Apple USB Ethernet Adapter
Apple USB Ethernet Adapter
Product Information
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Easily connect your MacBook Air computer to an Ethernet network with the Apple USB Ethernet Adapter. Small and light, it connects to the USB 2.0 port of your MacBook Air and provides an RJ-45 connector that supports 10/100BASE-T performance.
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What's in the Box?
- Apple USB Ethernet Adapter with built-in 4.6-inch USB cable
- User's Guide
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Tech Specs
Connections
- USB 2
- 10/100 Base-T Ethernet
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System Requirements
- Mac OS X v.10.4.8 or later
- MacBook Air computer with available USB 2.0 port
Ratings & Reviews
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It just works, like all Apple products!
Purchased this for my MacBook Air and it works flawlessly! I use wifi 90% of the time, but for those rare occasions that wired is the only way to go, it's nice to know that I just jack right in and get to work. I work in IT so having access to both wired and wireless connections is a MUST for my line of work!
By the way, a quick word about the the adapter only being 10/100 vs Gigabit capable. This is not due to Apple being "cheap" or controlling, but rather has to due with the inherent limitation of the USB connection itself. See, by definition, USB 2.0 has a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 480 Mbps. This means that USB 2.0 - at a maximum - is capable of less than half of the maximum Gigabit speed (1,000 Mbps). So even if Apple would've included this feature in the device itself, the bus the USB connects to internally would prevent it from ever reaching anything near that speed, plus, the device probably would've cost about 300% more since most Gigabit-enabled products usually cost approx. that much more for that capability.
My only (slight) complaint is the lack of status/link lights on the device. Again, from an IT standpoint, that feature is a welcome addition, however, being an Apple product, Apple does not include these lights on any of their products (MacBooks, Apple TV, Mac Pros, etc.) so I didn't expect them to include it...just a personal preference is all! …- Written by Jesus V from Hialeah
458 of 517 people found this useful
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Now Only Works With MacBook Air
This little gem used to be the device of choice for adding a second Ethernet interface to a Mac Mini Server and I'd been using one that way for about a year. After doing a software update to 10.6.6 it stopped working. Forewarned is forearmed – it appears that Apple is finally enforcing the MacBook Air system requirement. Bummer. Two stars for downgraded functionality. …
- Written by Douglas U from Port Orchard
500 of 604 people found this useful
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Excellent, Very Fast
I have good wireless at home and on campus, but thought I'd get this as a just-in-case accessory. Turned off Airport and connected the ethernet cable and the speed increase over our wireless was significant. Well worth the money and there when I need it. …
- Written by Don C from Bryan
292 of 324 people found this useful
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Did not work with my 11" MacBook Air 2012
Bought it to connect my 11" MacBook Air to the web using cable (faster). Did not work on any of its USB3 ports. Looked on the web and many said it doesn't, I had to use the Thinderbolt adapter, which is faster also, up to gigabit Ethernet.
Returned it. …- Written by José A from Bryan
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Apparently No Longer Supported
After a recent update to 10.8.3 build 12D78, this device no longer works on my MBA 13" Checked with local Genius Bar, and chat su pport to no avail. Great as long as you don't update, worthless after you do. A patch from Apple would take it back to 5stars. …
- Written by Jeffrey B from Cincinnati
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Solved Streaming Problem
Excellent product. It worked immediately the first time that I tried it. No problems at all, and no set-up required other than plu gging it in to my MacBook Air. It boosted my connection speed enough, compared to wifi, to overcome a problem that I was having streaming high-res content from an unusually demanding source. Highly recommended for any MacBook Air user who occasionally needs Ethernet. …
- Written by JOHN B from Harrisburg
1 of 1 people found this useful
Questions & Answers
Answers from the community
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When using this cable, will my AirPort Express recognize my external USB drive as a network drive?
- Asked by Dominic B from Hannover
- Jun 12, 2013
No answers yet
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Will this work with the new MacBook Pro with Retina display announced June 2012? It is not listed in the compatibility section.
- Asked by Zachary Y from Black Diamond
- Jun 12, 2012
Best Answer
Yes, but you are better off with the Apple Ethernet to Thunderbolt adapter which gives you gigabit s peeds (Cat 6 cable) vs the slower megabit USB solution (Cat 5) …
- Answered by Stephen I from San Jose
- Aug 16, 2012
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Does this USB Ethernet Adapter also work in a MacBook Pro
- Asked by Bernie D from Croydon
- Oct 21, 2010
Best Answer
Sometimes you actually do need 2 working Ethernet ports. I can think of many applications for 2 port s.
Many network firewalls use one port for incoming traffic and the second for outgoing traffic.
With that said the adapter does work on a MacBook Pro, but this may change in future updates. …- Answered by Daniel B from Maryville
- Jul 27, 2011
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Will this adapter work better than the wifi connection eliminating or minimizing video streaming freezes?
- Asked by Shane G from Cranberry
- Jan 2, 2013
Answer
Yes, it is always better to use a hardwired connection for video streaming. However, there are many possible reasons for a video stream to freeze/buffer so this may not solve your problem. …
- Answered by Dan W from Brooklyn
- Feb 21, 2013
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2nd Ethernet Port for MacMini Server
- Asked by Max M
- Aug 15, 2011
Answer
Yes, Mac OS even on a non-laptop will recognise this as an Ethernet device.
- Answered by James G
- Jan 10, 2013
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So i have a ford would it work if i plugged this cord into my SYNC USB system in the car. and also is there a monthly fee for the internet
- Asked by Fdajkfjdg G from Huntsville
- May 11, 2012
