I Want My, I Want My, I Want My ... USB-C! — Mac Geek Gab 879

It’s a hot one, folks, and we’re not talking about the weather! This episode is chock full of great Cool Stuff Found, answers to your questions, and more. Topics include free tools to keep your Mac running smoothly, a way to get free data on your phone, invoicing solutions for consultants, a quick way to activate your flashlight, free VPNs to use, and much, much more! Press play and enjoy learning five new things with John and Dave, your two favorite geeks!

nomadplug 18W World Charger: $74.95

We have a deal on nomadplug, a modular 18 watt world charger. It’s safe for use in all 195 countries around the world, and it delivers USB-C charging for your output, with all of those global plug options. This device is $74.95, and it’s available in blue and orange in the deal listing.


USB-C Spec Update Could Support Up to 240W

The USB Implementers Forum introduced a version 2.1 update to the USB Type-C specification. We could see the standard support power levels of up to 240W.

Cables supporting 240 watts will have additional requirements to accommodate the new levels. And USB-IF will require the cables to bear specific icons “so that end users will be able to confirm visually that the cable supports up to…240W,” USB-IF said in the specification document.

Satechi Releases USB-C Multi-Port Adapter

Satechi announced on Thursday the launch of a USB-C multi-port dock. It has USB-C PD charging, HDMI and VGA display ports, USB-A data ports, SD card slots, and Gigabit Ethernet, with two detachable USB-C cables – perfect for on-the-go or docked at your desk. Compatible devices include: 2020/2019/2018/2017/2016 MacBook Pro, 2020/2018 MacBook Air, 2020/2018 iPad Pro, 2019/2017 iMac, iMac Pro, 2015/2016/2017 MacBook, Microsoft Surface Laptop 3/Surface Pro 7/Go, Google PixelBook Go, ChromeBook, Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S, HP Spectre Convertible, Razer Blade, Huawei Matebook and more USB-C devices. It costs US$99.99 but with the code MULTIPORT20 you can get 20% off. Valid until March 15.

CES 2021: Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub Brings Ethernet, Charging, and 4K HDMI

At CES on Tuesday, Plugable announced their new USB-C 7-in-1 hub, following the work-from-home trend of bringing Ethernet and 4K video to users in an easy-to-pack form factor (to use at home now, and for when we can go places again!). In addition to two 5Gbps USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 4K HDMI, SD and microSD card slots, the Plugable hub includes a USB-C Power Delivery charging port capable of up to 87W of USB-C pass-through charging for your laptop and USB devices. Shipping now, this hub is available at Amazon for $34.95 at the time of publication.

Swiper, NOT Swiping — Mac Geek Gab 848

These days we do lots of swiping on our devices, and sometimes the results are expected, other times not so much! Listen as John and Dave share tips and answer questions about swiping. That’s not all, of course, the topics expand from there, including a great dive into USB speeds on Apple’s new iPads. Listen as your two favorite geeks walk through all of this for you this week!

Wireless Portable Battery with Its Own Charging Dock: $49.99

We have a deal on the Naztech 2-in-1 Charging Dock, which is really a 10,000mAh wireless portable battery with its own charging dock that will also hold your iPhone while it’s charging. The battery portion of this device also has USB-C and USB-A charging ports. It’s $49.99 through our deal, but there’s also a deal for two of them for $89.99 on the deal listing.

MoovyGo 12-in-1 USB-C Hub Station with Wireless Charging and Power Bank: $99.99

We have a deal on MoovyGo, a 12-in-1 USB-C hub with a built-in wireless Qi charger and its own power bank. This circular hub has an ethernet port, three USB-C ports (including a 60 watt charging port for laptops), an audio jack, an HDMI port, three USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and an SD/MicroSD card reader. The top is a Qi wireless charging pad, and inside the thing is a 4,500mAh power bank making this a portable battery, too. It’s $99.99 through our deal.


Mispronouncing "Bondi" – Mac Geek Gab 814

What’s bloating up your hard drive? Why is your Bluetooth mouse still draining? Which 13″ MacBook should you get? All these questions are answered, and more. John and Dave are here to ensure you get the answers you need, in the way you need them. And that’s not all, they talk through a few ways of managing multiple Apple IDs, 10G Ethernet, macOS 10.15.5, plus Quick Tips, Cool Stuff Found, and more. Press play to listen and learn at least five new things along with your two favorite geeks!

It's Good to Do The Math – Mac Geek Gab 812

USB Power Delivery isn’t as clear a concept as it could be, and your two favorite geeks help sort this out. That’s not all, of course, because John and Dave are here to answer ALL of your questions. This week that includes issues with Spotlight, Backups, displays for your Mac mini, managing your external DAC, and more. Press play … and enjoy!