If you own a USB-C MacBook, or for that matter any USB-C enabled laptop or tablet, then you really need to take a look at the 20-pin USB-C magnetic L-shaped breakaway connectors that are available. They replicate the old MagSafe connector, protecting the precious -- and expensive to repair -- USB-C port by, well, breaking away if too much stress is placed on the port.
But some of you were wondering if there was a straight connector available instead of the L-shaped one.
Well, I found one.
Must read: Upgrade your office with these tools and gadgets
Here is it -- a 20-pin USB-C magnetic adapter that comes in both the L-shaped design and a square straight version. The L-shaped version comes in silver and space grey, while the straight version currently only seems to be available in space grey.
20-pin USB-C magnetic breakaway connector
Being 20-pin, it means that this connector not only carried up to 100W of power, but can also carry 4K video and 10Gbps of data.
Both styles of connector feature a green LED that tells you if the connection is sound, and both versions fit onto the same adapter, so you can swap between the two without having to change the 20-pin connector you have attached to the laptop or tablet.
I only recommend the 20-pin versions. A lot of 6-pin versions exist, but not only are these for power only, I've found the quality to be variable.
While solutions also exist that couple onto bespoke cables, these are great because you can attach the adapter to any USB-C cable, not just a specific one.
Volta XL magnetic USB-C breakaway cable
If you are concerned about reliability and robustness, don't be. I've been using these connectors on devices for several months now, and have found them to be totally reliable. In fact, I keep finding new uses for them (I find them handy on my massive Zendure SuperTank power bank because the pack is so big and heavy, and it makes connecting cables to it not only safer but also quicker).
I cannot recommend these highly enough. Get yourself a couple, and possibly save yourself thousands of dollars in repair bills.
Prices for these adapters seem to hover around the $25 mark.
See also:
- The Maker Knife v1.1: Expensive box cutter or premium tool?
- Sony WF-1000XM3 noise-canceling earbuds: Do they live up to the hype?
- Want the best charging cable money can buy? Get an Anker PowerLine+ III cable
- How to keep hackers, snoopers, and thieves out of your iPhone
- Five tips for stress-free tech travel
- Top gadgets for the security and privacy conscious (or the super paranoid!)
- The $25 accessory every MacBook owner needs