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USB-C port Concern

T

TImm3h

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 24, 2011
133
71
So what happens if the one USB-C port breaks? Either by a cable being shoved in too hard, the corner gets hit / dropped, someone shoves the wrong cable in, or someone maliciously shoves a pen in there.

Is the laptop garbage at that point? I assume it is part of the core logic board.

There is a super thin piece of silicone in there and it is bound to break easy. I don't know why they couldn't have designed it like a lightning cable, where the breakable piece is on the cheap cable and not the expensive hardware.

At least for now there are other options like the macbook pro... or a Windows computer.
 
you've got all this stress over something not even out there yet? what happens if you break the magsafe connector on your current mac? what happens if you break the thunderbolt port? what happens if someone sticks a microsoft surface in the usb port? what happens if...you get the idea.

the panic levels in the macbook forum are a riot. all this for a mac none of us have even gotten our hands on yet... :rolleyes:
 
Like on the current laptops, that port will become useless . So, yes, your laptop will be dead until it is fixed.

I have never broken a USB port, and the USB-c seems like a better design
 
TImm3h said:
So what happens if the one USB-C port breaks? Either by a cable being shoved in too hard, the corner gets hit / dropped, someone shoves the wrong cable in, or someone maliciously shoves a pen in there.

Is the laptop garbage at that point? I assume it is part of the core logic board.

There is a super thin piece of silicone in there and it is bound to break easy. I don't know why they couldn't have designed it like a lightning cable, where the breakable piece is on the cheap cable and not the expensive hardware.

At least for now there are other options like the macbook pro... or a Windows computer.
Click to expand...

The logic board doesn't stretch the full width of the laptop, it's only the central 4 inches or so. Therefore the port should be replaceable without changing the whole logic board. Id guess it's just the port and a cable linking it to the board.
 
TImm3h said:
So what happens if the one USB-C port breaks? Either by a cable being shoved in too hard, the corner gets hit / dropped, someone shoves the wrong cable in, or someone maliciously shoves a pen in there.

Is the laptop garbage at that point? I assume it is part of the core logic board.

There is a super thin piece of silicone in there and it is bound to break easy. I don't know why they couldn't have designed it like a lightning cable, where the breakable piece is on the cheap cable and not the expensive hardware.

At least for now there are other options like the macbook pro... or a Windows computer.
Click to expand...
With the Lightning port, the retention mechanism is in the host. That is what is most likely to break. It is not done as you say.
 
TImm3h said:
So what happens if the one USB-C port breaks? Either by a cable being shoved in too hard, the corner gets hit / dropped, someone shoves the wrong cable in, or someone maliciously shoves a pen in there.

Is the laptop garbage at that point? I assume it is part of the core logic board.

There is a super thin piece of silicone in there and it is bound to break easy. I don't know why they couldn't have designed it like a lightning cable, where the breakable piece is on the cheap cable and not the expensive hardware.

At least for now there are other options like the macbook pro... or a Windows computer.
Click to expand...

I doubt it's connected to the logic board. Like any laptop, a broken port will require a repair. Other laptops power ports are susceptible to breakage ... even those utilizing MagSafe.
 
Look at this image....the USB-C appears to be on it's own tiny little board (upper left...click pic to enlarge)

2015_macbook_insides_battery_2.jpg
 
The usb c port is very durable. Its rated at 10,000 connect-disconnect cycles :eek:

To put that into perspective, the typical usb port (Type A) is rated at 1,500 connect-disconnect cycles.
 
TImm3h said:
I don't know why they couldn't have designed it like a lightning cable, where the breakable piece is on the cheap cable and not the expensive hardware.
Click to expand...

This was my first thought when I saw it. But then I also assumed people much more intelligent that me designed it and know what works better.
 
DakotaGuy said:
Looking at that picture they could have put a second port on the right side in the same place. Why not?
Click to expand...

Something left for a 2016 announcement? - the thinnest, lightest laptop ever with 2 USB-C ports!! We have already seen this movie with the MBA in 2009..
 
mtneer said:
Something left for a 2016 announcement? - the thinnest, lightest laptop ever with 2 USB-C ports!! We have already seen this movie with the MBA in 2009..
Click to expand...

The 2008 roll-out is worth watching, and check the specs, and the price. The rMB is a powerhouse, and a bargain, measured against the 2008 MBA...not trying to be humorous here.
 
Re usb

newellj said:
The 2008 roll-out is worth watching, and check the specs, and the price. The rMB is a powerhouse, and a bargain, measured against the 2008 MBA...not trying to be humorous here.
Click to expand...

Exactly the point I keep trying to make.

Just as the first version of the MacBook air was divisive, considered underpowered and too few ports, but has developed into a really fantastic, good value machine, I firmly believe we will see the same happen to the new MacBook over the next couple of versions.

And the early adopters will just have a really sexy mac to play with before the rest of us :)
 
MH01 said:
Like on the current laptops, that port will become useless . So, yes, your laptop will be dead until it is fixed.

I have never broken a USB port, and the USB-c seems like a better design
Click to expand...

Agree. How often do ports break? I haven't experienced broken port. Lots of broken cables and plugs though..
 
Another USB-C question

When my new MacBook arrives, from where can I get the necessary cables to make use of the USB-C port?

I'll need a USB-C to USB3 (?) cable in order to use my external HDD, and USB-C to micro USB to charge my phone.

Looking on Amazon, I can't find anything.
 
Queen6 said:
Look on the Apple store the are listed, and will be available a launch.

Q-6
Click to expand...

I'd rather not buy Apple ones, but I'll have a look nonetheless. Is Q-6 a code I should use?

Edit: All I can find is an adaptor, not a cable.
 
TImm3h said:
So what happens if the one USB-C port breaks? Either by a cable being shoved in too hard, the corner gets hit / dropped, someone shoves the wrong cable in, or someone maliciously shoves a pen in there.
Click to expand...
Like with a rMBP, you'll need to get the logic board replaced. Unlike the rMBP, you don't have other ports to rely on. If you damage the USB port by dropping it, then I'm going to suggest that there will be other issues with the laptop and a broken USB port will be the least of your concern.
 
maflynn said:
Like with a rMBP, you'll need to get the logic board replaced. Unlike the rMBP, you don't have other ports to rely on. If you damage the USB port by dropping it, then I'm going to suggest that there will be other issues with the laptop and a broken USB port will be the least of your concern.
Click to expand...

I don't think so. The logic board sits by itself in the middle of the notebook while the USB-C port has its own little circuit right near the connector. I don't think it would be that expensive to replace (it won't be nearly as expensive as it would be if you had to replace the whole logic board).
 
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