New MacBook Pro's USB Ports Make Using a Y-Adapter Possible

Maureen

Using a Y adapter with your USB modem is a nice option if you need to boost power, but MacBook users haven't been able to take advantage of that option because Apple put the USB ports on opposite sides of the computer. The new MacBook Pro's, though, have two USB ports right next to each other on the left side of the computer:

The only problem with the new placement of the ports is that if you DON'T use an adapter, your modem will black the other port:

The Novatel U727 comes packaged with a Y adapter, and the Sierra Compass 597 comes with an adapter, too - not a Y adapter, but a flexible cable that gives you enough distance between the modem and computer to keep the other port free.

Maureen · Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:57 am Post subject:

Remember, there are other ways to boost your signal without double-powering your modem - namely, an antenna! If you're considering purchasing an antenna or an amplifier to boost your signal, make sure you determine your current signal strength with your RSSI value so that 3Gstore.com can help you determine which antenna or amplifier will best help you.

You can check your RSSI here: http://evdoinfo.com/rssi

Also: there are NO USB ports on the other side of these new MacBook! While it's nice that the two one the left allow for the use of a Y adapter, it's unfortunate that any somewhat wide device will end up blocking one of the ports.

kocoman · EVDO User Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 54

Does anyone have a picture of the new flexible cable?

sfingold · EVDO Newbie Joined: 18 Apr 2005 Posts: 6

Can anyone get there 597u to work with a new macbook pro? Mine won't work with smartview, it just keeps asking for a password over and over, but won't connect. The macbook pro will not even recognize it?

digitrip · EVDO User Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 36

Michael · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:43 pm Post subject:

When you got your new MacBook Pro, did you use the Migration Utility to copy stuff over from a previous Mac that was using the data card successfully?
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