And due to higher complexity, it's also much more prone to compatibility issues, some adapters requires additional drivers and software support in system. It's just those adapters or cables are really much more complex devices than it can look like, it often needs some custom design and electronics inside. So while I can see, that it can look ridiculously priced, I don't think, they actually have some super high markups (compared to other peripherals) or earn some exuberant money from there. Even every interconnection TB cable (for the same version of the standard) has built-in chip, which reconditions high-bandwidth signal, so every cable could be called as 'active'.

In case of Startech, which is one of two other companies, who make similar adapter like Apple, their adapter is even bigger box and it's for $100. Previously mentioned TB3 to TB adapter has special chips there. Common USB-C to jack 'adapter' is actually small audio interface. So for example TB Ethernet or TB Firewire adapters has really dedicated adapter chips inside, like at PCIe cards. IME lot of people don't realize, many of those thingies aren't really simple 'pinout adapters', like in the case of USB-C to USB-A for example, where you find essentially just cable, appropriate connectors and everyone can manage to make it. However with regards to certain adapters cost. Certain changes at their later notebooks feels outright stupid to me - like powering via one of USB-C ports and ditch of dedicated MagSafe connector. I agree, that pricing for all those adapters and docks can be quite serious expense to connect all the current and legacy peripherals, when buying new computer. The only thing I found about this, was an article recommending to buy apples thunderbolt 2 - 3 adapter, but as this adapter cost around 60$ (and I would still need to buy an USB-C Hub for all my other gear), I would prefer to find another solution (preferable where it's all integrated in a hub). I would appreciate it so much if someone can enlighten me here!! USB-C -> Mini DP -> thunderbolt 2 -> firewire 800 However, I'm very much in doubt whether it will be compatible with the thunderbolt 2/firewire solution. In the past I have connected my fireface 800 to my laptop with a thunderbolt 2/firewire adapter, why I have been looking on this USB-C Hub (it contains a Mini DP port): Therefore I need an USB-C Hub to connect all my old gear.

I recently got one of the new MacBook Pro's, where Apple have replaced all ports with USB-C ports (nice Apple.).

Where is the mic on macbook pro 2018