MacBook Pro and USB 3.0

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I really would like to replace my old Macbook Pro with a new one. But I have been waiting because of the lack of support for USB 3.0. I just hate to buy a computer that is already somewhat outdated. My real question is this: I see now that devices, such as hard drives, require USB 2.0, in 2 to 3 years do you believe that devices will require USB 3.0 making all the ports on my Macbook Pro useless? If USB 3.0 devices will always work with USB 2.0 that would be great but I have yet to here this. I can deal with the slower speeds, I just need it to work. Thanks for the help.
 

chscag

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Apple has chosen Thunderbolt over USB 3.0. I doubt you will see Mac models with USB 3.0 ports any time soon, if ever. And yes, USB 3.0 devices are backward compatible with USB 2.0. They'll just run slower.
 
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I understand the slower speeds, I just had not heard for sure if all USB 3.0 devices will always be able to work with the USB 2.0 ports of the MBP.
 

chscag

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"Always" is a long time. No one can tell you if a USB 3.0 device manufactured in the future will be backward compatible. However, if the USB standard is followed, it should be.
 
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By USB spec, backwards compatibility is required. Now, whether all vendors MEET the spec.. that's a great question
 

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I won't be surprised to see USB 3.0 eventually on Macs - I think it's complimentary to Thunderbolt - but till then - you'll have to use an adapter if you want those kinds of speeds. Right now there is a Thunderbolt to ExpressCard adapter - then pick the highspeed interface of your choice - but I expect there will be some Thunderbolt to USB hubs or some other sort of adapters eventually.
 
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There already are Thunderbolt > USB 2.0 hubs.. if you want a cinema display ;) I wouldn't be surprised if future releases of that include usb 3.0.. at which point, I'll buy one.
 
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Well today if you go out and buy an external hard drive they all say they just support USB 2.0. That is where my worry comes from.

I am pretty sure the next revision of the MBP will have USB 3.0 because intel is supporting with there chips.
 
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Well today if you go out and buy an external hard drive they all say they just support USB 2.0. That is where my worry comes from.

I am pretty sure the next revision of the MBP will have USB 3.0 because intel is supporting with there chips.


Just because something says "USB 2.0" or "USB 3.0" (in the future) doesn't really mean that's all it will work with. I've used numerous devices that say "USB 2.0" on my older machines with only USB 1.1, and they work fine. Granted, they run slower, but they aren't rendered useless or totally obsolete.
 
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Just because something says "USB 2.0" or "USB 3.0" (in the future) doesn't really mean that's all it will work with. I've used numerous devices that say "USB 2.0" on my older machines with only USB 1.1, and they work fine. Granted, they run slower, but they aren't rendered useless or totally obsolete.

Really? Well that is really good news! I might get me a new mac in the next couple of weeks then. Thanks so much for the help.
 

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