[–] BANGAndTheDirtIsGone 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
According to the latest rumors, Apple's next MacBook Pro will use USB-C, a new standard connector for charging, syncing your computer with accessories, or connecting to an external monitor.
Oh boy, if it's going to exchange data and not only charge, looks like we will have another attack vector. If you can use ethernet over power line adapters to share your network throughout your home's power lines, I'm sure you could probably do something with this. Imagine the day where you can't be sure if it's okay to charge your laptop at your local cafe, or airport.
[–] zugz1m0reday ago (edited ago)
Interesting idea, but Ethernet over power-line doesn't work like that. Typically you need to have a device at each end where you plan on terminating the Ethernet. You can't just strip off an RJ45 connector and jam it into the wall socket and expect a signal, so why would you expect to plug in your AC adapter and expect Ethernet? Because USB-C? Nah. edit In theory, I could see a company design a power-adapter/Ethernet over power-line adapter. However, in my opinion, we're closer to the borrowing unknown charger cables vector. If you're really worried about your proposed attack vector then I would recommend to start looking for a USB-C data condom similar to this.
I'm more worried about cheap USB-C cables people will buy to save a buck, and ultimately damage their pricey computer.
[–] youser 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
Planned Obsolescence. The MagSafe chargers were allowing the laptops to last too long so people started buying them less. Now that these new ones can break they'll sell more.
Eventually they'll get to where the battery isn't rechargeable or replaceable and you just buy a new laptop when it dies.
[–] Frenchgeek 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
Wat?
How do planned obsolescence have anything to do with using a standardized plug for a charger?
The main reason such a plug would be replaced is simply because next to an usb plug, the magsafe must be crazy expensive.
By the way, usb-c magnetic power plugs and cables do exist. ( search for "breaksafe" )
[–] zugz1m0reday ago
This is horrible technology news, in my opinion, the Macbook series changed this over a year ago - old news. Sounds more like the writer got a new Macbook and is going boo hoo who all the way home. If the writer really loves his mag-safe adapter, which are nice, it's available on every other model Apple laptop.
Also, I wouldn't recommend the Macbook book, it's basically a tablet for RAM/CPU with a keyboard and full OS (not iOS). The main logic board is about the size of an Aurdino.