Last year a reader pointed me to some 20-pin USB-C breakaway adapters that were readily available from a range of outlets. I now have magnetic breakaway connectors on my MacBooks, iPad Pro, any Windows laptop or tablet Im utilizing, and on select chargers and power banks.
The 20-pin breakaway connector is quite large, and on some devices– such as the MacBook Pro– utilizing it can block the other port. The 9-pin variation is physically smaller sized and is much better fit for situations where cables are more crowded.
The connector is a standard USB-C type adapter that is connected to a dongle utilizing a magnet. The magnet is strong enough to keep the connector together but will allow the adapter to separate if the cable is given a yank that is strong enough to take the laptop on a journey towards the ground.
Ive tested it several times – a number of times by accident – and discovered it to be reliable..
Annoying, but far much better than not breaking away when it should!
Ive likewise been asked about whats the difference in between the 20-pin versions I was suggesting and the 9-pin versions that are now readily available.
There are two distinctions. The first is data transfer rates– the 20-pin version supports 10Gbps (USB-C 3.1) and is good enough to carry 4K 60Hz video, while for the 9-pin version, the information transfer rates are only 480Mb/s (USB 2.0), and as such will not bring video.
Another difference is physical size. The 20-pin breakaway adapter is quite big, and on some devices– such as the MacBook Pro– utilizing it can obstruct the other port. The 9-pin version is physically smaller and is better matched for scenarios where cables are more crowded.
Ive included a few 9-pin breakaway adapters to my set, and they are just as great as their 20-pin counterparts (and it seems that over the past couple of months costs have dropped, so thats an added benefit!).
It works.
The adapter is rated for 100W (20V/5A) power transfer, which is what I utilize if for, but it is likewise great for information and can support a throughput of 10Gbps and can support 4K@30Hz video output.
To utilize the adapter, you simply plug the USB-C connector into the laptop computer or other USB-C port, and link your USB-C cable to the breakaway part of the assembly, and you are all set to go.
Some readers had worries that utilizing these adapters could damage laptop computers or other linked devices..
I d already been utilizing them thoroughly before suggesting them so I was hesitant, and because Ive used them for countless hours on numerous gadgets– even power banks– without any problems at all. When you dont desire it to, the only downside is that sometimes the adapter breaks away.
How old am I? Old enough to remember and value how absolutely incredible Apples MagSafe magnetic breakaway charging connector was.
Then Apple chose to drop it and choose USB-C.
Fortunately, you can add magnetic breakaway capability to any USB-C port for a couple of dollars.
In 2015 a reader pointed me to some 20-pin USB-C breakaway adapters that were available from a range of outlets. I was hesitant, however after some testing, I became a transform. I now have magnetic breakaway adapters on my MacBooks, iPad Pro, any Windows laptop computer or tablet Im using, and on select battery chargers and power banks.
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