Thunderbolt 1 to USB Type C adapter?

Solution 1:

Use this adapter if it's a Thunderbolt device -> https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter

You will need a Thunderbolt cable as well. That should work for you, it's worked for me.

If this is not a Thunderbolt device with a USB-C port, but is instead a USB 3.x device with a USB-C port then you need a different cable. Like this one -> https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Type-C-Adapter-Charger-Cable/dp/B01GGKYR2O

If you want to get gigabit speeds then make sure it's a USB 3.x cable and not a USB 2.0 cable.

If the device has a captive USB-C cable then there is no cheap solution. You will need a Thunderbolt 2 dock with a USB-C port, and these are hard to find. It would likely be cheaper to just replace this USB-C device with a USB-A or Thunderbolt 2 version than get an adapter.

Here's an upcoming option that may work, a Thunderbolt hub. An example, not an endorsement: https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-thunderbolt-hub

A Thunderbolt hub like this likely, but not absolutely, has a USB 3.x controller in it allowing USB 3.x devices to be used with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 hosts as well as any Thunderbolt devices. I'm considering one for my own use and if I get one and I remember to come back to this post then I'll report on how it works. But to get it to work means having a Thunderbolt/mini-DP to Thunderbolt/USB-C adapter and/or cable.

So, a quick summary. A single Thunderbolt/USB-C device can be connected with a mini-DP to USB-C adapter. A single USB 3.x/USB-C device can be connected by a USB-A to USB-C cable. This will not always get the most bandwidth a USB-C device can offer but it is cheap and easy. A Thunderbolt dock is an option, an expensive one that may be overkill. A Thunderbolt/USB-C hub should allow use of multiple Thunderbolt and USB 3.x devices with a Thunderbolt 1 or 2 host. I have not tested this myself but, like with the dock, I recall reading that people had success with this in the past. The hub saves some money over the dock but the dock may have the ports you needed USB-C dongles for and so saves on clutter.