4 ms·

Magnetic really seems great for connections, I wonder why it isn't used more.

• mntmoss 7y ago
  With nicer connectors, and non-standard connectors, there's usually additional manufacturing cost involved that makes for expensive plugs and cables. As such the standards get driven by every manufacturer wanting to save a few pennies on I/O, while acknowledging that some applications might prefer quick removal or a secure lock. I have a pair of high-end AKG headphones that uses a "mini-XLR" connection. This is a non-standard variant of the popular 3-pin XLR used throughout pro audio equipment. When the provided cable that converts mini-XLR to 3.5mm TRS started failing, I went onto Amazon and found a generic $11 cable, but within a week of use it became clear that it was poorly made, with a metal cap acting as the only source of strain relief. I've ordered another adapter, one that adapts the plug to 3.5mm without a cable, and it also costs $11. Not as bad cost-wise as some Apple device cables, but fingers crossed.
• q3k 7y ago
  There being an Apple patent [1] involved doesn't help. [1] - https://patents.google.com/patent/US7311526B2/en https://patents.google.com/patent/US7311526B2/en
  • GuB-42 7y ago
    Apple didn't make the first magnetic connector. It was already common for fondue sets. The patent is about Apple's particular implementation. I suppose it wouldn't be that hard to work around if people really wanted to.
    • mc32 7y ago
      Unless Microsoft paid or has cross licensing agreements with Apple, they also use mag connectors on some of their hardware offerings.
  • ken 7y ago
    Even Apple has stopped using it, though. Rumor is that it had reliability issues (and I'm seeing that with my own MagSafe plug), but of course no official word.