What Accessories Are Needed for a MacBook Pro?

CryssieJade on 20/07/2021 - 19:16

Hi all, I will be upgrading my 9 year old Macbook Pro as soon as there is a sale decent enough for me to bite.

I'll be buying another Macbook Pro to replace it.

What accessories do I need to buy from now so I'll be ready? I don't care if the accessories are Mac or off-brand, just looking for cheap but reliable.

There's an adaptor for USB, and I wouldn't mind an off brand Magic Mouse (if it exists). And do I now need bluetooth earphones/headphones? What can you all recommend for basic functionality?

Thanks in advance :)

Computing Apple Computer Laptop

Comments

  • zoltanc on 20/07/2021 - 20:11
    +1

    It depends on how you use it…

    First of all, it may be worth waiting for the new models which might be announced in the coming few months as they may have different plugs (current models have only USB-C).

    If you go with the existing models, they charge off USB-C so that means you might want the following.

    A USB-C charger if you want a second portable charger. It does not need to be rated for the full power… I use a 29W charger even though the stock charger for my laptop is 61W. It still charges, just slower.

    Bluetooth headphones are probably a must. AirPods work great as it is easy to switch between iPhone and MacBook. I use AirPods so cannot comment on other brands.

    A USB-C to HDMI adapter if you want to connect it to an external monitor. I bought an Apple one which also works on Windows laptops, so any brand probably works.

    USB-C to USB-A adapter and USB-C to Ethernet adapter. These you probably don't need. I'd say hold off until you really need it.

    A protective case if you plan to take it on the road a lot.

    As for a mouse, I find the built-in trackpad more than adequate. I never miss having a separate mouse with my MacBook (unlike Windows laptops).

    • CryssieJade on 20/07/2021 - 21:44

      The mouse is more to relieve hand fatigue as I use my Macbook Pro for hours a day editing photos. I use the trackpad first and foremost, but I like to rest my hands after 5-6 hours non-stop in Lightroom. I do have a Wacom tablet but it's a good 4 years old so don't know if it will be compatible with a new MBP. Just toying with ideas :)

      I won't need a second charger - never have - and my current MBP is only 4 hour battery.

      Thank you for telling me I'll need bluetooth headphones. Bluetooth accessories are foreign to me. I don't have an iPhone, so I'll only need it for MBP (and that's fine)

      USB-C to HDMI adaptor I definitely need, but hadn't factored it in - thank you for the reminder!

      I only have Wi-Fi in my house, using my phone as a hotspot. Don't need ethernet adaptors.

      Protective case and keyboard silicon dust covers are a must for me!

      Thank you for your reply!

  • kerfuffle on 20/07/2021 - 20:28

    If you want an external mouse, might as well get an external keyboard and laptop stand too. And a carry bag for everything

    • CrispyChrispy on 20/07/2021 - 20:34

      Depends, if you're going portable with it often or keeping it at home more. No need for a laptop stand or external keyboard if you're gonna be travelling around a lot with it more than at home.

      • CryssieJade on 20/07/2021 - 21:44

        Correct, I won't need that useless stuff! See above as to why I'm toying with the idea of a mouse.

      • kerfuffle on 20/07/2021 - 22:09

        I use both a laptop stand and external keyboard at home. Ergonomics. Tax deductible, too.

  • liamneesonl on 20/07/2021 - 20:48
    +1
    • Multi-port USB-C hub
    • A desktop docking station
    • A handy screen cleaner
    • Car charger
    • Wireless earbuds
    • CryssieJade on 20/07/2021 - 21:45

      Thank you, I will be getting 1, 4 and 5!

  • Randxyz123 on 20/07/2021 - 22:01

    • Some sort of USB C hub.
      Depending on your setup you might want to consider a dock for using at home/work and then a USB c dongle for on the go. I personally really like Satechi and was even recommended them by apple when I bought my 2016 MacBook Pro in the US and Apple had a pretty slim picking of dongles. Not the cheapest but they look and work great!
      https://satechi.net/collections/usb-type-c

    • The latest MacBook Pro has a 3.5mm jack so you probably don’t absolutely need a set of Bluetooth headphones. I use them purely because my phone doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack.

    • A protective sleeve of some sort. I personally really like this sort of thing https://www.mujjo.com/16-inch-macbook-pro-sleeve-black/ But there are cheaper options obviously.

    • For a mouse, I’d suggest a MX master 3

    Finally as someone else mentioned the MBPs are meant to get a refresh in the next couple of months. I’d wait it out till September at least and see what apple brings out.

    • CryssieJade on 21/07/2021 - 01:26

      Thank you! I'll hold off getting Bluetooth earphones then, it's not a necessity.

      Can't wait much longer, all my work is taking twice as long as it should so I'm losing money through lack of productivity.

      I'm happy with the current specs of the M1 (with 16gb RAM), so an upgrade is not a reason for me to bite.

      Thank you for your suggestions on products! I've always gone a neoprene sleeve in the past, probably will again

  • mskeggs on 20/07/2021 - 22:35

    Can I piggy back with a question on RAM?
    There has been a vibe of “8Gb is enough with M1” but I would like to hear real world feedback.
    I don’t edit video or high end graphics, but I do have dozens of chrome tabs and 10 apps open at once (word, excel, slack, zoom, chrome, Firefox, acrobat or preview, a text editor, terminals, finder and more).

    Keen to hear real experiences.

    • Doy on 20/07/2021 - 23:24
      +1

      Coming from a desktop with 32GB RAM, 8 has been surprisingly comfortable. I’d say with a similar use case to yours, it very very very rarely slows down. The fast storage being used as swap helps.

  • mskeggs on 20/07/2021 - 22:35

    Dupe

  • Doy on 20/07/2021 - 23:23
    +1

    I think the Air is much better value than the Pro for the M1 generation.

    Either way, get a USB-C hub that has Ethernet, 4K HDMI and USB-A ports. It’s hard to find a silver bullet, and usually the trade off is either 4K 30HZ (instead of 60) or 100 Ethernet (instead of 1000)

    • CryssieJade on 21/07/2021 - 01:22

      I'm a photographer so I need that fan to run my programs all at the same time

  • crentist on 21/07/2021 - 00:15
    +1

    you dont need any new accessories that you dont already use, except a usb c dongle so the old stuff can be connected. you can get them from kmart

    • CryssieJade on 21/07/2021 - 01:27

      Thank you, this is probably the answer I've been waiting for lol

  • Eeples on 21/07/2021 - 01:06
    +2

    a nice carry bag for it.

    • kerfuffle on 21/07/2021 - 06:14

      I like Tomtoc ones myself

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