Apple Lightning connector vs USB-C …

[Axtremus]

Got a new iMac, one of those colorful ones with Apple’s own “M1” chip. It ships with one USB-C-to-Lightning cable. The wireless keyboard, the wireless mouse, the wireless trackpad … all have built-in rechargeable batteries and only one port each: a Lightning port.

Apple has switched the iPad Pro and the iPad mini over to using USB-C, which might suggest that Apple may transition everything to USB-C. But with their latest iMacs and accessories sticking with Lightning, it looks like the Lightning connector will stick around longer than I thought.

[Doctor Phibes]

What a PITA they are with this. Everything else uses USB of one form or another, but because of Apple we're stuck with all these additional connectors.

Yeah, yeah, I know, everybody else sucks, why should they change?

[Klaus]

Yeah, it sucks.

What I do is: Cycle the cable between keyboard and mouse, such that everything gets recharged every once in a while.

[mark]

Get a PC.

I use old USB chargers from previous phones, and just keep my "wireless" keyboard plugged in all the time. It's especially helpful in the racing rig where the keyboard is 8 or more feet away from the PC.

I do like wireless where it makes sense. On a desk? Wire me up!

[Klaus]

Yeah, wired is always better when you don't need wireless.

[xenon]

The lightning connector is poised to die out. But as long as it's in the iphone it'll stick around.

I love the convergence around USB-C - looking forward to having one connection to rule them all.

But - hot take - the lightning connector is a better designed connector.

Male connectors are easier to plug in. They "click" better and don't seem to degrade as much over time.

The plastic also doesn't scratch the device you're plugging into.

[George K]

@axtremus said in Apple Lightning connector vs USB-C …:

Got a new iMac, one of those colorful ones with Apple’s own “M1” chip.

Thoughts?

[Axtremus]

@george-k said in Apple Lightning connector vs USB-C …:

@axtremus said in Apple Lightning connector vs USB-C …:

Got a new iMac, one of those colorful ones with Apple’s own “M1” chip.

Thoughts?

Haven't really use it much, yet. May comment later after I have accumulated more experience of actually using it.

[George K]

@axtremus said in Apple Lightning connector vs USB-C …:

Haven't really use it much, yet. May comment later after I have accumulated more experience of actually using it.

Thanks. Keep us posted..

I was that close to getting one a while ago, but I'd miss the 27" screen.

[kluurs]

Mrs. K is an Apple fan - spent some time deciding between the 13 vs 14" pro - and opted for 13" for reasons that are no all that clear to me. Chip shortages and demand are such that she won't see it for a few weeks.