Story: Expand external function
Updated: December 4, 2021
I knew that I have to buy a keyboard cover when I purchased MacBook Pro(2016 ver/13 inch) at Apple website, Refurbished and Clearance page. Because I don’t like to touch MacBook Pro directly. I may too sensitive, but I want to use a laptop for at least 5 years. Because it’s expensive for me.
I upset when I bought MacBook Pro(2016 ver/13 inch). It didn’t have a USB port, only USB-C. I had to buy a USB Type C Hub. It costs around $40. I am sure many people have to buy it. or I thought should I subscribe to cloud service. I personally don’t want to subscribe to anything. Once I save the data on the cloud, I won’t be able to quit in the future.
It’s under coronavirus pandemic, I have to work in front of MacBook Pro for a long time. I think about how to work comfortably. If you work at home, you may think about the workstation.
I would like to share my research on MacBook Pro/Air accessories.
USB-C Hub
©Matt Granger
As I said, I bought USB-C Hub after I received MacBook Pro. I didn’t know it doesn’t have USB-A. If my backup data saved on cloud storage, I might not need it, but I think it’s a rare situation for freelance. I mention personal cloud storage very end.
I bought a hab which is installed on a short cable. Because I use a zipper case. I needed a little space between Mac and the hub. It was a quite cheap one compare to others. There are 4 colors and I like it. It suits MacBook Pro, silver.
Please be cautious. When I insert external hard disk, MacBook Pro sometimes does not recognize it. I don’t know which problem, MacBook or USB-C. I searched for this problem. It looks common. When I connect the second hard disk, Mac disconnects for the first hard disk. I also don’t know why. I faced it a few times. I normally use only 1 hard disk at the time. So, it’s the okay product for me.
USB-C Hub to HDMI
©Tech & Design
I found a monitor at a co-working space and looks no one use it. I tried it before when I used MacBook Air. Many freelance graphic/web designer gets used to 13in to 15in display, but a dual display is a convenience after all. The genuine product, USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, costs $69. It’s over my budget.
I picked up some products from a designer’s view. I am okay even USB C to HDMI Adapter, no other ports. MacBook Pro has 2 USB-C. We can separate usage for power, hard disk and dual monitor.
*Update: January 4, 2024
It’s been a while since I wrote this blog. I would like to mention the brands that may be preferred by designers.
Anti-Glare Screen Protector
When I switched MacBook Air to MacBook Pro(2016/13 inch), blue light hurts my eye. I could adjust it to a setting. It was okay, but I got the next problem.
The display quite reflects light. It constantly harms the brain. When I worked for a long time, I got a migraine. Once it happens, I cannot look at a display in 3 hours. Therefore, I looked for an anti-glare screen protector.
I bought it when I visit Japan. You can find it on Amazon. It looks all ripoff, over $10 for 1 sheet of film. I didn’t mind about protection, but I had to reduce reflection. No choice.
MacBook Skin/Case/Sleeve
I don’t want to show what laptop I use in public space, cafe or library. Apple mark on the MacBook stands out. Some models light up. It’s cool and okay at home. I looked for the specific case which I don’t have to separate laptops and cases, 180° open. I am not using the same product below, but the same idea.
I found a similar product at amazon, not the same. Pretty much same idea, but I dislike the label, pro case, on the front of the case. It unnecessarily.
*Update: July 8, 2025
I am using Native Union for MacBook Pro 13-inch. It’s sleeve type and I don’t have any complaints about it.
Earbuds
Earphone code is really unnecessary. Everyone has annoyed memory. MacBook Pro 2016 model has still installed the earphone jack port. I think it will be gone in the future. I am thinking about earbuds for a while. I am looking for second hands as well.
📝 The Best Earbuds for Freelance Graphic/web Designer
After I considered some products, I bought Powerbeats Pro. I am a Mac user, but I am not a big fan of Airpods Pro. I don’t have a regret so far.
I can say that wireless is good. I cannot use earphones anymore, but keep it in your bag just in case. Work/travel without YouTube is tough.
