I've been teetering on buying an M1 Mac, but this may well have me waiting for the next generation.
I see a lot of varied comments on MagSafe and folks either loving it or hating it-the two most common complaints seem to be it falling out too easily and the fragile cables.
To the first one-I think Magsafe 2 was a step backward in this regard. My primary computer still is a 2012 15" Pro with Magsafe 1(the Retina models debuted at the same time with Magsafe 2). I have what I call my travel computer also-a 2015 13" Pro. I also have piles of other Magsafe 1 computers and a couple of Magsafe 2(I think I have a few Airs kicking around). My wife's main/only computer is a 2015 Air.
As I'm sitting here on the couch with an original T-type Magsafe 1, it pulls off easily enough and would if, say, someone stepped on the cord, but it otherwise stays put pretty firmly. The L type I would say is even more secure, even though I prefer the T type and that's all I use.
Magsafe 2 uses weaker magnets, has less clamping surface area, and has a larger plug. Magsafe 1 can pull an MBA off the table if you're not careful, especially with an L type charger(which debuted with the original MBA). Magsafe 2 is a better match to the lighter/smaller computers, but it also comes off much easier than Magsafe 1. I suspect most of the complaints of "it detaches too easily" are from folks who are using Magsafe 2.
Second-I won't argue that the cables are way too fragile. In my first several years of Mac ownership, I went through a bunch. Since then, though, I started hoarding them-especially T types-and I haven't killed one in several years. My key to that is that rather than carrying them around with me, I leave them places where I'm likely to use them, and yes that includes several in different rooms in the house.
Someone upthread mentioned that 3rd party MagSafe chargers are available. Don't buy them. I've yet to see one that properly reverse engineers all the "Ju Ju" that goes into genuine Apple ones. When you plug in a genuine Apple one, there's a hardware handshake between the connector and the computer. You can see this happening since it takes a second or so for the LED to light up, and then if charging it takes a bit longer to turn amber. The genuine Apple ones don't come "live" until plugged into a computer so they won't spark if in contact with some other metal object. They can also vary the voltage as appropriate.
The aftermarket and counterfeit ones(there are some convincing counterfeits) are always on and IIRC always supply 18.8V. They can rarely supply their rated capacity, but might tell the computer that they are-say-85W when they're really 45W. This can lead to dangerous overheating. All said and done, they're just not worth it. BTW, if in doubt, there are two nearly definitive tests-short the pins and see if they spark, and see if it delays lighting up when plugged into the computer. If it comes on immediately or sparks, it's fake.
Last thing-Magsafe 1 and Magsafe 2 are electrically compatible and pin compatible. Quite literally the only difference is the shape of the magnet ring. The adapters Apple(and I think others) made/make are passive devices that just pass the power through via straight-through pens and adapt the magnet ring shape.
