This article was published on October 28, 2016

This cable brings MagSafe back to the new MacBook Pro


This cable brings MagSafe back to the new MacBook Pro

One of my favorite features of MacBook chargers has always been the MagSafe connector. It’s a simple but powerful invention, making the cable connect with a magnet to the laptop, so it swiftly plugs out when someone trips over it.

There have been countless times when it saved my MacBook from a cold, hard drop to the ground — I honestly wouldn’t know if it would still be in one piece without it.

That’s why yesterday was a sad day for me, and every clumsy laptop user ever, because the new MacBook Pro gave up MagSafe for a universal Thunderbolt 3 connector. It embraces the open USB-C standard, giving it the ability to charge, relay video and transfer data all through the same port.

magsafe

With the new MacBook Pro, the MagSafe is officially dead. Luckily, Griffin now offers BreakSafe, a $34,99 magnetic USB-C cable that brings back the safety features of MagSafe.

It seems like a fine replacement, but there are a few things that don’t work as well as the original. For example, you’ll need to plug in a separate brick that connects through USB-C, creating an ugly permanent bulge on the side of your machine. It’s also not reversible like the MagSafe, which means you’ll have to check if you’re connecting it the right way every time.

The BreakSafe seems like a great solution to a problem that might send laptops flying through rooms — even though it’s sad Apple didn’t hold on to one of its laptop’s best features.

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