These are benefits of a smaller connector, not specifically the Lightning connector. Apple could have used micro USB and every consumer would be better off.
I *so* disagree with the below statement! Why? I've had multiple occasions where those micro USB ports or connectors broke off, destroying cables or in 2 situations, devices themselves.
The micro USB port is an inherently bad design, from the standpoint of durability. You've got a small, hollow connector on the cable side which can easily get crushed or bent if the connector is pulled on at an angle. It also acts like a lever or pry-bar on the port itself in these situations, often ripping the port free from its circuit board or deforming it so micro USB connectors no longer fit in it tightly.
I try to be really careful with all of my electronic devices, but I've still had two of those extended battery cases rendered useless when their micro USB ports broke loose inside them. I've also had more than one micro USB cable ruined when it was plugged into my car stereo's USB input jack and someone accidentally tugged on the cord (stepping on it while it was hanging down by the floor of the passenger area, for example).
The solid tab design of the Lightning connector looks like it'd be a lot more durable to me ... at least equal to the standard USB connector and port.
These are benefits of a smaller connector, not specifically the Lightning connector. Apple could have used micro USB and every consumer would be better off.
No. That's the answer, if you can't handle it, I'm sorry. It has been explained multiple times in these forums.I'm pretty sure they could have gone with the new connector and yet not needed all the gadgetry (chips) in the cable/adapter. No?
It got rid of that god-awful bulky adaptor that you had to screw around with to figure out which side was up.
I don't miss having to mess around with alignment to make sure it went in perfectly straight as to not damage the side tabs.
??? No, which is exactly my point. I slip it into my pocket, right side up. The top of the phone, as well as the jack, are faced towards me where I can easily plug in the headphones, or hit the button to mute the ringing.
They made a better device that simply would not have been possible with the 30-pin connector. Quit your whining. There are other options for people like you.
Until APple demonstrates that Lightning provides any benefit to the consumer, the criticism is justified. Upgrading from an iPhone 4 to 5 would cost me something like $100-150 in connectors and cables (car charger, adapter, extra cable for the office, etc.) on top of the phone cost. For that additional cost I expect something other than having the headphone jack on the bottom.
Thinner? Who cares? The iPhone 4 was a nearly perfect size. If they'd left the 5 at the same thickness, they could have included more battery life.
Symmetrical? Again, who cares? Was this really an issue for anybody?
Functionality? Right now it's a negative. Where's the HDMI output for Lightning? Supposedly it will be possible, but it's not there now, unlike the 30-pin connector.
.
Any knock offs on ebay yet?
The problem Apple has is that they are charging $29 for an adapter that likely costs them a $1 to make. It's annoying when you know that your 2800% markup is being split up between cash reserves and litigation with your competitors. Why not put the adapter price in the $10 range. That would slow down the 3rd party adapters coming to the market.
The $29 and $39 price tags are insulting to those that value their money.
My device does not charge quicker- in fact to the contrary- it charges slower.
there was (a knockoff on eBay) but Apple keeps shooting them down, I managed to order one for $6 that the listing was canceled but will still be honored. hopefully it will work ok.![]()
So, is Lightning so complex that accessories will be scarce (or expensive)?
It's just a frickin' adapter. If this was priced at say, $15, no-one would give a rats ass, never mind have entire threads and breakdowns devoted to its internals. Insane.
It'll go even more crazy when they bring out the HDMI version and add another $20 on top of the $39.
Micro USB is not a good solution. Every Micro USB device I've had is finicky as can be. I don;t know if the cable connectors aren't made well or what but I've never had one that was 100% reliable.
Plus Apples dynamically switches pin assignments making much more versatile.
#3 - Really? Why should it be on the bottom? When I have my phone in my pocket, I want to be able to plug in my headphones from the top - not at the bottom where the cable would have tension and eventually break or ruin the connector. It also interferes with most car cradles and general mp3 accessories that use a phone plug instead of the dock connector.
The headphone jack placement is one of the many reasons why I am not upgrading my phone this cycle.
The problem Apple has is that they are charging $29 for an adapter that likely costs them a $1 to make. It's annoying when you know that your 2800% markup is being split up between cash reserves and litigation with your competitors. Why not put the adapter price in the $10 range. That would slow down the 3rd party adapters coming to the market.
The $29 and $39 price tags are insulting to those that value their money.
Not everybody can afford to buy the best. That is why so many people buy Android junk. Apple products are like Ferraris - they set the owners apart from the commoners.
Made the device smaller and lighter, added a possibility of future inputs/outputs and quicker charging.
1) sturdy construction, 2) orientation-independent insertion, and 3) the ability to expand beyond 5 volts at 2 amps (already way, way over the official maximum spec for USB) for faster charging.
Which MicroUSB already does.
1. MicroUSB is not that fragile.
2. I'll give you that - but any idiot can use a MicroUSB connector
3. There are already 2 amp chargers, while over spec, it can be done and is being done.
Not everybody can afford to buy the best. That is why so many people buy Android junk. Apple products are like Ferraris - they set the owners apart from the commoners.
These are benefits of a smaller connector, not specifically the Lightning connector. Apple could have used micro USB and every consumer would be better off.