5 ms·

> The difference between plugging the phone and putting it in a special Qi dock seems minimal. I agree in terms of effort, the change is minimal, but consider

> The difference between plugging the phone and putting it in a special Qi dock seems minimal. I agree in terms of effort, the change is minimal, but consider a family who has 3 or 4 different devices and hence ports,. required to charge. This means I don't need to hunt down the proper cord, we just have a couple of these devices at the front door. To me, that's eliminates a large pain in the ass. At work no one needs to ask if someone has a black berry version 3 cord, or a "new style" Samsung galaxy cord, or the latest iPhone charging cable, you just put your phone down and walk away:) it's a first world problem that is being solved here, but it's a big one that doesn't appear to be going away. European posturing aside. http://www.cnet.com/news/eu-wants-all-companies-ahem-apple-to-use-standard-charger/ http://www.cnet.com/news/eu-wants-all-companies-ahem-apple-t...

benkuykendall 12y ago
I really thought that micro-usb everywhere would do the trick. Apple seems to be holding out, but the rest of the devices my family uses have interchangeable chargers (kindles, android phones from assorted manufacturers, tablets). Obviously, standardization of charging methods is helpful, but honestly, I don't see the advantage of choosing Qi as a standard instead of micro-usb.
- fragmede 12y ago
  > choosing Qi as a standard instead of micro-usb. Well, if you've ever had a port or cable break on you, you should know why. It doesn't have exposed wires or moving parts, which means it should be much harder to break. Micro-usb is only rated for 10k insertions. If you plug your phone in 10 times a day, that's 2.5 years, and Galaxy S3's are quickly coming up on that old.
  - bostonpete 12y ago
    10 times a day seems like a pretty high average. I'd estimate I'm closer to 5.
wernercd 12y ago
Advantages? No wires to plug/unplug: Wires break. Phone parts break. Headphone jacks break. Wear and tear are a pita. I have a Qi charger at my bed, in my computer room, car and work desk... I can just set my phone down at any of those places and not worry about fudging with wires (also have bluetooth headsets lying around). I've had to replace phones due to broken/worn out jacks.

benkuykendall 12y ago

I really thought that micro-usb everywhere would do the trick. Apple seems to be holding out, but the rest of the devices my family uses have interchangeable chargers (kindles, android phones from assorted manufacturers, tablets). Obviously, standardization of charging methods is helpful, but honestly, I don't see the advantage of choosing Qi as a standard instead of micro-usb.

fragmede 12y ago
> choosing Qi as a standard instead of micro-usb. Well, if you've ever had a port or cable break on you, you should know why. It doesn't have exposed wires or moving parts, which means it should be much harder to break. Micro-usb is only rated for 10k insertions. If you plug your phone in 10 times a day, that's 2.5 years, and Galaxy S3's are quickly coming up on that old.
- bostonpete 12y ago
  10 times a day seems like a pretty high average. I'd estimate I'm closer to 5.

wernercd 12y ago

Advantages? No wires to plug/unplug: Wires break. Phone parts break. Headphone jacks break. Wear and tear are a pita. I have a Qi charger at my bed, in my computer room, car and work desk... I can just set my phone down at any of those places and not worry about fudging with wires (also have bluetooth headsets lying around). I've had to replace phones due to broken/worn out jacks.