New magsafe

I found that the one that ran along the side did not release as easily as the old T model. I welcome the change as long as they have fixed the issue where it could break and expose the wires where the lead met the connector

My guess -- and it's just that -- is that they had to move more of the electronics to the adapter side. Otherwise, why make the plug bigger and in the failed T shape. As you say, it's a step backwards. The original Magsafe was junk. I had two of them completely fall apart due to a poorly designed strain relief. The revised one that ran along the side did not stress the cable and so it wasn't prone to fraying. I love my RMBP, but agree the Magsafe2 is not a welcome part of that package.

Edit: OK, I'm always amused by the negs, but the one on this message in particular is interesting because I didn't even write anything controversial. It's a fact the original Magsafe T connector was a failure. It's 1) why there was a safety recall on them b/c too many came apart too easily and 2) why the it was redesigned to the stick form factor.
I never had the stick type fray on me, never saw complains on any of the message boards. I guess someone really woke up angry. Ha.

ThemacNub said:

Does anyone know why apple ditched the idea of having the connector run along side the laptop. This new one seems like a step back in innovation to the old design used a few years ago.

Click to expand...

Agreed. Where I use my MBP most means the cable comes from the right so with the T-shape it means the cable gets bent round 180deg but the L-shape would be so much better.

To minimise strain, I've formed a loop using the little plastic clip on the cable and wrapped.a cable tie around it to reduce strain

One other thing, there's a MagSafe to MagSafe 2 adaptor, but not the other way round. Would be useful as I still have an old MacBook Pro