Macbook Pro with failed USB ports - cheapest way to get some functionality

I have a Late 2012 Macbook Pro. Both USB ports have failed, the cost of repair is not worth it. I plan to replace the entire Macbook at the end of the year. So I am looking for a cheap work around that will give at least one working and reliable USB port.

Anyway this is what is working:

Firewire port

Thunderbolt 2 port

Ethernet port

Also USB3 is working on both USB ports.

I have tried using a powered hub but this does not work. It seems that for USB1 & USB2 the ports are providing power but comms is intermittent then fails completely.

I need to try and get this up and running in a day or two using the ports that do work so I can connect USB1 & USB2 devices.

I have looked for a Firewire to USB adaptor but I think that is a no go.

There are plenty of thunderbolt 3 options but somewhat limited to expensive thunderbolt 2 docks even secondhand these are more than I would like to spend.

So any suggestions gratefully received.... Thank You!

Solution 1:

The Late 2012 MacBook Pro doesn't have Thunderbolt 2, so your port listing can't be completely right.

It does however have Thunderbolt, and you can get a Thunderbolt to USB3 adapter such as this one from Kanex:

https://www.kanex.com/thunderbolt-gigabit-ethernet

Or this one from Delock:

https://www.delock.com/produkte/1095_Thunderbolt/62634/merkmale.html

Whether or not that is "cheap" for you is subjective, but it is an easy way to add a USB port to the computer.