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MagSafe vs USB-C charging
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D.M. Procida
Apr 30, 2022, 8:00:39 AM4/30/22
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A conversation about monitors ("Monitors, again (USB-C and other
considerations)") here prompts a more general question for me: what's the
difference between MagSafe and USB-C charging, when using the same charger or
power supply?
For example, can the MagSafe lead be used with any old USB-C charger, such as
a much smaller one than the MacBook usually uses? I know that it seems to work
fine with one from another MacBook Pro; how about one from a MacBook Air? Or
something that only does 5 volts?
I wanted to try it with a Raspberry Pi 4 USB-C charger, but that has a captive
USB cable so I can't.
Daniele
considerations)") here prompts a more general question for me: what's the
difference between MagSafe and USB-C charging, when using the same charger or
power supply?
For example, can the MagSafe lead be used with any old USB-C charger, such as
a much smaller one than the MacBook usually uses? I know that it seems to work
fine with one from another MacBook Pro; how about one from a MacBook Air? Or
something that only does 5 volts?
I wanted to try it with a Raspberry Pi 4 USB-C charger, but that has a captive
USB cable so I can't.
Daniele
nospam
Apr 30, 2022, 8:20:22 AM4/30/22
to
In article <jd4mn5...@mid.individual.net>, D.M. Procida
usb-c is capable of higher power (shorter charge time), but that only
matters with the 16" macbook pro, which can take advantage of it.
some usb-c peripherals, such as a display, can provide power to the
macbook, thereby eliminating a cable.
> For example, can the MagSafe lead be used with any old USB-C charger, such as
> a much smaller one than the MacBook usually uses?
yes, although if it can't supply sufficient power to charge *and* power
the macbook, the battery will discharge, but at a slower rate than it
otherwise would. however, it might be sufficient to only charge the
battery if the macbook is not used while connected. if it's power
output is too low, then it will take a really, really long time to
recharge.
<daniele-at-...@invalid.com> wrote:
> A conversation about monitors ("Monitors, again (USB-C and other
> considerations)") here prompts a more general question for me: what's the
> difference between MagSafe and USB-C charging, when using the same charger or
> power supply?
basically, one is magnetic and the other is not. otherwise, not much.
> A conversation about monitors ("Monitors, again (USB-C and other
> considerations)") here prompts a more general question for me: what's the
> difference between MagSafe and USB-C charging, when using the same charger or
> power supply?
usb-c is capable of higher power (shorter charge time), but that only
matters with the 16" macbook pro, which can take advantage of it.
some usb-c peripherals, such as a display, can provide power to the
macbook, thereby eliminating a cable.
> For example, can the MagSafe lead be used with any old USB-C charger, such as
> a much smaller one than the MacBook usually uses?
the macbook, the battery will discharge, but at a slower rate than it
otherwise would. however, it might be sufficient to only charge the
battery if the macbook is not used while connected. if it's power
output is too low, then it will take a really, really long time to
recharge.
Chris Ridd
Apr 30, 2022, 10:35:07 AM4/30/22
to
also broken his cable open, it supports USB PD 3.1.
More at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCD6R8k9kqA
So it sounds like a reasonably recent spec, but essentially just a USB
cable. (Though the term "USB cable" is still an absolute minefield.)
--
Chris
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