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How about a magsafe to USB-C converter?

J

johngwheeler

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 30, 2010
640
212
I come from a land down-under...
Here's an idea: we've had MagSafe to MageSafe-2 converters. How about extending this idea to creating a MagSafe-2 to USB converter?

This way you can just release the magsafe connector from a tiny USB-C plug that stays connected the rMB's port in the event of accident.

Seems like a no-brainer to me!
 
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Nice idea! The MagSafe 2 to MagSafe adapter is just a dumb adapter however, simply directly connecting the pins. I'd guess a MagSafe to USB-C would have to be much more complex to support MagSafe's features such as the charging light. Not that it would be beyond Apple, they love their insanely complex adapters, eg Lightning to HDMI!
 
wkrp28 said:
I took a chance and ordered one of these:

Magsafe Female TO USB-C USB 3.1 Type C Male Power Converter Cable for Apple New Macbook 12"

I have no idea whether it will work or what the quality is like. They are half the price of buying another Apple 29W adapter and let me charge either a MacBook Air or a MacBook (retina). I'm not endorsing this since I haven't received it yet. I'm just letting people know it exists. I'll report back when I get it.
Click to expand...

Please report back when you have it. I'm keen on buying one if it works. Removing the magsafe is one of the stupidest decision by Apple.
 
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rajivhifi said:
Please report back when you have it. I'm keen on buying one if it works. Removing the magsafe is one of the stupidest decision by Apple.
Click to expand...

That adapter does not fix that problem. The only advantage is reuse of an existing adapter.
 
wkrp28 said:
I took a chance and ordered one of these:

Magsafe Female TO USB-C USB 3.1 Type C Male Power Converter Cable for Apple New Macbook 12"

I have no idea whether it will work or what the quality is like. They are half the price of buying another Apple 29W adapter and let me charge either a MacBook Air or a MacBook (retina). I'm not endorsing this since I haven't received it yet. I'm just letting people know it exists. I'll report back when I get it.
Click to expand...

A dongle is NOT something I'm interested in. In fact, I wonder if it would even work the same since the dongle cable will allow more stress on the connector, before the magsafe disconnects.
 
I got mine and it worked fine with my MagSafe 1 charger. I can't vouch for the build quality, longevity, or reliability just yet since I haven't used it that much, but it is working.
 
wkrp28 said:
I got mine and it worked fine with my MagSafe 1 charger. I can't vouch for the build quality, longevity, or reliability just yet since I haven't used it that much, but it is working.
Click to expand...
Perhaps you can share some photos or post a short review...
 
wkrp28 said:
I got mine and it worked fine with my MagSafe 1 charger. I can't vouch for the build quality, longevity, or reliability just yet since I haven't used it that much, but it is working.
Click to expand...

Mine does not work with MagSafe 1. Any reason you can think of? No green light and no powering icon in apple bar (the icon flashed as on at the moment of attaching the power block).
 
rajivhifi said:
Please report back when you have it. I'm keen on buying one if it works. Removing the magsafe is one of the stupidest decision by Apple.
Click to expand...

I've bought the converter and advise not to buy it unless you really can't afford a cable+usb-charger

It's because the unstable voltage and connection, the charging WORKS but SLOW.

I've tested the following method of charging my MacBook 12"

1) Normal 29W Apple USB-C Charger
2) 5V 2.4A USB adapter with "USB to USB-C" cable
3) 45W MagSafe Charger + USB-C Converter

speed
1>3>2

for #2, 7 hours to fully charge WITHOUT turning on the MacBook (need Shut Down)
for #3, basically can maintain 5 mins increase 1% of charging, with monitor fully turned on
for #1, of cuz its the best.
 
i too have been looking for creative solutions for a second charger for my rMB. I recently bought a 20W USB charger and USB to USB C cable off of Amazon and will be trying that method. It was delivered this morning, can't wait to test it this evening. If I can get it to charge even at 65% of the normal charger, I consider it a win (a total of $23 vs $70).

I'll report back after I try. If it works, I'll also include links.
 
Znaps (if they don't fail, they are a kickstarter project) will offer a USB-C model of their product.

http://www.znaps.net/

It is a magsafe style plug for lightning, micro-USB and USB-C.
 
So still no good update on a MagSafe to USB-C adaptor? I'm not gonna risk it with the link posted above... $23 for an adaptor that may not work isn't a good bet to me.
 
What about the reverse; i.e., using one of the new USB-C chargers for an older 13" MBP (MagSafe 1)?
 
johngwheeler said:
Here's an idea: we've had MagSafe to MageSafe-2 converters. How about extending this idea to creating a MagSafe-2 to USB converter?

This way you can just release the magsafe connector from a tiny USB-C plug that stays connected the rMB's port in the event of accident.

Seems like a no-brainer to me!
Click to expand...
[doublepost=1483602165][/doublepost]Start-up is in the process of manufacturing a good adapter.

http://www.computerworld.com/articl...dapter-for-new-macbook-and-other-devices.html
 
Lol so we don't just need one dongle... we'll need a dongle for our dongle! Brilliant.
 
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JSGo62 said:
No, that is not what [we] mean. I have a significant investment in MagSafe (1&2) power adapters over the years. I'd like an adapter/dongle to be able to effectively use them with my new MacBook, for example. It's not the magnetic aspect I care about, it's powering the laptop.
Click to expand...

JSGo62, as far as I understand your concern is having previous Magsafe chargers that you can't use for the new Macbook, isn't it?
The concept of this company Start-up is develop an adapter that will allow us to use the previous versions of chargers (Magsafe) to charge the new Macbook and its concept looks good.

I, myself have the same problem, because I bought additional Magsafe to have at home and work and now I have too much Magsafe and miss adapters to power up the new Macbook.
 
Apple MacBook Pro Power Adapters before the new MBP Touch Bar had the following Power Rating: 45W, 60W, 85W
The new Power Adaptors have the following Power Rating: 29W, 61W, 87W
This means that the new ones are not only incompatible because of the different tip; even if you manage to get a Magsafe 2 to USB C converter (which does not exist) you are still left with the power mismatch! Seriously
 
Magnetic adapters exits, and a MagSafe adapter wouldn't be the best way to do this.

The best way would be to implement the MagSafe within the Type-C connector. This would mean original Apple cables could take advantage of the magnetism, while the port would still be compatible with other cables.
 
fuseburner said:
Apple MacBook Pro Power Adapters before the new MBP Touch Bar had the following Power Rating: 45W, 60W, 85W
The new Power Adaptors have the following Power Rating: 29W, 61W, 87W
This means that the new ones are not only incompatible because of the different tip; even if you manage to get a Magsafe 2 to USB C converter (which does not exist) you are still left with the power mismatch! Seriously
Click to expand...

This is only a question of engineering and can be solved with relative ease. The final question will rest with cost; i.e., if manufacturing costs keep it below the cost of a new USB-C power supply.
 
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