My first laptop was a Surface, so was my second, both having the magnetic Surface Connect port. Recently though, I bought a new Lenovo Thinkpad, which charges via USB C. My first thoughts were that the USB C was a lot less convenient. With a magnetic connector, I could just wave the cable at the port and more often than not, it would connect without me even having to look at it, whereas with the USB C port on the Lenovo, I actually have to tilt my head toward the side of the laptop and visually find the port before I can plug it in correctly. I know that USB C is tons more versatile than a proprietary port and especially more versatile than a proprietary and charging only port like the older MacBooks had, but IMO they’re a lot more convenient for charging itself.

What do you think? Do you miss magnetic charging ports and do you feel about manufacturers including them in 2021? Especially curious about responses people who used/use one of the older MacBooks that had (from what I heard, never owned one) one of the best magnetic charging ports on the market.

If there was a campaign to make a version of the USB C or Thunderbolt connector that was magnetic, would you support it? Theoretically someone could just publish an open source design for a magnetic port that is pin compatible with USB C. As long as the open source project says it’s just a generic 20-pin port that can carry whatever signal, there wouldn’t be any licensing issues with the design itself, since some manufactures do have custom ports that can carry USB C or Thunderbolt signals, right.

    • @TheAnonymouseJokerM
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      -13 years ago

      Quite strict budget. I get a brand new $250 phone every 3-4 years like regular people, except I also get a case and screen protector to prevent any breakage, and of course SD card slot and 3.5 Jack to avoid planned obsolescence corporation money making tactics.

        • @TheAnonymouseJokerM
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          -23 years ago

          You seem like someone I know lol, but that is just coincidence as they are not vegan. Neither am I, as I do MMA and HIIT training.

          Our usual veg food costs like that too.

            • @TheAnonymouseJokerM
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              3 years ago

              Vegan diets can never fulfill the needs because of bioavailability index of protein foods and other micros that I need. For an egg (I eat 5 a day), I would have to substitute atleast 10 veggies in plentiful amounts and still it would be incomplete for my BCAA and Vitamin K and such needs all year.

              Also I have my own gym at home, and I am my own trainer and nutritionist. Learnt nutrition from Krause’s Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy, a book my dad has.

              double spoiler
              spoiler