Filed under: MacBook Air
Accessories for MacBook Air: USB Ethernet
Get used to hearing the word 'dongle' in casual conversation, because Apple is shipping one for the MacBook Air -- an Ethernet to USB adapter for those who absolutely must use a wired network. For $29 you get a 10/100Base-T Ethernet connection and the opportunity to use up your one USB port for connectivity (hint: either get used to typing on the full-size keyboard on the laptop, or pick up a small USB hub). It's not the fastest gun in the West but it will certainly get the job done.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Seth A said 3:08PM on 1-15-2008
They should have riddled the thing with USB ports, and shipped it with a USB hub that plugs into one of the USB ports. However, when I think about it, I don't think I have ever had both USB ports on my MBPro full, humm. Apple might be smarter than me once again.
Reply
Seth A said 3:09PM on 1-15-2008
I also find it funny that Apple is so into wireless and stuff, yet I can't sync my iPhone wirelessly, but my Dad's old RAZR can. Humm, curious.
[.sm0ke.] said 10:58PM on 1-19-2008
It's simple. Apple is going to release a 2-port USB hub a month later for $50. And even though my 4-port Targus hub cost me $10, they know they'll sell it.
Joshua Whitver said 3:08PM on 1-15-2008
Here's hoping we can NetBoot from it! Otherwise, I don't see too many Enterprise institutions picking up MacBook Airs (or should it be MacBooks Air? How does one pluralize "Air"?)
Reply
Richard R. said 8:49PM on 1-16-2008
I think it is Macbook Airs: Per wiktionary definition 6, "(usually plural) Pretension; snobbishness; pretence that one is better than others." I have not heard a more accurate definition for a product ever.
DistortedLoop said 3:13PM on 1-15-2008
Are USB 2 and gigabit comparable in speed? In other words, does routing your ethernet through the USB give a performance hit on the gigabit network?
Reply
Mark P said 3:24PM on 1-15-2008
It's 10/100mbit.
DistortedLoop said 3:30PM on 1-15-2008
Ugh. Misread it. Yesterday so many were saying just get a USB to Gigabit adapter, that I read what I expected not what was there. :-(
Andrew said 4:23PM on 1-15-2008
The max speed for USB 2.0 is 480 Mbps (less than half of 1000 Mbps), and practically it's much lower than that. Therefore 10/100 Ethernet is pretty much the best you can do with USB.
Dave said 3:37PM on 1-15-2008
But will it blend?
Reply
opimus said 5:27PM on 1-15-2008
You can go to your local Gamestop or Ebgames and get the Datel USB ethernet adapter.
Reply
brian said 5:40PM on 1-15-2008
Let's hope this will work with ANY Mac! I've seen lots of old iMacs, B/W G3s, etc., with dead Ethernet and no AirPort capabilities.
Reply
Big John said 6:02PM on 1-15-2008
How bad do you really need to hardwire this thing anyway, folks? If you're using it in a office/home setting, the MBA is not the answer you want for a primary machine.
Reply
AirBookDesign said 1:20PM on 1-24-2008
There are other accessories out for the MacBook Air.
Here are some great MacBook Air covers, in assorted colors!!
http://www.uline.com/Browse_Listing_1573.asp?desc=Color
Reply
Rus said 9:43AM on 1-25-2008
It won't work with other Macs AND if you don't mind a plug I sell an adapter that works on ALL Macs with OS X on eBay for $30 shipped. (Even though the AIR adapter sells for $30 as well, it does not qualify for free shipping and you cannot get it without an Air qualifying serial number or with an Air order)
eBay: http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/theapplepeople
Reply
Lacy Rae said 1:13PM on 1-28-2008
I THINK MACBOOK AIR IS THE NEW FUTURE TECHNOLOGY I DONT HAVE ONE BUT I WILL I WILL I TELL U WILL!!!!
Reply