With new technology being rolled out by manufacturers left and right, it’s hard to find the right hardware that can keep you afloat in this ever-changing technological landscape. So, if you’re one of those tech geeks trying to keep up with the latest technological trends, odds are you will eventually want to settle for tech that is not only innovative but also future-proof. As the name implies, the goal of future-proof technology is to be efficient and reliable enough so that it could last a considerable amount of time.
When USB-C was introduced, it was extensively touted as the fastest, most versatile connection to date. Probably, that could easily explain the fact why newer MacBooks only have USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports on board since Apple continues to strive for the ultimate goal of taking the front row of innovation with every new iteration of their products. Jeremy Quinone of TeQreation also follows the trend by running down a list of tech gadgets that take advantage of this future-proof technology and complement perfectly the latest MacBook Pro 2017.
For this particular setup, Jeremy utilizes a MacBook Pro 15” 2016 model as it features four USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports, allowing for maximum connectivity to as many devices as possible (especially with some external devices’ daisy-chaining capabilities). Also, it’s important to note that if you’re going to be replicating this particular build, you must invest in quality Thunderbolt 3 USB-C cables or else you might run into some potential signal issues.
The first future-proof device suggested above is the CalDigit TS3 Lite Thunderbolt 3 Dock. The unit provides an array of outputs for expansion and daisy-chaining, allowing users to connect more than four devices (that would’ve been limited by the number of ports on the MacBook Pro). Ports include USB Type A and C, two Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort out, Ethernet, and 3.5mm in/out jacks.
Another integral part of this setup is the LG 4K UHD 27UD88-W 27″ LED-Lit Monitor with USB Type-C. This gorgeous piece of technology-filled glass not only looks awesome but offers most of the features content creators may need. The back of the display includes a multitude of ports for further expansion, including several USB Type A ports. This functionality allows to connect the wireless receiver for the recommended mouse/keyboard combo of choice – the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac as well as the Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse.
Next on the list is the Lacie 6Big Thunderbolt 3 24TB RAID. This behemoth provides mounds of storage while taking advantage of the speeds associated with Thunderbolt 3. If that wasn’t enough, the RAID Array also has an extra Thunderbolt 3 port, allowing you to daisy-chain yet another device. With the extra port, for instance, you can connect an optional USB headphone stand like the one showcased in the video that includes several USB Type A ports and a memory card reader.
The audio capabilities of this MacBook Pro setup are backed by the stylish yet functional M-Audio M-Track C-Series 2x2M USB/MIDI Interface and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones. Perfect for musicians or professionals doing audio work for videos, the interface is a treat to use with its sleek design and multiple input options. The device connects to the rig via a USB-C to USB-A adapter, which is plugged into the CalDigit TS3 dock.
If you thought the Lacie 6Big 24TB RAID drive wasn’t enough, neither did Jeremy as he added a Lacie Bolt3 2TB Thunderbolt 3 drive to his MacBook Pro. Unlike the Lacie 6Big, the Bolt3 is an external SSD, providing blazing fast read/write speeds, perfect for editing or any other task that requires fast and consistent file transfers.
Just like the 6Big, the Bolt3 also sports an additional Thunderbolt 3 port, allowing for daisy-chaining. Optionally, you could add a 960GB SanDisk External SSD, just in case if the available storage space of 26TB isn’t enough for your needs for some reason.
As you can see from the list of products, the common trait between the peripherals is the utilization of USB Type C/Thunderbolt 3 as the primary interface of this future-proof MacBook Pro setup. The latest generation of USB and Thunderbolt has proven to be successful so far. Only time will tell, though, just how future-proof the USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 really are.
[source: TeQreation]
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