

With faster transfer rates than a USB port, FireWire ports can connect things like high-speed external hard drives, but also camcorders and webcams. The port doesn’t have many uses beyond that.

Using an Ethernet cable in this port, instead of Wi-Fi, can make the internet run faster on your MacBook. The Gigabit Ethernet port allows a MacBook to connect directly to a router, modem, or wall jack to access the internet.

But SD cards that are typical in digital photo and film cameras pop right in and can be accessed on a MacBook the second they’re plugged in. The SDXC card slot lets a MacBook read and write on SD cards.Ī converter or adapter would need to be used for inserting miniSD cards into here. But despite this, and the speed issue, it was a major port on most MacBooks and Apple computers for a long time! SDXC Card Slot With USB-A ports, the direction of cable insertion can’t be messed with-a cable must go in perfectly for the port to work. It can power some small microphones and USB accessories as well.ĭespite speed advantages over USB 2 and USB ports, the USB 3 port is not fast enough for connecting monitors or high-quality webcams. It also allowed iPhones, iPads, and iPods to connect to a MacBook for charging and data transfer or management. It supports a large number of computer accessories including flash drives, external hard drives, external CD/DVD players, and more. USB 3 ports are in a USB-A shape-the traditional USB shape you’re probably familiar with.
