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I think the cables that come with iDevices are intended to go from a computer USB port to the device, rather than from an outlet on the wall or floor. Remember, a primary function of these cables is to sync the device, though that is becoming less and less needed as we go to cloud and wireless.

When Apple gives you cables they envision as plugging in to the wall, they are more than generous. AirPort, iMac, AppleTV... they all have cables coiling on the floor. We were like, could they make it longer? LOL.

I think that the primary purpose of the cable is indeed charging rather than syncing. After all, you don't necessarily HAVE TO sync your device to a computer, but you certainly have to charge it. I think the reason why the cord is short is because unlike a laptop which may often be used while plugged in, tablets are almost always used unplugged, so the cord doesn't need to be long enough to grant more range. The device is usually resting just beside a socket on a desk or night stand or something as it charges.
 
I never use the included Apple headphones anyways so I don't see a point in having them included with an iPad. There not the greatest and I've always used my headphones I already have.
 
I think that the primary purpose of the cable is indeed charging rather than syncing. After all, you don't necessarily HAVE TO sync your device to a computer, but you certainly have to charge it. I think the reason why the cord is short is because unlike a laptop which may often be used while plugged in, tablets are almost always used unplugged, so the cord doesn't need to be long enough to grant more range. The device is usually resting just beside a socket on a desk or night stand or something as it charges.

Good point. But the cord that comes with the iPads are the same length that used to come with iPods (classic, nano, etc), and those did need to be synced as well as charged.

Whatever Apple's reasons for the length of the cord, I think there is some thought behind it, because of the different length for the cords that come with MacBooks, AirPort, AppleTV, etc.
 
I seem to remember the first iPad coming with headphones. Maybe my memory is off. I have like 8 pairs of the things from over the years of iThings around the house.
 
Good point. But the cord that comes with the iPads are the same length that used to come with iPods (classic, nano, etc), and those did need to be synced as well as charged.

Still, as I said, the iDevices are designed to be used on the go rather than while plugged in, whether it's for syncing or charging, so there's no point in making cords that grant a lot of range.
 
Still, as I said, the iDevices are designed to be used on the go rather than while plugged in, whether it's for syncing or charging, so there's no point in making cords that grant a lot of range.

Just a way for apple to make more money. I see so many people that didn't know apple actually sold longer cables and have to charge their phone or iPad in some odd location bc the length is so short...they also can't use it until it's charged up. I have 3 of the long extensions around the house. They actually came with the 1st iPad...then went to all short cables after that. They don't even sell the extension that I have anymore.
 
I seem to remember the first iPad coming with headphones. Maybe my memory is off. I have like 8 pairs of the things from over the years of iThings around the house.

You are misremembering, between me, my partner and family, we bought at least 4 original iPads. They didn't come with headphones.


I have 3 of the long extensions around the house. They actually came with the 1st iPad...then went to all short cables after that. They don't even sell the extension that I have anymore.

And I don't remeber the original iPads coming with a long extension like you describe, either.
 
I feel the cable is a bit too short. I let me devices charge on top of my bar. The supplied cable can't reach from the outlet at standard height (US) to the counter top which is a standard high top height unless the device is precariously perched on the edge.

Obviously this is not a problem for most people. My solution was to modify the bar and install and outlet closer.
 
Just a way for apple to make more money. I see so many people that didn't know apple actually sold longer cables and have to charge their phone or iPad in some odd location bc the length is so short...they also can't use it until it's charged up. I have 3 of the long extensions around the house. They actually came with the 1st iPad...then went to all short cables after that. They don't even sell the extension that I have anymore.

The power cable for my Nexus 7 is pretty short too, but then again, it supports wireless charging.
 
There's wireless syncing, though in my experience that does not work well from iTunes for Windows.

It does not work well from a Mac either.

Wireless syncing has never been reliable, ever. I'm not sure why Apple released that half-baked ability. It shouldn't even be that hard to implement!
 
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