*Update: February 12, 2022
I am using PowerBeats Pro for over 1 year. I faced a battery issue and the Apple store avoided fixing it. It was a terrible user experience, but the product itself, the battery works 8+ hours. It’s good. Under the mask mandate policy, the ear is busy, earbuds, glasses and mask. Beats (Apple group) released new earbuds, BEATS FIT PRO. The images show the counter-response to customers complaining about Powerbeats Pro, Beats Fits Pro with glasses. Yes, I don’t have to put on ear anything, but a price sounds rip off as same as usual. I don’t much prefer colors. I may consider second hands one later.
*Update: July 5, 2025
I am curious about headphones. I used a cheap one before and I got a headache when I used it for over 1 hour. My headphones hurt my ears. I am going to buy a good one for next time.
MacBook Stand
I started to think about MacBook stand after I used a zoom call a couple of times. I have to slightly look down. We can see this situation almost everywhere. I wanted to up the angle. It may help to keep a good posture as well.
I bought Moft on the official website on May 8th. Because I wanted to change the feeling under the COVID-19.
In April 2020, the City of Vancouver was so quiet. I walked Gastown every day, but I could see only a pet owner and homeless people. In the co-working space, it was only 2-3 people. It was a different world compared to before. Therefore, I researched the accessories for MacBook Pro to change a feeling.
Since then, the nightmare had started. I could not receive Moft in 2 months. Cause of COVID-19. At the end of May, I asked Moft, but they just said please wait for extra 3-4 weeks. I wanted to remove the stress, but actually I got extra stress for it.
*Update: July 8, 2025
At home, I am using the Twelve South Arc stand. I put the stand on the box for extra height.
Twelve South – Luxury tech accessories designed for your lifestyle.
I finally received Moft on July 7th. I am not good at DYI, but I like IKEA staff. I am sensitive about centering vertically and horizontally. Therefore, it took time.
I’m using a case. The Moft makes MacBook Pro slightly thick, but the case worked. Before I buy it, I didn’t consider it. Please keep it in your mind when you buy a stand.
There are 2 heights, I got used to low degree setting. Typing is no problem. It’s stable. I saw people who use a stand below. It’s too much when I use it outside. Moft is not a standout. It’s good.
*Update: February 12, 2022
It’s been a while since I installed Moft. I saw many this kind of products in WeWork. I don’t need to consider buying a new one. Moft works.
External screen
Recently, people have to work at home. A 13-inch laptop is okay, but we can work more comfortably. You may have experience with a dual monitor at the company. If you haven’t been it yet, I strongly recommend experiencing it.
©10BestOnes: Best Monitor For Mac in 2019 [Top 5 USB-C Monitors For Macbook]
I roughly searched monitor for MacBook Pro. Almost always the same lineup in May 2020.
*Update: July 8, 2025
Since I don’t stay in one place for long, I’d prefer to avoid high-end displays like the Mac Studio Display. I’m curious about VR headsets and interested in working with one. I believe it could work well once I upgrade to a relatively new MacBook Pro. A VR headset is also easier to move with and doesn’t cause a headache when relocating. I’m still not entirely sure how it works, but it might be useful for my work.
I Spent 30 Days WORKING IN VR (here’s how THAT went…) by Pete Matheson
External hard disk
Freelance must back up data frequently. I don’t like subscription, but I can say that cloud storage is ideal. You can access there any device and everywhere.
I’ve never known NAS(Network-attached storage) products. I like the idea, build my own cloud. One concern is that it’s still physical. I have to keep it at home. I have to carry it when I move. If a natural disaster happens, it’s gone. I also have to consider the price, how long I can contract with a cloud storage service. I didn’t mention 2-bay. Because they don’t have much price gap between 2-bay and 4-bay.
Example:
$600 for 32 TB (16 TB drive x 2), DiskStation DS718+
$9.99/mo for 2 TB, $120/yr, $600/5yr.
*Update: December 4, 2021
It’s the end of 2021. Please remind to take backup. I have 4 external HD (2TB). I want to organize them though. I need one more external HD. Low prices are all competitive, around $75-$80.
