PKK099

Q: New cable for Mac Book Pro drops off all the time?

Hi,

 

I just bought a new Mac Book Pro and I'm having problems with the cable that connects to the laptop by magnet. I had no problems with my previous Mac Book Pro because the cable connection to the laptop was directed to the side and it never came off by accident but this new one is just hopeless. Why would they have changed it to this new straight type that comes that drops of every time you touch it a bit? I guess the magnet is not too weak or anything but it's obvious that it will drop of because it comes straight out and not flat to the side as before? Anyway I work with the laptop on my lap slightly between my legs so the new connection is a big problem. Also when I move around with the laptop the cable drops off all the time. Could I possibly replace this cable with the old type model?


Thanks!

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch,Early 2015), OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 10:29 PM

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Q: New cable for Mac Book Pro drops off all the time?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by ManSinha,

    ManSinha ManSinha Jan 4, 2016 10:50 PM in response to PKK099
    Level 6 (10,250 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 4, 2016 10:50 PM in response to PKK099

    The T and L type MagSafe cables are NOT interchangeable

    And I have had the T shaped MagSafe cable for a long time - it has not dropped off even once

  • by PKK099,

    PKK099 PKK099 Jan 4, 2016 11:11 PM in response to ManSinha
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 4, 2016 11:11 PM in response to ManSinha

    Well mine drops off about 10 times per day. Of course if you have your laptop on a desk for example it won't drop off. The old L Type was so much better so I really don't see why they would have changed it.

     

    So this is considered normal or should I take it to store to be checked? I don't see anything wrong with the magnet so I suppose they can't do anything about it then.

  • by ManSinha,

    ManSinha ManSinha Jan 4, 2016 11:15 PM in response to PKK099
    Level 6 (10,250 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 4, 2016 11:15 PM in response to PKK099

    Actually in my experience the bond is pretty strong if pulled horizontally - you almost have to tilt it vertically to disengage. No harm in taking it to the store to get it checked out though

  • by PKK099,

    PKK099 PKK099 Jan 4, 2016 11:24 PM in response to ManSinha
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 4, 2016 11:24 PM in response to ManSinha

    That's true. It's just that I have back problems so I usually work lying down and the laptop on my knees. This is where the T shape cable becomes a problem but I never had any issues with the old L shape connection because it could't be taken off by pushing the cable from below or above. Now any time it hits my knee it's off. Well I guess they did't consider every working position when designing this T shape cable..I just wonder what the advantage is to the old one.

     

    Of course it's not a problem for me to plug it back on when it drops but I was worried that could it be bad for the computer in the long run popping it on and off all the time?

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Jan 5, 2016 4:40 AM in response to PKK099
    Level 9 (52,094 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 5, 2016 4:40 AM in response to PKK099

    Just to clarify, what you have is a Magsafe2 charger that has a T configuration.  There were older T configured chargers prior to the introduction of the Unibody Macs.  The old chargers, T or L can be used on a retina MBP provided you use an adapter.  That may not be a solution though you might consider it.

     

    Apple specifically recommends, using the MBP on a flat surface, table or desk, and not on ones lap.  By doing so, the charger cables is far less likely to disconnect.  It is my understanding that the new MBPs have weaker magnets since the unit is lighter than the older ones, in order to eliminate the possibility of dragging the MBP off a table if the cable fails to disconnect.

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201640

     

    Ciao.

  • by carl wolf,

    carl wolf carl wolf Jan 5, 2016 4:42 AM in response to PKK099
    Level 6 (14,625 points)
    Jan 5, 2016 4:42 AM in response to PKK099

    You should make an appointment with an Apple Genius, and discuss your options.