After moving from Windows to Mac recently, I wanted to reuse some of my peripherals that I use for online meetings. I thought I would share my setup, as I would have found this helpful so it’s possible others would too.

The challenge here is the MacBook has only two USB-C ports on it, and they’re already used for the following basics:

• Power input (yes, no separate power input!)
• Ethernet for faster internet than WiFi
• HDMI for separate monitor

Seems Apple expects users to leverage Bluetooth for peripherals. Unfortunately my windows machine had a webcam and headset with regular USB cables, and I have no budget to replace them.

After a few combinations (and false starts) I found success with:

• USB Webcam plugged into the USB port in an Apple USB-C Multiport (as the webcam requires power too). This ensures all important visuals for much richer interactions with my colleagues. The webcam is also setup to be the main microphone input – a job it is more than capable of. As a home worker background noise is not a problem.
• The Macbook sound output/speakers is set to “system” (ie the built in speakers). Reason being – as a home worker I don’t need to restrict the sound I make. Also the Macbook speakers are plenty good enough.

This setup works nicely, meetings are rich and clear, and the Macbook seems happy enough.

A bonus is my old headset can now live in my laptop bag (along with a USB-C to USB adapter) ready for conference calls away from the office. Also no annoying unplugging stuff before going out!