Now that MagSafe is Back - is anyone really using it?

[soulreaver99]

Just curious if anyone is really using MagSafe now that it’s back.

I know mostly everyone missed it when it was gone, even myself but I’m just so used to having USB-C has the one cable to charge my devices and connected to a hub to just use one port for docking to a larger display, charging etc… I haven’t used MagSafe at all.

 

[darngooddesign]

Just curious if anyone is really using MagSafe now that it’s back.

I know mostly everyone missed it when it was gone, even myself but I’m just so used to having USB-C has the one cable to charge my devices and connected to a hub to just use one port for docking to a larger display, charging etc… I haven’t used MagSafe at all.

I use it every day because I have big dogs running around the house; great for safety and fast charging. Only my quick reflexes have prevented my work laptop from being pulled off the table, but now due to all the stresses on the port the plug is looser.

 

[JPack]

Agreed, with the advent of USB-C, MagSafe no longer adds much value. MagSafe made sense when each notebook manufacturer had their own type of barrel charger.

Today, monitors with USB-C with PD are very affordable. USB-C docks have also come down so much in price. Everyone has a power bank. What this means is AC adapters and cables aren't lying on the floor. Cables are now on the table and the danger of tripping is much reduced.

 

[DrCC]

I have a question regarding MagSafe on the new Air M2. The stock Air M2 MagSafe charger is 35W I believe, but if a 65W charger is used, the MacBook Air M2 can charge way faster.
Will this super fast charging work over MagSafe or only over USB-C ?

 

[mollyc]

My computer only came with MagSafe as a charger, and since I still use an iPhone 8+ I don't have any usb-c cables. So MS it is.

 

[Wizec]

My LG ultra wide monitor charges my MacBook Air so fast that I don’t even use a dedicated charger at home. I just plug it into my monitor via USB-C

If I were traveling, I would definitely use MagSafe though.

 

[StellarVixen]

Best invention since the sliced bread if you ask me.

Sometimes I do not even have to hold that thing in my hand, I just have to hold the cable and guide it just a little to the port. Rest it does by itself

 

[darngooddesign]

I have a question regarding MagSafe on the new Air M2. The stock Air M2 MagSafe charger is 35W I believe, but if a 65W charger is used, the MacBook Air M2 can charge way faster.
Will this super fast charging work over MagSafe or only over USB-C ?

Both I believe.

Apple loves its footnotes and disclaimers but fast charging does not have one specifying MagSafe only.

 

[KnownSyntax]

I think it's really nice if you have people that walk by your charging cord (ex; kids) to where it'll snap out vs. drag your laptop down with you. Is it perfect? No, but it does disconnect correctly on most cases - only real reason why I've been using it.

 

[Xenomorph]

Just curious if anyone is really using MagSafe now that it’s back.

I know mostly everyone missed it when it was gone, even myself but I’m just so used to having USB-C has the one cable to charge my devices and connected to a hub to just use one port for docking to a larger display, charging etc… I haven’t used MagSafe at all.

I've only used MagSafe to charge my MacBook Pro systems.

2006 MacBook Pro
2010 MacBook Pro
2013 MacBook Pro
2021 MacBook Pro

I have three MagSafe cables for the newest system. I keep them at work, home, and in my laptop bag.

Why would I want to use up a USB port to charge the system?

 

[darngooddesign]

I've only used MagSafe to charge my MacBook Pro systems.

2006 MacBook Pro
2010 MacBook Pro
2013 MacBook Pro
2021 MacBook Pro

I have three MagSafe cables for the newest system. I keep them at work, home, and in my laptop bag.

Why would I want to use up a USB port to charge the system?

I really miss the L-shaped MagSafe1 plug. It was perfect for laying on your side and still being able to charge.

 

[soulreaver99]

I've only used MagSafe to charge my MacBook Pro systems.

2006 MacBook Pro
2010 MacBook Pro
2013 MacBook Pro
2021 MacBook Pro

I have three MagSafe cables for the newest system. I keep them at work, home, and in my laptop bag.

Why would I want to use up a USB port to charge the system?

When docked to an external displaying - using USB-C would make the most sense. Just plug in one cable and you can charge, connect to an external display, and have extra USB-A/C ports.

 

[darngooddesign]

When docked to an external displaying - using USB-C would make the most sense. Just plug in one cable and you can charge, connect to an external display, and have extra USB-A/C ports.

One of the nice things about my MBP is that I can charge from either side depending on where I sit. I understand why the M2Air has both USB-C ports on the same side, but I kind of wish that Apple had placed them opposite from the MagSafe.

 

[DrCC]

Both I believe.

Apple loves its footnotes and disclaimers but fast charging does not have one specifying MagSafe only.

I don't think MagSafe on the Air M2 can do fast charging. I was reading some reports online a few days ago that for fast charing USB-C might be the only way to go. This was before the NDA for reviews lifted, I am now waiting for confirmation regarding fast charging over USB-C and / or MagSafe, but so far I can't find any definitive information.

