The 12-inch MacBook As A 'Desktop': Using Apple's USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

Contrary to popular opinion on some user forums, the Apple Digital AV Adapter has been a boon for me.

Over the years, I've come to be more skeptical of user comments on forums (even long multipage forum threads) that claim a certain piece of hardware doesn't work or is "crap" -- to use the vernacular. The comment dates are critical. While early adopters often do have some real issues, those issues are often fixed within weeks or, in the worst case, months. (I'm referring to Apple only.) The problem is, user threads often cease abruptly after a week, or sooner, and don't reflect a "fix." So, after reading more than a few (dated) claims that the adapter and/or the MacBook was fundamentally flawed, I purchased the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter for the 12-inch Retina MacBook.

Within 15 minutes, I had hooked up a Dell UltraSharp 27-inch (2,560x1,440) monitor via HDMI, a USB mouse, and plugged in the third port (for charging) into the wall. In short, all three ports worked as advertised. And it gets better. The beauty of the adapter is that it serves as a kind of docking station: when you want to go mobile, just unplug one USB-C connector and you're off.

This is all part of the bridge-burning design philosophy that I referred to in an earlier post: instead of trying to cram as many ports as possible into the chassis (and thereby adding bulk), Apple decided to limit it to one port and provide a variety of adapters. This allows Apple to create something that's more akin to a mobile device (i.e., an iPad) than a laptop. I know that doesn't work for everyone but it works for me. And I'm perfectly willing to go down that path as Apple improves the USB-C connector and more options stream onto the market.

That's it.  This isn't a long/involved post because I didn't have any issues to speak of.  So, as an addendum to my earlier post: the 12-inch MacBook is not only a great mobile device but a decent “desktop” computer too.