Back in 2007, Apple filed a patent for Magsafe, a magnetic charger connector for their Apple laptop range. At the time, if someone tripped on a power cord, it could pull the laptop onto the floor.
In recent times, laptops have become so light that the power cords are no more than just a USB power brick that Apple have now moved to the more common USB-C connector as it can be the power connector, USB connector and monitor connector all in one, so a single port replaces 3 ports.
Magsafe for your phone
In 2017, Apple patented a Magsafe for the iPhone, iPad etc. However, a different company developed a magnetic USB cable and put it on Kickstarter to get it out there. Unfortunately, that company couldn’t cope with the demand and folded.
You can buy magnetic charger cables from Amazon, and since I was in the market for a new USB charger cable for my phone, I ordered a set of 3 different length cables.
Verdict
As a regular user of my phone and tablet, I found the connectors easy to put in, and although there is a removal tool, they are also easy to remove.
The cables came with three choices of connector:
- Micro USB for Android devices, and older battery cases
- Lightning for Apple products
- USB-C for newer Android devices and laptops that charge with USB-C
The cable is universal, and has the advantage that the lightning and USB-C connectors have, they work either way around, so no fumbling in the dark to charge your device.
There is a distinct advantage over the traditional cables in that they are braided so are less likely to be damaged and the connector remains in the device, so it doesn’t get worn out, unlike all my other cables did. The magnets could have been a bit stronger though, as it is too easy to knock the charger cable when talking on the phone.
