Just in case you were offline these past few days. Apple released their new MacBook. It’s not a new MacBook Air but it’s definitely thinner than ever.
Because of it being ultra thin, Apple had to remove the ports. They only left two: the headphone hack, and the new USB Type-C port. Even the power connector disappeared; the USB-C is going to take care of that.
Before you go and rant about Apple inventing another connector that ruins the consistency of the market, let me tell you that the company is working with everyone (including Intel and Microsoft) to change the standard. It means that you can expect other manufacturers using this kind of innovation on their future laptops.
Apple was forceful enough to be the first company to introduce the USB-C. Here’s what you need to know about this new innovative port:
It’s very tiny
Comparing with the size of your smartphone’s usb port, the new USB-C is very similar. It measures 8.4mm wide and 2.6mm thich, that is only a few millimeter larger than the Micro USB port on most smartphones and the iPhone’s Lightning connector.
This is also way smaller than a typical laptop’s USB Type-A connectors. Of course, this can also be a double edged sword as you can’t connect your old accessories without using an adapter.
You can use it to charge your laptop
Even in the beginning of time, USB’s are being used to charge our smartphones and tables. With the USB-C however, it can now charge our laptops now too. USB-C set-ups are able to draw up to 5 amps to 20 volts (100 watts).
USB-C chargers can charge cellphone batteries more quickly. With bidirectional functionality present, you can send power both to and from and device, depends on your needs.
It’s blazing fast
Don’t underestimate this cable because of its size. It can handle more data than it big brother. The USB 3.0 present in today’s laptops has a speed of 5 Gbps. This new USB-C however, doubles the maximum speed up to 10(Gbps). The new MacBook however is still capped on Gbps so won’t experience its full potential.
It’s also very flexible
USB-C can own the title “Lord of the Cable” as it can be a gateway for a large number of other connection standards. On the new MacBook, the USB-C connector can operate HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA connections together with the ability to charge your iDevices and transfer files on external drives. You just a special dongle for that.
Just like Apple’s efficient Lighting cable, the new port is also reversible (about time!).
Just imagine a world where the same cable you power your laptop with could be used to charge your cellphone or connect your TV in a pinch. Wouldn’t that be nice?
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