Just wondering... for some reason I am worried about breaking/damaging the USB port or the aluminium paint finish on my MBA when I plug/unplug USB drives. Never felt this way about a computer before 
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How strong are the USB ports on 11" MBA?
- Thread starter jace88
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I love threads like this!
Strong as in comparison to what? Bubonic Plague? High-tension wires? Wrought iron? A shot of Jim Beam? Zinc plating? Pressed steel?
I await your next thread with great eagerness!
Strong as in comparison to what? Bubonic Plague? High-tension wires? Wrought iron? A shot of Jim Beam? Zinc plating? Pressed steel?
I await your next thread with great eagerness!
So many things wrong here:
1) First off, Apple doesn't paint a silver color on it's notebooks. It's real aluminum, not cheap-ass paint used by two-bit notebook manufacturers.
2) Are you asking about the electricity each USB port outputs, or the amount of tension the physical port can take? Or are you asking about the scratch resistance of the aluminum?
3) The USB port on the right side of the MBA outputs more power than most notebooks. It is designed this way so that it can run the USB external disc drive (which requires a fair amount of electricity).
4) As long as you're not ripping devices in and out of the port at strange angles, it will not break or warp. It's normal for USB ports on desktops and notebooks to become loose over time, though, even with normal use.
5) The MBA is one of the most structurally sound notebooks on the market. More specifically, if you look closely, the ports are actually embedded behind an aluminum surround. Your USB drive will take more damage than the notebook, however USB ports are notoriously fragile, as they are made out of (mostly) plastic.
1) First off, Apple doesn't paint a silver color on it's notebooks. It's real aluminum, not cheap-ass paint used by two-bit notebook manufacturers.
2) Are you asking about the electricity each USB port outputs, or the amount of tension the physical port can take? Or are you asking about the scratch resistance of the aluminum?
3) The USB port on the right side of the MBA outputs more power than most notebooks. It is designed this way so that it can run the USB external disc drive (which requires a fair amount of electricity).
4) As long as you're not ripping devices in and out of the port at strange angles, it will not break or warp. It's normal for USB ports on desktops and notebooks to become loose over time, though, even with normal use.
5) The MBA is one of the most structurally sound notebooks on the market. More specifically, if you look closely, the ports are actually embedded behind an aluminum surround. Your USB drive will take more damage than the notebook, however USB ports are notoriously fragile, as they are made out of (mostly) plastic.
I was referring to the physical strength of the USB ports themself from regular plugging/unplugging of USB drives/cables/etc and whether they would wear out or become damaged/weakened over time. I'm not sure why but mine feels a bit less strong on the right side when I unplug things and hence why I created the thread.
To all those who posted sarcastic responses in this thread, thanks for your lack of insight- yes I know it's relative, but for example, a simple answer of "yes they are pretty strong and will last you through daily usage" or "no they are fragile due to the location/design" would've sufficed). It appears only the above poster was able to somewhat figure out what I was asking about.
To all those who posted sarcastic responses in this thread, thanks for your lack of insight- yes I know it's relative, but for example, a simple answer of "yes they are pretty strong and will last you through daily usage" or "no they are fragile due to the location/design" would've sufficed). It appears only the above poster was able to somewhat figure out what I was asking about.
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Listen man, we are just trying to establish the true meaning of your question, there's no need to get wound up about it.
I think a bit of friendly sarcasm is merited seeing as u thought the MBA was painted silver! Lol
Listen man, we are just trying to establish the true meaning of your question, there's no need to get wound up about it.
I think a bit of friendly sarcasm is merited seeing as u thought the MBA was painted silver! Lol
You mean where he stated the obvious answer about USB ports that anyone who has ever owned a laptop should know? Every laptop I've taken apart mounts USB ports the same way, i.e., they are attached to the motherboard then sandwiched between the upper and lower pieces of of keyboard shell. On most laptops, the shell is plastic while on the MBA it's aluminum. What do you think will be stronger?
Point taken.
Like I said, mine felt a bit loose when I was unplugging USB cables/drives a lot and I was just wondering if this was a common experience from others or if there was any known weakness in this area.
Not everyone pulls apart laptops for a living (or even a hobby) hence why these forums exist to allow newbies to ask questions.
I appreciate that maybe this seems like such a basic/fundamental knowledge question to a lot of the regulars on here but what appears obvious to you guys may not be so obvious to others.