Theory: Slim-designed Power Adapter Imminent?

[rhyzome]

Clearly, shaving off every gram of unnecessary weight is a priority in the laptop/netbook market. For rMBPs, a major (though often neglected) area of extra weight is the power adapter--essentially a brick the size of a fist.

Finsix had attempted to design a slim power adapter (the Finsix Dart) but as their designs slowly materialized, they abandoned including compatibility with the 15" rMBP. Contradictory rumors claimed they were talking with apple or that apple was unhappy with their design.

USB-C opens up a new avenue in charging laptops. Perhaps a power adapter using USB-C could be much smaller? (Something similar to the iphone charging cable?) Perhaps we will soon be able to charge rMBPs through USB-C ports?

Perhaps these new ultra-slim adapters will be shipped with the first new MacBooks (just as a "slim" adapter was shipped with the airs) and then they will be incorporated into the rMBPs as they adopt USB-C?

 

[Wilson1313]

While this is an interesting theory, there is a practical reason why "power bricks" have to be this large. To go from AC to DC requires capacitors and transformer(s), which take up a lot of space and need proper spacing for appropriate cooling. Unless the batteries shrink because the computer has far less power draw (and therefore wouldn't need a charger capable of delivering as much current), it is unlikely they will shrink by that much. Many of the chargers that are smaller are very cheaply made and don't have proper circuitry for steady delivery of voltage and current, which is not nearly as healthy for the electronics it powers.