USB power adapter
One of the heavy staff of MacBook Pro is a power adapter. I updated laptop MacBook Air to Pro. Therefore, I felt it’s too big and heavy. The adapter is still fine after I bought MacBook Pro 2 years ago, but the cable has an issue.
The replacement depends on the price, but I prefer small, quick and convenient. I found white ver as well, but I didn’t like the mark, IQ, on the adapter.
Wireless mouse
I am using a magic mouse 2 by Apple. I don’t mind which brand you choose, but a wireless mouse is necessary for a graphic/web designer. I want to try graphics tablets someday. It looks designer.
Travel Cable Organizer/Case/Bag
I consider the travel cable organizer/case/bag. I would like to keep an adaptor, cable, mouse, hard disk in 1 bag. MacBook Pro adaptor is heavy and big. I looked for a small one as well.
I traveled with MacBook Pro 2 – 3 times. To be honest, MacBook Pro is too heavy for travel. I’m thinking of alternative devices, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, etc. I have to think about running Adobe CS 5 properly at the device or not. I cannot install Adobe CS 5 in the latest products of Mac. or I should focus on only WordPress/Webflow project during travel.
I found 2 bags, low and high. Both of okay for me.
*Updated: February 12, 2022
I bought Stow Organizer by Native Union. I had TD point which I can use on Amazon. I actually pay only $5. I have used it a week so far. I may not satisfy if I paid $65+tax for it. I feel $30-$40 is appropriate.
External microphone
©Deity Microphones
©Mario So
In 2020, Zoom users expanded under the COVID-19. When I watching the news on YouTube, sometimes the connection/voice makes me really irritated. I don’t know what the cause is, WiFi, Laptop or something others. I don’t know my situation. I am using MacBook Pro 2016. So maybe okay, but I would like to avoid that.
I have Bluetooth earphones, Powerbeats Pro, but I cannot trust Bluetooth for the Zoom call. Therefore, I looked for a microphone.
©RØDE Microphones
This looks good. You may need an adaptor.
10 Must Have Macbook Pro Accessories & Gadgets to Carry
©Tech Square
Apple accessary
I don’t often consider accessory on Apple. Way too expensive. It’s interesting for browsing. Some items came from 3rd party. These were received an official certificate. Deserved to trust.
Extra: iPhone
Updated: December 2, 2021
I am sure that many of you use iPhone as a Mac user even you know that Samsung S21 or Google Pixel looks better. I bought iPhone XS on Craigslist recently. I needed a phone case. I visited London Drugs and Pacific Centre, but I could not find a good deal. I searched for some recommendations as well. Overall, I choose the same brand, Spigen, for iPhone 7(previous phone). It’s clear, slim and protects iPhone. Amazon shipped the Spigen iPhone XS case in 2 days even I am not an Amazon Prime member. I installed it and it is great. You may have other models of iPhone, but you can find your case of Spigen.
Wireless Charger
Updated: December 4, 2021
I satisfy the iPhone XS Gold and Spigen iPhone case so far. I quickly looked for a wireless charger. Why I update iPhone is that iPhone 7 could not charge a battery because of the lightning connector. I do want to avoid the same issue. Some charger prices are over $200. It’s not my option. I don’t prefer even over $100. I picked up a few. I like the design of the Apple MagSafe Duo Charger, but I cannot accept the price, $169+tax. I found an alternative and acceptable price.
Apple accessory brands
*Update: January 4, 2024
It’s been a while since I wrote this blog. I would like to mention the brands that may be preferred by designers.
Native Union
Anker
Satechi
Twelve South
Moft
Necessary or decoration
There are many accessories in the markets. Some products are created for a specific model. It means no alternative once model changes.
Innovation cannot stop. Products update frequently. Apple mentions using renewable energy during a new product presentation, but they should consider 3R, reduce, reuse and recycle as well.
Reference:
Hearst Magazine Media: THESE 20 MACBOOK ACCESSORIES WILL LEVEL UP YOUR HOME OFFICE SETUP