 

[darngooddesign]

I don't think MagSafe on the Air M2 can do fast charging. I was reading some reports online a few days ago that for fast charing USB-C might be the only way to go. This was before the NDA for reviews lifted, I am now waiting for confirmation regarding fast charging over USB-C and / or MagSafe, but so far I can't find any definitive information.

Apple says the Air can do fast charging with the upgraded brick. Similarly, if you want fast charging on the base 14", you have to upgrade the brick. All of the non-base 14"s come with the upgraded brick.

 

[Captain_Mac]

Just curious if anyone is really using MagSafe now that it’s back.

I know mostly everyone missed it when it was gone, even myself but I’m just so used to having USB-C has the one cable to charge my devices and connected to a hub to just use one port for docking to a larger display, charging etc… I haven’t used MagSafe at all.

Of course. It's the cable that comes in the box. And the only one that sometimes allows fast charging (eg. 16' MBP).

 

[Arctic Moose]

Why would I want to use up a USB port to charge the system?

When I am at a desk I always have a monitor plugged in, and I see no point in using two cables instead of one.

When I’m not at a desk I don’t have anything at all plugged in.

I haven’t taken the Apple charger or the MagSafe cable out of the box in the eight months I’ve had the laptop.

 

[MisterSavage]

Plan on using it when I'm traveling. Otherwise I'm plugged into my ASD.

 

[estabya]

I was pretty disappointed when Apple did away with the MagSafe port in 2016. The convenience of USB-C is amazing of course, so I grew to love it. The single cable power/video/data is what sold it for me. I really look forward to having the option to use either going forward.

As an M1 MBA owner I probably won't be upgrading for a few years, but my use case is unlikely to change by then. I'll continue to use a USB-C monitor for power and USB hub at home. Then MagSafe chargers will go in the backpack and at the office to use in the rare scenarios when the laptop needs charged but isn't just securely sitting on my desk.

 

[xraydoc]

Definitely don't need MagSafe when docked at my desk since my Thunderbolt dock provides sufficient power. But when on the go, will definitely preferentially use MagSafe instead of USB-C. Also ordered an extra MagSafe cable to keep by the sofa.

 

[BanditoB]

I use the MagSafe connector to charge my 16” MacBook Pro M1 Max as I don’t usually plug in anything else and just use the laptop by itself.

I just picked up the MacBook Air M2 and will definitely be using the MagSafe connector with it too as it also will get used as a standalone device.

 

[iSuzan]

To be honest… no. It feels nice, looks nice…
My MBP M1 Pro is connected to a ASD via USBC and it’s loading while it is connected.

 

[CoastalOR]

Yes, I prefer not to waste a USBC port for charging.

 

[Abazigal]

Just curious if anyone is really using MagSafe now that it’s back.

I know mostly everyone missed it when it was gone, even myself but I’m just so used to having USB-C has the one cable to charge my devices and connected to a hub to just use one port for docking to a larger display, charging etc… I haven’t used MagSafe at all.

This.

Also, isn't it weird that on one hand, we have people clamouring for the iPhone to get usb-c so that they can charge all their devices with one cable, while on the other hand cheering the return of MagSafe (which would require them to bring around a separate cable with them)?

I feel that MagSafe is not as relevant today for a couple of reasons:

1) MacBooks now enjoy way longer battery life due to the M1 chip. The days of people camping by power outlets in cafeterias and cafes are long over, which means fewer incidents of people tripping against them. Just use your MacBook like an iPad. Leave home at 100%, wireless and untethered outside, charge overnight when at home.

2) More people are connecting their laptops to displays and peripherals, so they will likely use the usb-c port more (in conjunction with a hub).

That said, I do welcome an extra charging port. I have this portable monitor that I sometimes use with my M1 MBA at my desk. Plugging in a usb-c cable to it uses 1 port. Plugging in another usb-c cable to charge my MBA uses the second. This doesn't leave any room for other accessories such as hard drives. So MagSafe basically adds a third port to the MBA (albeit one that can only be used for charging) and I guess that's always better than nothing.

 

[Nicole1980]

Just curious if anyone is really using MagSafe now that it’s back.

I know mostly everyone missed it when it was gone, even myself but I’m just so used to having USB-C has the one cable to charge my devices and connected to a hub to just use one port for docking to a larger display, charging etc… I haven’t used MagSafe at all.

I totally missed it and am delighted it’s back. For my somewhat careless daughter it’s not just a nicety, it’s a necessity.

I bought two M1 MacBook Pro’s, one for me, and one for my daughter. Never bought any MBP from 2016-2020 in large part because there was no MagSafe (and the dreaded butterfly keyboard). Im not eggagerating when I say the return of MagSafe made these two new laptops and instant buy for me.