I can not cease raving about this $16 magnetic gadget – here is why it is so helpful

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This is likely to be the most effective USB-C equipment I’ve ever bought. Although easy and easy, it has protected my USB-C ports from harm quite a few instances and prevented laptops from being pulled to the ground by folks (normally me) tripping over the charging cable.

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It’s a magnetic breakaway USB-C connector just like Apple’s MagSafe connector, suitable with all of your gadgets, from smartphones and tablets to energy banks, docks, and laptops, together with MacBooks that lack MagSafe. I’ve acquired a superb handful of those connectors, and I take advantage of them every day. 

The smartest thing is that it would not decelerate information switch or charging. The connector has 24 pins, so each channel on the USB-C cable is carried via the connector, leading to no compromises in information switch pace.

I do know this as a result of I’ve been testing a number of of them to seek out the very best and most reasonably priced mannequin for you.

A magnetic breakaway USB-C connector consists of two elements: the primary half is the USB-C port that plugs into the system you need to shield — be {that a} laptop computer, smartphone, charger, energy financial institution, or different system — and the opposite half goes on the top of the cable you are going to use.

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Super-strong neodymium magnets preserve the 2 elements collectively when in use till there is a pull on the connector, after which the 2 elements come aside. The magnets are very robust and pull the 2 elements along with a decisive snap. It’s a easy thought but brilliantly designed.

Just a notice on the totally different variations of this product: I’ve examined each the 140W and 240W variations of this connector, and each reacted identically within the thermal and resistance exams. This is smart, as these are simply pass-through connectors, with the one lively aspect being the LED mild, which leads me to conclude that the 140W variations merely have the older branding. 

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I’ve used comparable breakaway USB-C connectors earlier than, again when Apple eliminated the MagSafe charging port from the MacBook Pro. Thankfully, issues have come a great distance since then: These connectors have been revamped, enhancing the design and magnet, and bringing them updated with help for options corresponding to 140W charging.

These breakaway connectors are available three differing types — straight, 90° elbow, and right-angle.

Personally, I just like the elbow design. It looks like probably the most versatile and safe. In my testing, I discovered that the straight and right-angled connectors had been simpler to drag aside, leading to extra unintended breakaways. Still, I’d a lot desire to cope with an unintended breakaway than a laptop computer that is been dragged to the bottom.

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The connectors additionally characteristic a useful LED mild, permitting you to see if a tool is charging. The a part of the connector that goes into the USB-C port can generally be a bit exhausting to take away, particularly if, like me, you might have garbage fingernails. This pack comes with a loop of string to help in elimination, which I discover to be a very nice contact. 

One factor that I’ve been requested about so much is whether or not you should buy spare ends for this adapter, both as spares or as a result of they’ve misplaced the unique ones. Good information! You can purchase them in a 3-pack for $10. 

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The excellent news is that these connectors are cheaper than ever. I bear in mind paying nicely over $20 for a single connector, however now you may get a 2-pack for around $20 with a 30% off coupon on Amazon.

They’re a easy but efficient option to shield ports from harm and stop laptops from being pulled to the ground. Investing just a few {dollars} in a few these may prevent 1000’s in the long term.

Magnetic breakaway USB-C connector tech specs

• Power: Up to 240W
• Data switch: Up to 40Gb/s
• Video output: Up to 8K@60Hz
• Audio output: Supported
• Connection kind: 24-pin
• LED indicator: Yes
• Dustproof: Yes