Apple is always known for their human centered and intuitive design. I couldn't agree more on this having used Microsoft products recently.
The Macbook line provides great value for money when you look at how it boosts your productivity. You can do so much on it at work or at play. I have used Macbook white for 4 years and the only reason I had to sell it off was the damaged charging port.
This made me think about the design of the L type Magsafe Charger. Back in the day this used to cost around Rs. 5000 and is delicate like anything. No matter what justification you provide for the cost it is only a charger!
The charger has three major components.
1. Trasformer
2. Wire
3. Plug
I really liked the way the the adapter is designed with claws that open up to hold the wire. The wire itself is made of rubbery material and one needs to take care of the same as it is prone to cuts and wear. The part that bothers me the most is the magnetic plug. I believe it is a very bad and unreliable design.
The plug has four delicate pins that rest on a spring and are housed inside the magnetic casing. When the plug is engaged the pins press against the charging port on the laptop and touch the lines that send power. These pins are used to feed power and also create a feedback loop that will protect the charger and the device from bad current.
Do we really need a mechanism this complex?
There are slim laptops in the market but apple decided to have such a complex mechanism in place for a component that will be used very frequently day in and day out.
In the Indian scenario the port is prone to dust that can cause heat generation in the plug and charging port. This further damages the components.
We have used windows laptops for years and this was never a problem!
Check out the below blog for tear down.
Ken Shirrif's Blog
http://www.righto.com/2015/11/macbook-charger-teardown-surprising.html
The Macbook line provides great value for money when you look at how it boosts your productivity. You can do so much on it at work or at play. I have used Macbook white for 4 years and the only reason I had to sell it off was the damaged charging port.
This made me think about the design of the L type Magsafe Charger. Back in the day this used to cost around Rs. 5000 and is delicate like anything. No matter what justification you provide for the cost it is only a charger!
The charger has three major components.
1. Trasformer
2. Wire
3. Plug
I really liked the way the the adapter is designed with claws that open up to hold the wire. The wire itself is made of rubbery material and one needs to take care of the same as it is prone to cuts and wear. The part that bothers me the most is the magnetic plug. I believe it is a very bad and unreliable design.
The plug has four delicate pins that rest on a spring and are housed inside the magnetic casing. When the plug is engaged the pins press against the charging port on the laptop and touch the lines that send power. These pins are used to feed power and also create a feedback loop that will protect the charger and the device from bad current.
Do we really need a mechanism this complex?
There are slim laptops in the market but apple decided to have such a complex mechanism in place for a component that will be used very frequently day in and day out.
In the Indian scenario the port is prone to dust that can cause heat generation in the plug and charging port. This further damages the components.
We have used windows laptops for years and this was never a problem!
Check out the below blog for tear down.
Ken Shirrif's Blog
http://www.righto.com/2015/11/macbook-charger-teardown-surprising.html
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