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Apple Will Be Forced to Use USB-C Charger in iPhones

forbes.com

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Re: Apple Will Be Forced to Use USB-C Charger in iPhones

#41

Post by lillecarl »

jmole wrote: post #40
lillecarl wrote: post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've got one Apple charger that's compatible with all my devices and one that's compatible with all devices except my System76 laptop, it doesn't like the 30 something watt charger. Things that work: All Android phones, Macbook, System76 Laptop, Sony Headphones, JBL BT Speaker, some cheap-o tiny RC car. All devices don't need to implement everything, I'm happy just being able to bring one charger, one powerbank and a…

I have been looking for an RC car that charges with USB-C, where did you find one?

It was something like this one: https://www.banggood.com/Turbo-Racing-C72-RTR-1-or-76-2_4G-S...

It's a really tiny one, with a one cell battery. The problem you'll experience looking for USB-C to charge your RC is that it's not "possible" (You'll need a charging controller on your car instead) since the batteries are usually more than one cell and therefore needs balancing and such. Also when you're charging you're allowing currents up to 5 amps in most common chargers, when I'm in a hurry mine goes to 20 amps, this is above what USB-C is rated for, so you'd have to negotiate the latest 200+w power, transform it to the right voltage etc...

I recommend you give that one up for now, sadly.

Re: Apple Will Be Forced to Use USB-C Charger in iPhones

#42

Post by stevenalowe »

rowanG077 wrote: post #28
stevenalowe wrote: post #18

First require uniformity of function (without regard for appropriateness, future innovation, etc). Second, require specific sources (those with political connections) because “reasons”. USB-c chargers today, usb-c chargers from FaviCorp tomorrow. Zero power systems innovation the day after that. Please don’t let politicians dictate technical design decisions.

If there is one area I don't want innovation it's the power connector to my mobile phone.

So you’d like to go back to the enormous power bricks of 1999?

Re: Apple Will Be Forced to Use USB-C Charger in iPhones

#43

Post by anamax »

lillecarl wrote: post #35
mls-pl wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Lightning port, compared to USB C, is almost indestructible. There's no way you damage it by pulling cable sideways. Do the same with USB... Apple should upgrade Lightning to fully support USB C protocol but leave connector as is. But we'll see how they respond to another senseless EU idea...

This is misinformation, the USB-C connector is designed to outlast it's cables. A common problem with USB-C is that the connector get's filled with "stuff", and rather than picking it out they just jam their cable in harder til it's packed full. The Lightning port has less of this problem because it's smaller but I've seen my colleague use a SIM-card removal tool to pick things out of his iPhone connector too. The re…

> This is misinformation, the USB-C connector is designed to outlast it's cables.

That's the wrong measure; outlasting cables is inadequate.

The correct measure is how long a USB-C connector lasts.

In my experience, the "tongue" in the USB-C connector gets broken in about two years. That forces me to buy a new phone, and hope that it arrives before my old phone's battery dies.

As to "you're doing it wrong" or "you're supposed to clean it every 30 insertions", it's freaking consumer connector. It should just work.

Meanwhile, I've never seen a lightning connector fail. The cords do, and they cost too much, but they're just cords.

And, yes, the lightning connector could/should be more robust.

Re: Apple Will Be Forced to Use USB-C Charger in iPhones

#44

Post by rowanG077 »

stevenalowe wrote: post #42
rowanG077 wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If there is one area I don't want innovation it's the power connector to my mobile phone.

So you’d like to go back to the enormous power bricks of 1999?

THe connector has nothing to do with the efficiency of the psu.

Re: Apple Will Be Forced to Use USB-C Charger in iPhones

#46

Post by lillecarl »

anamax wrote: post #43
lillecarl wrote: post #35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is misinformation, the USB-C connector is designed to outlast it's cables. A common problem with USB-C is that the connector get's filled with "stuff", and rather than picking it out they just jam their cable in harder til it's packed full. The Lightning port has less of this problem because it's smaller but I've seen my colleague use a SIM-card removal tool to pick things out of his iPhone connector too. The re…

> This is misinformation, the USB-C connector is designed to outlast it's cables. That's the wrong measure; outlasting cables is inadequate. The correct measure is how long a USB-C connector lasts. In my experience, the "tongue" in the USB-C connector gets broken in about two years. That forces me to buy a new phone, and hope that it arrives before my old phone's battery dies. As to "you're doing it wrong" or "you're…

> That's the wrong measure; outlasting cables is inadequate.

