Tangle-Free Magnetic USB Cables Are Here (theverge.com) 49
The Verge's Sean Hollister has been testing a number of "nifty" USB cables that magnetically stick to themselves and don't get all tangled up in your drawers and bags. The only problem is "they all suck big time at data transfer, charging, or both," he writes. From the report: This one, which also has its own built-in blue LED light and magnetic swappable tips for USB-C, micro-USB, and Lightning, won't charge most of my USB-C gadgets at all, but I was able to sling some files from an external drive at lackluster USB 2.0 speeds and charge my iPhone over Lightning. It's also got super weak coiling magnets and felt even cheaper than the rest.
This USB-C to USB-C one was pretty decent at charging, giving me 65W of USB-C PD power and had the best magnets of the bunch -- but it wouldn't connect to a Pixel 4A phone or my USB-C external drive at all. They just didn't show up on my desktop!
This USB-A to USB-C cable was the worst of the lot. Just wiggling it would disconnect anything I had plugged in, and it topped out at 10W of charging -- not the 15-18W I'd usually see with my Pixel.
Lastly, this USB-A to Lightning one seems to be a SuperCalla cable, showing up in an "Original SuperCalla" box, even though it's sold by a brand named "Tech." Slow charging, slow data, but at least it seems to stay reliably connected to my iPhone so far.
But those aren't the only style of magnetic no-tangle cable I found. I also bought this neat accordion-style one, which is perhaps the best of the bunch: I got 15W charging, and it feels better built than the rest. But it's less fun to play with, the magnets aren't as strong, and it's got a bit of an awkward shape when fully extended because the joints will always stick out. Plus, it tops out at USB 2.0 speeds of 480Mbps (or around 42MB/s in practice.) I couldn't find a C-to-C or Lightning version. [...] Right now, all I've found are these cheap-o, $10 novelty cables, and that's a real shame. The magnet design deserves better, and so do we.
This USB-C to USB-C one was pretty decent at charging, giving me 65W of USB-C PD power and had the best magnets of the bunch -- but it wouldn't connect to a Pixel 4A phone or my USB-C external drive at all. They just didn't show up on my desktop!
This USB-A to USB-C cable was the worst of the lot. Just wiggling it would disconnect anything I had plugged in, and it topped out at 10W of charging -- not the 15-18W I'd usually see with my Pixel.
Lastly, this USB-A to Lightning one seems to be a SuperCalla cable, showing up in an "Original SuperCalla" box, even though it's sold by a brand named "Tech." Slow charging, slow data, but at least it seems to stay reliably connected to my iPhone so far.
But those aren't the only style of magnetic no-tangle cable I found. I also bought this neat accordion-style one, which is perhaps the best of the bunch: I got 15W charging, and it feels better built than the rest. But it's less fun to play with, the magnets aren't as strong, and it's got a bit of an awkward shape when fully extended because the joints will always stick out. Plus, it tops out at USB 2.0 speeds of 480Mbps (or around 42MB/s in practice.) I couldn't find a C-to-C or Lightning version. [...] Right now, all I've found are these cheap-o, $10 novelty cables, and that's a real shame. The magnet design deserves better, and so do we.
when traveling (Score:5, Insightful)
I just use a hook and loop (Velcro) strap or a twist tie, then I can have cables that don't suck, and even if I have to toss them in a bag in a hurry ... I will be sitting for a while (bus, plane, taxi, uber/lyft) cause otherwise if I am in control of my transportation I can take 2 seconds to coil a little cable
Re: (Score:2)
The ones he linked to don't even really address the coiling together issue, they address the easy to connect and disconnect issue using a magnetic head. I love this feature, but unfortunately they end in the devices tend to wear out, and nobody seems to sell these by themselves, so to get new ends for devices I need to purchase new cables. I'll wait to purchase new cables once a company comes out with replacement ends.
Novel Solution (Score:3)
The ones he linked to don't even really address the coiling together issue
Yes they do - they are so bad at being USB cables you'll never likely want to use them so they always remain nicely coiled in their original packaging. It's a novel solution to the problem but arguably not a very practical one.
Re: (Score:3)
Re: (Score:2)
I've been using a (relatively) cheap Blitzwolf cable I got off Banggood like 3-4 years ago. They don't have the exact same one any more but it's a braided type pretty similar to this one: https://www.banggood.com/Blitz... [banggood.com]
No issue with connections so far and it never gets tangled, I guess because of the relatively wide bend radius it just coils up nicely and I can stick it into my backpack pocket.
