Griffin’s $40 BreakSafe Power Cable Brings MagSafe to the 12-Inch MacBook Starting April 25

[MacRumors]

Griffin Technology has announced that its BreakSafe Magnetic USB-C Power Cable for the 12-inch Retina MacBook, including the new Early 2016 model introduced earlier this week, will start shipping on Monday, April 25.

BreakSafe is a magnetic breakaway power cable for USB-C laptops such as the 12-inch MacBook which, unlike the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, does not feature Apple's proprietary MagSafe technology first introduced in 2006.

The cable, originally announced at CES 2016, has a quick-release magnetic connector that plugs into the 12-inch MacBook's USB-C port and safely disconnects from the rest of the cable when under stress or strain, such as tripping over the power cord.

BreakSafe's magnetic connector is 12.8mm deep, while the USB-C cable is six feet (1.8m) long. The cable, compatible with USB Power Delivery and rated up to 60 watts, is for charging power only and does not support data and video.

BreakSafe can be ordered now for $39.99 on Griffin's website ahead of April 25 shipping.

Article Link: Griffin's $40 BreakSafe Power Cable Brings MagSafe to the 12-Inch MacBook Starting April 25

 

[RightMACatU]

The MB is turning into a German car with all the available accessories
I've already spent C$100 for the USB/Power/HDMI connector and that's it for me.

 

[Rudy69]

They need to figure out a way to make the connector shorter. I remember a kickstarter for something similar for phones had a really short connector. The current connector looks like it could get caught and damage the port.

 

[nick42983]

I wouldn't want a little tumor sticking out of my $1500 new Macbook. In my 7 years owning Macbooks I've never tripped on a cable. Is USB-C really that strong of a connector that the cable wouldn't pop out?

 

[SBlue1]

This is what Apple should have included in first place. Adding 40 Bucks on top of the already expensive Mac is too much.

 

[justperry]

Does this even make sense on a (Ultralight) macbook?

 

[goobot]

I wouldn't want a little tumor sticking out of my $1500 new Macbook. In my 7 years owning Macbooks I've never tripped on a cable. Is USB-C really that strong of a connector that the cable wouldn't pop out?

What do you mean little Tumor? It's a wire that breaks in two when tugged on. The end doesn't stay in your computer.

 

[gaximus]

They need to figure out a way to make the connector shorter. I remember a kickstarter for something similar for phones had a really short connector. The current connector looks like it could get caught and damage the port.

https://znaps.myshopify.com

Still waiting for mine, lightning connector, but I believe they have a USB C connector as well

 

[breeeeathe]

I wouldn't want a little tumor sticking out of my $1500 new Macbook. In my 7 years owning Macbooks I've never tripped on a cable. Is USB-C really that strong of a connector that the cable wouldn't pop out?

think cuz it's so light

 

[Keniutek]

I wouldn't want a little tumor sticking out of my $1500 new Macbook. In my 7 years owning Macbooks I've never tripped on a cable. Is USB-C really that strong of a connector that the cable wouldn't pop out?

Lucky you. MagSafe saved me more than a "few" times from my kids and dogs .

 

[RebelScum]

I wouldn't want a little tumor sticking out of my $1500 new Macbook. In my 7 years owning Macbooks I've never tripped on a cable. Is USB-C really that strong of a connector that the cable wouldn't pop out?

Ahhh, MacRumors logic. "It has never happened to me, therefore it will never happen to anybody."

 

[BJMRamage]

this is nice...and also that it is USB-C based and as such any maker can make something similar. i have REALLY liked the magsafe connector on MBP

 

[manu chao]

Ahhh, MacRumors logic. "It has never happened to me, therefore it will never happen to anybody."

The MagSafe connector is also simply a nicer connector to plug in and unplug. Sometimes one can plug it in without even touching the cable (by putting the laptop close enough to the connector such that it plugs itself in).

More often than tripping over the cable, I picked up my laptop and instead of yanking out the cable in a way that might damage the cable at the MagSafe connector end, it disconnected gracefully.

 

[Ziggy...]

What do you mean little Tumor? It's a wire that breaks in two when tugged on. The end doesn't stay in your computer.

Of course the little end stays in your computer... The "tumor" remains plugged into the USB C port at all times, getting in the way when you put the laptop in your bag etc.

 

[Justim]

That looks rather large. I could see myself in a worse situation using this product than the official cable.

But aside from my own use, no data or video slaughters the concept of a magnetic adapter. It would have been awesome to quickly switch out different devices magnetically.

 

[alphaod]

So we get a giant knob on the computer and we lose just about any kind of expandability?

Wondering if this will work on other USB-C devices?

 

[mwhetnall]

https://znaps.myshopify.com

Still waiting for mine, lightning connector, but I believe they have a USB C connector as well

I'm still waiting as well. If you go to their newer site (Znaps.net) I don't think they offer the usb-c option anymore. I remember reading a Kickstarter update regarding why but I don't remember why it's not offered anymore.

 

[dannys1]

Magsafe is such a good invention i've started hacking them and using them all kinds of things around the house - my main implementation was for my Subpac which connects to your chair, but has audio and power going to it - pulled out some magsafe cables and receiver parts from eBay and soldered it all together - now it doesn't rip the box off every time I get up out of the seat!

 

[Mike Oxard]

Of course the little end stays in your computer... The "tumor" remains plugged into the USB C port at all times, getting in the way when you put the laptop in your bag etc.

Why do you say that? Surely it'll work like a normal cable so you can unplug it? Why would you leave it attached? The name "break safe" implies it's there for protection against cable snagging rather than for quick connection.

 

[eternlgladiator]

Why do you say that? Surely it'll work like a normal cable so you can unplug it? Why would you leave it attached? The name "break safe" implies it's there for protection against cable snagging rather than for quick connection.

Go look at the pics, clearly a piece stays in you computer. You can unplug that piece but if it works as it's designed, its breaks away from your computer. not in your computer.

 

[Mike Oxard]

Go look at the pics, clearly a piece stays in you computer. You can unplug that piece but if it works as it's designed, its breaks away from your computer. not in your computer.

Yes but you use it the same way as a normal MagSafe power cable. It's only meant to split when the cable is snagged. You don't have to leave the adopter sticking out all the time.

 

[gaximus]

I'm still waiting as well. If you go to their newer site (Znaps.net) I don't think they offer the usb-c option anymore. I remember reading a Kickstarter update regarding why but I don't remember why it's not offered anymore.

I bet they will start offering it once they get the other two into production

 

[AngerDanger]

Magsafe is such a good invention i've started hacking them and using them all kinds of things around the house - my main implementation was for my Subpac which connects to your chair, but has audio and power going to it - pulled out some magsafe cables and receiver parts from eBay and soldered it all together - now it doesn't rip the box off every time I get up out of the seat!

I wouldn't mind seeing a photo of this contraption.

 

[dmylrea]

Yes but you use it the same way as a normal MagSafe power cable. It's only meant to split when the cable is snagged. You don't have to leave the adopter sticking out all the time.

Some people just don't get it. At first, it seems you leave the nub in all the time, but the nub serves no purpose, so yes, you plug the whole thing in to charge, unplug the whole thing when you're done (or want to use that ONE port for something else) and if you trip over the cord or drop the Macbook, the connector breaks into two as it's supposed to do.

Those who think you're supposed to leave the nub in the port don't think outside the box much.

 

[NickD73]

Guess we have to learn to rely upon 3rd party software and hardware in order to enjoy our Apple products now.