[zhwang]

But while your Macbook's battery is not dead (which I would hopefully presume is for most of the time you're using it), the magnetic connector is quite useful to have. It's got both great form and function. At least, until you come to the unfortunate side effect you've mentioned.

[staunch]

Actually I'm referring to a Macbook whose battery is permanently dead (or removed). It's also a problem when the battery is fully drained.

I don't find it useful at all really. It's very neat but I've never had problems with the power plugs of any other laptop.

[ajasmin]

I broke a few DC plugs by tripping on the cable. Or stretching it to reach a power outlet and picking up the laptop still plugged in. Or getting tangled in the cable on the couch and such. These things break when you're not carful with them.

In fact I don't remember having a laptop charger break for any other reason. It's always the DC plug or cable.

[tseabrooks]

Every laptop I've ever owned that wasn't a macbook (4) had complete hardware failures related to the damned DC power jack in the side of the laptop. Without fail the damn things always shorted out and/or just stopped working.

[jrockway]

The standard DC connector also has pretty good function. Humans have been putting things into holes for a very long time and we've gotten pretty good about it. I estimate I use 0% of my mental capacity to plug in my Thinkpad.