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Comment by hyperbovine | Hacker News Reader

Surprised she did not mention MagSafe. This is, IMO, the single biggest unforced error Apple has made in a decade filled with them.

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Yes, this is really my biggest issue with the new MacBooks or rather was my biggest issue, until I found out there are numerous magnetic connectors and complete cables for USB-C[1].

Now that I use such a cable (L shape, like MagSafe 1), I find it better than the T shaped MagSafe 2 cables, which would disconnect/fall off all the time from my 2015 MBP.

1) Like this one (no affiliation at all): https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Adapter-Connector-Quick-Char...

Yes, there are adaptors like that, and my dad uses them. Unfortunately he has to keep removing it to plug in other USB-C devices (e.g. USB-C to HDMI) in the port next to it, because it's so wide that it blocks the neighbouring port.

I am aware that there are alternatives. But none of them are as good as the original (Apple hold some key patents, evidently) and second, it is just another POS to carry around and eventually lose. Steve is rolling in his grave.

The only reason i'm really okay with the USB charging is that i can have one USB-C cable from my monitor that covers monitor and charging hookups. My work desk has is much less cluttered now.

MagSafe had two flaws: the magnetic connector could become unreliable, and the cable around the connector was weak. USB-C is rated for a much higher number of inserts and being able to insert on either side is covering a lot of my old vulnerable cable situations.

I don’t know enough about EE to say why they don’t want a magnet between the USB-C connector and the rest of the cable.

I agree with all these points but i also have a huge dent on the side of my screen from when my laptop fell off the table when i tripped on the charging cable...

I'm still using a laptop with a MagSafe charger and have never seen the connector becoming unreliable (nor do I know anyone has had this issue).

The little MagSafe 1 to 2 adapters have been problematic for me and others, but the original chargers are not something I've heard problems about. I've not been able to find out what happens with the adapters, but it was surprising how many I went through.

My experience is that they work better again when you clean the contacts with rubbing alcohol.

We had a substantial minority of our chargers at work develop the issue. It’s not a black-and-white state so you might just know people who became more deliberate about attaching it over time.

Usually it's just little bits of magnetized crud getting into the plug or receptacle. A gap of even 1mm seems to be enough to disrupt things.

I haven’t seen the magnetic failure, but the cable quality thing is just Apple looking at form over function. The company has an aversion to cable boots.

The MagSafe connected to the computer I'm on right now is 10 years old and in perfect condition.

I own a few USB-C devices, which are all obviously much newer, and none are as reliable as the MagSafe.

MagSafe trained me not to worry overmuch about snagging the charging cable, over a matter of some years. Then they took it away--replaced by a mechanically quite solid coupler for any off-axis forces. (Welcome to the ground!)

I've replaced my MagSafe with a loosely fitting outlet adapter so in case of a cable tug it rips the charger out of the wall.

This sucks.

What is the error? MagSafe is fine, although I think USB-C is a bit better in terms of the whole "not falling out when you brush past it"

I think they meant dropping MagSafe was a huge error.

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