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Is there any reason Apple couldn't implement a magsafe type connector but using USB-C form factor? By that I mean, you could use any USB-C compatible cable in t

Is there any reason Apple couldn't implement a magsafe type connector but using USB-C form factor? By that I mean, you could use any USB-C compatible cable in the same port (just without the magnetics) It seems like they could have gotten the best of both worlds that way. Am I taking crazy pills?

jagger27 5y ago
USB-C is already a friction fit. Somehow adding magnets to it would just make it attach more strongly, which isn't the point of MagSafe. I feel like making a slightly loose USB-C cable but with magnets would be a bad user experience, and probably against the USB spec. I don't really get what you're suggesting.
- adam_arthur 5y ago
  Surely an alcove could be created such that the usb c connector creates a firm fit once the magnets latch on. e.g. magnets pull retractable flaps open such that the magsafe USB-C can be retracted easily. When using regular USB-C the flaps are locked in place, so works in that case too. I'm sure it's possible, but perhaps not worth the effort. Not one of humanity's most difficult problems.
  - jagger27 5y ago
    “Retractable flaps” sounds like it’s begging for a -gate suffix. Flapgate just rolls off the tongue. Apple doesn’t like moving parts, for obvious reasons. I think Apple did exactly the right thing here. If I have my MacBook hooked up to my desk monitor, I’ll just use a single USB-C cable for power, video, mouse, and keyboard like I do today. That kind of desk setup isn’t a tripping hazard. If I take my laptop to a coffee shop and need to charge it, I’ll use MagSafe because it’s more likely to be tripped over or yanked in that situation. What’s key is that I only needed power at the coffee shop. What else would be going over the cable in that kind of setting?
nomel 5y ago
You can find these on amazon, for example: https://www.amazon.com/Ansbell-Magnetic-Adapter-Transfer-Compatible/dp/B0831KYRD2 https://www.amazon.com/Ansbell-Magnetic-Adapter-Transfer-Com...

jagger27 5y ago

USB-C is already a friction fit. Somehow adding magnets to it would just make it attach more strongly, which isn't the point of MagSafe. I feel like making a slightly loose USB-C cable but with magnets would be a bad user experience, and probably against the USB spec. I don't really get what you're suggesting.

adam_arthur 5y ago
Surely an alcove could be created such that the usb c connector creates a firm fit once the magnets latch on. e.g. magnets pull retractable flaps open such that the magsafe USB-C can be retracted easily. When using regular USB-C the flaps are locked in place, so works in that case too. I'm sure it's possible, but perhaps not worth the effort. Not one of humanity's most difficult problems.
- jagger27 5y ago
  “Retractable flaps” sounds like it’s begging for a -gate suffix. Flapgate just rolls off the tongue. Apple doesn’t like moving parts, for obvious reasons. I think Apple did exactly the right thing here. If I have my MacBook hooked up to my desk monitor, I’ll just use a single USB-C cable for power, video, mouse, and keyboard like I do today. That kind of desk setup isn’t a tripping hazard. If I take my laptop to a coffee shop and need to charge it, I’ll use MagSafe because it’s more likely to be tripped over or yanked in that situation. What’s key is that I only needed power at the coffee shop. What else would be going over the cable in that kind of setting?

nomel 5y ago

You can find these on amazon, for example: https://www.amazon.com/Ansbell-Magnetic-Adapter-Transfer-Compatible/dp/B0831KYRD2 https://www.amazon.com/Ansbell-Magnetic-Adapter-Transfer-Com...