Re: (Score:3)
Coil differently... (Score:5, Informative)
...coil like lifeguard rope, or extension cords, or garden hose, or similar, one loop with half twist forward, next twist back so it goes inverted, then things don't tangle and extend problem free. Many cables are stiff enough to help retain that shape. No magnets, no issues, no having to commit to a lousy manufacturer with a gimmick, and relatively future proof.
Re: (Score:3)
Which works great unless you pass an end through the loop. Do that and each pair of loops turns into an overhand knot, so you get a string of them.
(Nevertheless, that's how I coil cables. I'm just careful not to let the end go through. Pull it out and it's uncoiled, just as you say. Or if it's gotten thrashed i
Re: (Score:2)
Cables are so cheap that I find it's easier to just buy one for each use I have. A very short one for a mobile battery, some longer ones for my desk, bedside table, car etc. I just coil them up once and use a velcro tie or sleve.
Some people say cable quality is variable, but I usually just buy cheap ones when they are on sale on AliExpress and have not had any issues with data transfer or 65 watt charging. In fact I've bought some little USB C PD boards that put out a selectable voltage (20V, 15V, 9V or 5V)
What for? (Score:5, Funny)
"they all suck big time at being USB cables."
Not even Apple is this devoted to form over function.
Re: (Score:2)
TFA cites a USB to Lightning cable as one of the worst ones... Because Apple put DRM in cables to make sure that cheaper 3rd party ones suck, with slower charging.
Generally speaking though all these "gimmick" ones are going to have issues. Magnets are going to affect the signals in the cables, and detachable ones will be limited by the quality of the contacts. They can be worth it if you want convenience, but I'd suggest looking at wireless charging instead.
Subtlety gone... (Score:4, Insightful)
It's just obvious advertisement now.
These are all trash cables with fake amazon reviews and ... shockingly, referrer links!
Re: (Score:2)
Also if your cable is frequently tangling, just maybe it is too long for your purpose..
Re: (Score:2)
If they are Apple MFi certified that is one thing. If not, IMHO, I would steer clear of them.
Re: (Score:2)
If you're bored, glance at the product links. No chance they're actually MFi certified irrespective of any claims otherwise.
They're garbage cables, with obviously bogus reviews, and an "article" pushing them that's more overtly paid for than Dolly Parton's boobs.
Re:Subtlety gone... (Score:4, Insightful)
Not a very good advertisement when it's telling you they're all crap.
Re: Subtlety gone... (Score:1)
Ain't that the truth...
Re:Subtlety gone... (Score:5, Insightful)
It's just obvious advertisement now.
One sentence? Is that your attention span? Or do you think a story which in the second line says "they all suck" counts as an "advertisement"?
Stop turning off your brain every time you see a story on Slashdot. If you don't want to read the details, move on. But at least engage enough braincells to tell an advertisement: "Buy our awesome product", from a story "we looked at these products and found they all suck"
Re: (Score:1)
I agree, it's just an advertisement with a thin layer of a review on top to fool the reader and "news" searches.
Re:Subtlety gone... (Score:4, Informative)
You agree? The only readers who would be 'fooled' by this 'advertisement' are idiots who would by a product where the 'ad' says (literally) 'it sucks and does not work'. Like you, apparently.
Why? (Score:2)
magnetic swappable tips for USB-C, micro-USB, and Lightning
Just make everything use USB-C and be done with this nonsense.
Re: (Score:3)
The point of mag-safe (or this shit fake stand-in) is so cables disconnect if pulled accidentally without damaging the cables, ports, or devices when they fall off something. USB-C is a low-tolerance (tight fit) port that is really hard to pull out at any angle but perpendicular to the device.
So when you trip on a cable, your phone or laptop goes flying off the table...
Mag-safe by itself is a solid A+ idea for most low to medium wattage power connectors. It just sucks for data...which TBH is fine ~95% of
Re: (Score:2)
Apple has a patent on MagSafe. It's a bit dubious, there is prior art (Japanese cooking appliance manufacturers have been using it since around 2000) and it could probably be worked around anyway, but given that it's Apple and they have sued over things just looking vaguely similar before... It probably scared most people away.
It's not perfect either. With cooking appliances the high voltage tends to clean the contacts a bit, but with low voltage chargers for laptops that doesn't happen. USB C is self clean
Re: Why? (Score:1)
Re: (Score:2)
Just make everything use USB-C and be done with this nonsense.
No, I prefer having the variety to having the features of my devices limited to USB-C.
Apple had laptops with only USB-C and people preferred the old laptops with MagSafe, HDMI, and SDXC. This caused Apple to redesign their laptops to have USB-C but also HDMI, MagSafe, and SDXC.
