even USB Type-C earbuds headphones available in development, taking advantage of this standard.

 

Are you looking for a new USB cable for your smartphone or digital device – here’s why you’d want to shop with PrimeCables. We offer fast, free shipping on any order above $49, free returns, and a 1-year product guarantee. There’s more than two dozen USB cables to choose from and plenty of other products to enjoy across the categories of cables, adapters, mounts, sit-stands, ergonomic office accessories, home theater accessories, smart home accessories, and network solutions.

 

Browse amazing USB Type-C cable deals like the USB Type-C 3.1 to USB-C Gen-2 male to male cable for $5.99, the USB-C to micro USB 2.0 male to female cable for only $2.99, the USB Type-C to HDMI adapter for video resolution up to 1080p high-definition for $9.99, the 1m USB-C to USB 3.1A sync and charge cable with aluminum alloy connector for $5.99, and the USB-C 3.1 to HDMI, USB 3.0, RJ45, and Type-C charging adapter for $36.99. These are just were some of the discounts begin. Please browse the catalogue to see what else we’re almost giving away!

 

USB Type-C has won over many fans and is a consumer favourite across all categories. The uproar over Microsoft’s decision to remove any USB Type-C connecting port from its’ newest Surface laptop release highlights how much the world loves the standard. Bold, beautiful, and unique, the USB Type-C cable standard continues to win over new fans in the tech world, implemented to more and more devices and tech gadgets.

 

There’s nothing as high-performing and advanced as the USB Type-C cable. Multi-purpose and inexpensive, feel free to buy one or two. If you’re looking for a sync and charge cable for your smartphone, visit PrimeCables today and take advantage!

Buy this Mac to TV Screen Adapter for Projection

Are you looking to connect your Apple product or MacBook to your TV – read our guide. For all MacBooks, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Airs, the process is simple. For less than $3, the solution is simple.

 

All you need are some inexpensive devices like a MacBook adapter, TV video cables, and audio cables. For more information on what cables and adapters are specific for your home theater setup, take a quick spin through our graphic guide for Mac to TV screen projection. In the meantime though, we can recap some of the ways other Canadians have done it!

 

Let’s say you have a typical high-definition flat-screen TV and you need to connect your laptop to it. A connection like that is easy – all you need is a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable which can be purchased via PrimeCables for only $7.49. If it’s a VGA monitor you are looking to make the connection to, it will require something extra with a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter and an SVGA male to male cable. If it’s an RCA monitor, use a Mini DisplayPort to VGA female adapter and a VGA to 3RCA + s-video cable adapter. All of these products can be purchased via PrimeCables with fast, free shipping to anywhere on any order above $49, free returns, and a 1-year product guarantee. Now, if you’re using a MacBook to connect to a screen, it’s slightly different setup. For a high-definition flat-screen, you’re going to want a mini DVI to HDMI adapter for $7.99 and an HDMI male to male cable for $3.99.

 

Connecting your Apple laptop or computer to your TV has never been easier with the mix of cables and adapters available out there. Using the right combination or finding the right adapter, one can help stream Internet-based content instantly for the whole household to enjoy. The functionality that connecting your Apple laptop to your TV provides is high. If you’re able to do this, you might not need a smart TV or a media streaming box. That said, if you want to go the way of a streaming box, you can find those as well in the PrimeCables catalogue. For further information on what could work with your home theater setup, browse across all HDMI cables, VGA cables, and adapters.

 

PrimeCables carries everything you need for laptop accessories, TV accessories, and home theater accessories. Use any of our step by step guides to learn how to better connect your computer and TV in one integrated home entertainment center.

What are the Mac Models that use USB-C Connections?

 

With the way that tech has grown and with where Apple has taken its devices, not all Apple devices are carrying USB-C connection. This makes connecting USB devices to your Mac a little complicated at times.

