Needed Accessories for new M3 MacBook Pro

[Wingsley]

My elderly parents have been using a very old Intel MacBook Pro for years. Recently, the hinge developed a little hiccup that had me concerned.

I just visited Apple's web-site and purchased an Apple-certified refurbished M3 14-inch MacBook Pro for them, with annual AppleCare subscription. It is a 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, "Space Gray" unit. I am now concerned about accessories.

1: I understand there are aftermarket "GAN" USB-C chargers available. Where do I go to learn more about these? Is there also a long (maybe 10-fooot) USB-C -to- MagSafe aftermarket charging cable as well?

2: For some volunteer civic organizations our family participates in, we use a factory-refurbished Epson EX7200 overhead projector for slideshows. The EX7200 comes with these built-in female ports: HDMI, Mini-VGA (DE-15), USB-A, USB-B, and A/V Red, Yellow and White. In the box is A bulky Mini-VGA -to- Mini-VGA cable and a USB-A to USB-B cable. We also purchased an HDMI-to-HDMI cable as well. Left over from previous generations are the following adaptors we've used in the past: Kanex VGA -to- HDMI adaptor, Apple Video Port -to- VGA adaptor, and also a Apple Display Port -to- VGA adaptor. I need to make sure we have the right accessories for when we do any slideshows. Is there anything new I should look for?

3: I believe I still have an old Tom Bihn "Brain Cell" padded laptop case for carry inside a briefcase or backpack; this case was optimized for an old 15-inch MacBook Pro over a decade ago. I'm not sure if a 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro would fit, but I'm assuming it would. Any ideas if it doesn't?

4: My parents may want to use earphones to listen to audio or video presentations discreetly. I'm pretty sure the latest-generation MacBook Pros have an earphone jack. Do I have to worry about compatibility? If we need an adaptor, what should we look for?

These issues have been on my mind.

Thanks for your time and attention.

 

[Bigwaff]

1: I understand there are aftermarket "GAN" USB-C chargers available. Where do I go to learn more about these? Is there also a long (maybe 10-fooot) USB-C -to- MagSafe aftermarket charging cable as well?

Buy this instead of long USB-C cable.. or buy both. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Power Adapter Extension Cable

Power Adapter Extension Cable makes it easy to add extra length to your Apple power adapter. Get fast, free shipping when you shop online.

www.apple.com

Cheaper on eBay, btw.

 

[Bigwaff]

I need to make sure we have the right accessories for when we do any slideshows. Is there anything new I should look for?

This…

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter lets you connect your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac to a HDMI display, standard USB device, and charging cable. Buy now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

Again, cheaper on eBay or third-party versions on Amazon.

 

[Bigwaff]

I'm pretty sure the latest-generation MacBook Pros have an earphone jack

They do.

 

[StoneJack]

1: I understand there are aftermarket "GAN" USB-C chargers available. Where do I go to learn more about these? Is there also a long (maybe 10-fooot) USB-C -to- MagSafe aftermarket charging cable as well?

GAN chargers are newer technologies chargers and are compatible with M3 Macbook pro (I am using WIWU and UGREEN GAN chargers with Macs, specifically M3 Macbook Pro 14 inch and iPhone 15 Pro Max. There is basically no need for aftermarket USB-C to Magsafe cable, as any good USB-C to USB-C cable will do.

2: For some volunteer civic organizations our family participates in, we use a factory-refurbished Epson EX7200 overhead projector for slideshows. The EX7200 comes with these built-in female ports: HDMI, Mini-VGA (DE-15), USB-A, USB-B, and A/V Red, Yellow and White. In the box is A bulky Mini-VGA -to- Mini-VGA cable and a USB-A to USB-B cable. We also purchased an HDMI-to-HDMI cable as well. Left over from previous generations are the following adaptors we've used in the past: Kanex VGA -to- HDMI adaptor, Apple Video Port -to- VGA adaptor, and also a Apple Display Port -to- VGA adaptor. I need to make sure we have the right accessories for when we do any slideshows. Is there anything new I should look for?

Macbook Pro has a HDMI port. Use it directly to plug into OHP through HDMI cable.

3: I believe I still have an old Tom Bihn "Brain Cell" padded laptop case for carry inside a briefcase or backpack; this case was optimized for an old 15-inch MacBook Pro over a decade ago. I'm not sure if a 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro would fit, but I'm assuming it would. Any ideas if it doesn't?

Would fit.

4: My parents may want to use earphones to listen to audio or video presentations discreetly. I'm pretty sure the latest-generation MacBook Pros have an earphone jack. Do I have to worry about compatibility? If we need an adaptor, what should we look for?

These issues have been on my mind.

Thanks for your time and attention.

Macbook Pro M3 does have 3.5 mm earphone jacket. I have one and I use it when necessary (though I use more wireless Airpods Pro 2 and if needed, a USB-C headphones from Apple as well)