Why Apple Couldn’t Go to Micro USB Charging

http://techpinions.com/why-apple-couldnt-go-to-micro-usb-charging/10212

by caffeinewriter • 14 years ago

3 7 14 years ago

nodata• 14 years ago

I don't see why Apple needs Lightning AND the MagSafe adaptor. If they wanted to introduce a new cable, why didn't they invent a MagSafe version of Lightning?

tiziano882• 14 years ago

I believe the nexus 7 had the same issue, and they devised a slightly longer version of the micro USB plug that is capable of carrying 2.1 amps of current, which is more than 10 watts of power. The socket can still accept "normal" USB plugs, and the new longer plugs can be used with "old" sockets too (these combinations will not be able to achieve the increased current rate, of course). All in all, it seems a reasonable solution.

saurik3• 14 years ago

Wait, so that means that of all of these micro-USB cables I have lying around, only one of them is actually capable of performantly charing my Nexus 7?

tiziano882• 14 years ago

Precisely. It also means that if you don't have the original cable at hand, you can use any cable to charge it, albeit more slowly.

As a side note, the nexus 7 charger is also special in itself, as it is capable of outputting 2.1 amps of currents, so you also need to use that to achieve the maximum charging speed.

Why Apple Couldn’t Go to Micro USB Charging

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