PrimeCables USB type C cable
PrimeCables USB type C cable

If you’re looking to connect a USB-C device to your Mac, you’ve come to the right place. To begin with, USB is understood as an industry standard in connecting computers and devices. The most advanced USB consumer cable is USB 3.1 Gen 1 which boasts data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps and USB 3.1 Gen 2 which boasts data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps – this is in reference to the technology inside the cable. When it comes to the connector itself, it’s USB-C you got to look for. USB-C refers to the shape and style of the port and connector. When using a USB-C connector, one can have standards as diverse as USB through to Thunderbolt to lesser standards.

 

If you’re looking for a Mac computer that has Thunderbolt USB-C ports, there are a few different options out there – the iMac Pro 2017, the iMac Retina 5K 27-inch 2017, the iMac Retina 4K 21.5 inch 2017, the iMac 21.5 inch 2017, and the MacBook Pro 2016 or later. For more specific information on what a Mac model uses in terms of USB connection, always consult with the online Apple information look-up. It’s not difficult to look up a specific Mac model, which should detail how fast the ports are and what connects to them.

 

If you’re looking for a high quality USB-C cable, there’s plenty of options to choose from at PrimeCables. Browse from products such as the 1m USB-C to USB 3.1A Charging/Sync Cable with Aluminum Alloy Connector – White for $5.99, the USB-C 3.1 to HDMI & USB 3.0 & RJ45 & Type-C Charging Adapter – 15CM for $43.99, the USB-C Adapter, USB Type C to Micro USB Convert Connector – PrimeCables® – 1/Pack for $3.99, and the USB-C to USB 3.1 M/F Cable Adapter, OTG Compatible – White for $6.99.

 

It’s never been easier to find an affordable USB-C cable in Canada. PrimeCables has free returns and a 1-year product guarantee on all USB-C cables, in addition to fast, free shipping to anywhere in Canada on orders above $49. Browse the lowest prices in Canada on USB-C cables and find the right cable or adapter as needed to connect almost any device to your Mac computer!

See the Difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3

USB-C & thunderbolt for macbook
USB-C & thunderbolt for macbook

The world of tech has numerous opinions on comparisons between USB-C and Thunderbolt. There are those who argue USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 to be highly compatible with one another, while some others may argue one to be superior to the other.

 

According to the needs of our devices and systems, there is not necessarily an answer as to what is the superior technology. That said, we commonly field questions about comparisons between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. The difference between these two cables is worth knowing.

 

USB-C is a cable standard and specifications for connectors and cables. USB-C is considered to be advantageous for its reversible design, being able to deliver a power output of up to 100W, and for the ability to support alternate modes including Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, and more.

 

Thunderbolt 3 is different in the sense that it does not refer to the connector but rather is used as reference for the technology inside the cable. Thunderbolt 3 works on USB-C connectors, adapting Thunderbolt tech to the USB standard. By doing this, a Thunderbolt-USB cable combination is able to obtain speeds up to 40 Gbps – the fastest connection of any consumer cable. In comparison, the next fastest cable connection is found in the USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable which only reaches up to 10 Gbps. Also, Thunderbolt is bi-directional with four lanes of PCI Express Gen 3 and eight lanes of DisplayPort 1.2. The Thunderbolt 3 port also allows a user to connect to any dock, device, or display, including the wide range of USB devices out there in the marketplace.

 

The emerging standard of Thunderbolt 3 within a USB connector casing is likely the future of where consumer cables are headed. The amazing data transfer speeds and versatility of the cable are truly second to none, and are highly impressive. As the world continues to increase speed and data demands on their smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices, Thunderbolt 3 technology is playing such a huge role in elevating the potential of cables.

 

For high quality, efficient, lightweight Thunderbolt 3 cables, shop with PrimeCables. Built to withstand future tech developments in this category, Thunderbolt 3 USB-C cables are arguably future-proof. Buy today through PrimeCables and receive free returns, a 1-year guarantee, and fast, free shipping to anywhere in Canada on orders above $49.

 

There is no reason not to take advantage of this highly powerful data connection cable. Buy from a trusted Canadian source and begin tapping into the amazing features that so many other Canadians are already using!