Only if you don't realize the reason they're built that way is to not wear the connector down, they're designed to last "forever".

> In my experience, the "tongue" in the USB-C connector gets broken in about two years. That forces me to buy a new phone, and hope that it arrives before my old phone's battery dies.

I've never seen or heard anyone break the tounge of the USB-c.

> it's freaking consumer connector. It should just work

There are physical limitations to this and lightning are also prone to the issue.

> Meanwhile, I've never seen a lightning connector fail. The cords do, and they cost too much, but they're just cords.

All I see is broken iPhone cables, not that it matters though, since we're discussing connectors.

And, yes, the lightning connector could/should be more robust.

No.

https://media.idownloadblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/i...

See those teeny metal thingies in there? That's how an USB-c cable looks inside, why you ask? Because that's the most unreliable part of the connector (other than filling up with crap).

I mean if you're so incredibly violent you break the tounge then lightning would indeed be better, but that's not a common failure mode. It's designed for wear and tear, not violent bending forces.

Re: Apple Will Be Forced to Use USB-C Charger in iPhones

#47

Post by olliej »

lillecarl wrote: post #38
olliej wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The point is when a new incompatible plug happens you have to replace your existing accessories, and accessory manufacturers have to choose which hardware is supported, or everyone has the dreaded adapters.

I'd rather have one adapter that fits between all my old and all my "new" devices than 99 competing standards with no adapters whatsoever.

HN commenters have spent years complaining about Apple's adoption of usb-c, except in the single case of it being forced on iDevices, where it is clearly the only thing that could possibly be considered.

Almost every "universal" device I go out to buy today requires a usb-c adapter, despite the apparent prevalence of usb-c Android devices?

Re: Apple Will Be Forced to Use USB-C Charger in iPhones

#48

Post by jmole »

lillecarl wrote: post #41
jmole wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have been looking for an RC car that charges with USB-C, where did you find one?

It was something like this one: https://www.banggood.com/Turbo-Racing-C72-RTR-1-or-76-2_4G-S... It's a really tiny one, with a one cell battery. The problem you'll experience looking for USB-C to charge your RC is that it's not "possible" (You'll need a charging controller on your car instead) since the batteries are usually more than one cell and therefore needs balancing and such. Also when you're charging you're a…

Yeah, I have young kids and the last thing I need is 3 cars, each with a removable battery, dedicated battery charger, etc.

Just wish there was something you could plug into an existing charger and go

Re: Apple Will Be Forced to Use USB-C Charger in iPhones

#49

Post by lillecarl »

jmole wrote: post #48
lillecarl wrote: post #41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It was something like this one: https://www.banggood.com/Turbo-Racing-C72-RTR-1-or-76-2_4G-S... It's a really tiny one, with a one cell battery. The problem you'll experience looking for USB-C to charge your RC is that it's not "possible" (You'll need a charging controller on your car instead) since the batteries are usually more than one cell and therefore needs balancing and such. Also when you're charging you're a…

Yeah, I have young kids and the last thing I need is 3 cars, each with a removable battery, dedicated battery charger, etc. Just wish there was something you could plug into an existing charger and go

Traxxas has their ID charging system where you can share the same charger across all cars, they're safe to use and all. Balances cells every time, supports storage charging and such.

That'd be my recommendation, my father happens to be a reseller so I've got some know-how :)

Re: Apple Will Be Forced to Use USB-C Charger in iPhones

#50

Post by stevenalowe »

rowanG077 wrote: post #44
stevenalowe wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So you’d like to go back to the enormous power bricks of 1999?

THe connector has nothing to do with the efficiency of the psu.

you're missing the point; the 5.4v round charge port of my 1999 Cricket could have become "the standard"
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