I see this with other laptop brands, they can charge from USB-C but also the brand specific power port, some video port other than USB-C/DisplayPort (usually HDMI but sometimes VGA or DVI), often a SDXC slot, and often USB-A.
I don't
Re: Why? (Score:2)
Micro-USB. It's what all the tablets and other gadgets I've bought recently come equipped with.
Hmmmm (Score:2)
Re: Hmmmm (Score:2)
Yep. A new low for slashdot.. did not realize they were hurting for money that bad
Re: (Score:2)
Yeah, this is shockingly bad even for /.
Engadget at least labels these posts as paid advertisements ... and even then, they not this bad. This is quickly approaching the quality of FB advertisements - where I've been offered everything from pirated gaming consoles to DIY shroom grow kits.
Re: (Score:2)
The only thing worse than the quality of this article is the reading ability of someone who thinks 'these products all suck', 'they don't work', and 'they are nothing but a novelty' is something someone would put in a paid advertisement.
Magnets Interfering With Data Transfers (Score:2)
Who would have thunk it?
What a crap solution to an imaginary problem. (Score:2)
Sponsored crap product adverts.
Slashdot, booze for turds.
I too enjoy over complicated solutions. (Score:5, Informative)
It amazes me how few people, especially those technically inclined, do not understand how to wind a cable so it is guaranteed to be tangle free when next used. There is NOTHING more satisfying than throwing a correctly wrapped, 20m XLR cable across a stage and watching it uncoil to a completely straight, tangle and twist free run before it's even hit the deck. Same for CAT6's, garden hoses, extension cords, or any other utility you may wish to plumb with the mere flick of a wrist.
Over under cable wrapping. Learn it. [slashdot.org] Applies to everything from xbox hueg tugboat ropes cables to in-ear headphones (wind from the bud side first) to garden hoses (no really, this shit right here is how you eliminate kinks, fuck your infomercial dross), and always results in a non tangled cable when gone right.
We do not need this junk. We just need to stop being rubes and learn how to do things properly.
Re: (Score:2)
Spot on, under over works great, and keeps the cable free of twists. People who wrap cable around their arms should be punished.
Re: (Score:2)
Watching them flail around trying to remove the loop from their over-extended wrist and elbow is penance enough ^_^
Useless... (Score:2)
Fuck USB... (Score:1)
Interchangeable plug-bits (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
For 5+ years now I buy all my magnetic plugs from PZOZ [aliexpress.com], it started with usb-micro and now all usb-c ; everyone has them on their devices in the family, so multiple cells, tablets, and others devices. Chargers in the kitchen or whatever and even in the cars all have magnetic cable so anyone can just easily charge their device everywhere.
Is it the manufacturing quality or the magnets (Score:2)
Why? (Score:2)
Would anyone read this hack journalist's articles, this is the same guy that bitched about Apple sending him the right tools to repair his iPhone. Fuck that guy.
Are Here!!! (Score:3)
>"Tangle-Free Magnetic USB Cables Are Here"
These is nothing new. I have been using them for many years and find them essential and extremely convenient. Place the phone down near the cable and it practically connects itself. No more port damage. No more accidentally pulling devices off the counter. No more trying to find the little port each time. No more searching for the cable end at night. One cable charges anything since there are several different ports that all use the same cable.
I have two generations of Netdot and they have held up very well.
Neat (Score:2)
Shill and shtick (Score:3)
Ars unabashed gear review masquerading as Amazon advert. It wasn’t worth the time it took to click.
I took the bait. But it will be the last.
I've been using the swappable tips ones... (Score:1)
The data transfer on them can be a little wonky, but I've found the charging to work just fine.
I bought a dozen each of Micro USB and USB C tips to put in all my devices so I can use the same three cables at strategic points around my house to drop down anything that needs a charged.
The 5 foot cables allow you to continue to use a tablet, phone, or whatever while it's charging without the cables slowly wiggling your charging socket out of the solder; which to be honest was the main reason I bought one in t
I'd settle for cables that address... (Score:2)
... all of my needs without having to keep a bag full of various cables with slight different mini-USB connectors on one end---I'd be thrilled to only require a couple of types (maybe in different lengths). I have some older digital cameras that require a unique USB cable that seems to be specifically designed for that camera and always eludes me when I need it. Other cables look kinda-sorta like USB-C but aren't. The variety of cables ends seems to be inspired by the old joke:
Flag this shit as spamvertizement totally unworthy (Score:2)
If I could flag this spamvertisement pretending to be a legit post. I would do!
This totally unworthy of SlashDot.