BREXIT - Is This Really Still Rumbling On? 😴
Comments
-
if there's something better, the rule can change, but the reality is that only a tiny minority of users will ever use more than a fraction of usb-c capabilityTheBigBean said:Even if it is the best now, it won't be forever. Well, it will be in the EU.
the only data/power connectors on my macbook pro are the four usb-c ports (aside from those there's just an audio jack), clearly apple saw usb-c as the best choice
as a form factor, usb-c is good, big enough to be robust, avoids the fiddliness of previous usb connectors, and plenty of power capacity, data capacity is primarily a matter of cable and electronics, the evolution of rj-45/utp capacity shows that clearly
for phones, wireless charging can eliminate the connector as an issue, nothing prevents use of other physical data connects (though again most users will never use them), but wireless data will be more than enough for virtually all users
tbh i wouldn't be surprised to see future phones with no physical connector at all
usb-c is good enough for now and probably decades to come
as with the mains plug, at some point it makes sense to stop messing around and stick with what's good enough
usb-c makes a lot more sense than the brexiteers' proposals to force imperial measures on us, that's real idiocy
my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny0 -
I am a bit "meh" about the whole subject as I just use whatever is supplied but anyone who has tried a non-Garmin USB cable to connect their Garmin will know that universal is not universal.TheBigBean said:
The idea of a universal standard is great. It's what the U in USB is about. Legislating is just a bad idea and not the government's job.rick_chasey said:If standardisation is beneficial to the consumer, then sure. If it's not, then not.
FWIW we have standardised the other end of charging cables (USB or into a socket).The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
I am not sure. You have no chance.Veronese68 wrote:PB is the most sensible person on here.0 -
I think you know the answer to thatTheBigBean said:
For clarity, do you think it is something governments should be legislating about?surrey_commuter said:
My cable kept falling out and I fixed it by digging out the fluff with a pin.TheBigBean said:
It's too flimsy for a laptop and I suspect will lead to charging problems over time. Much preferred my old laptop one even if it was proprietary. It was just better.rjsterry said:
In what way not very good? The Apple cable is just Apple being proprietary. Everyone else is using USB-C anyway. It has the modest advantage of not having a wrong way up.TheBigBean said:Over in EU land, the EU has decided USB-C is the future. Never seems very good to me, but sadly the private sector won't be able to solve that now.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-61720276
My mobile is now a pain to charge as the cable always falls out. A colleague has the same problem on a different phone.
In contrast, all the charge ports in my old phones that used micro USB still work perfectly.
I also can't use a phone charger in my laptop or vice versa.
You can argue it is a small sample size, but it seems rubbish to me based on that size.
And whilst I generally dislike Apple, I think allowing companies to make what they like is a fight worth having. It's really not the government's place to dictate which tech must be used. I appreciate at this point I'm coming across like surrey_commuter.
I also realise that the government has legislated around wall sockets.
On a previous occasion this did not work and the bloke in the pop-up shop fixed it for £200 -
There is a consultation about whether to change any of the laws around imperial measurements. I really doubt that will end in forced imperial measurements not least because the consultation notes that many people don't understand them. It may end up being possible for a pub to legally sell pints of coke, shandy etc. but no one will notice the change.sungod said:
usb-c makes a lot more sense than the brexiteers' proposals to force imperial measures on us, that's real idiocy0 -
That's reassuring to hear. I wasn't expecting to (a) agree with you and (b) be the only person who does.surrey_commuter said:
I think you know the answer to thatTheBigBean said:
For clarity, do you think it is something governments should be legislating about?surrey_commuter said:
My cable kept falling out and I fixed it by digging out the fluff with a pin.TheBigBean said:
It's too flimsy for a laptop and I suspect will lead to charging problems over time. Much preferred my old laptop one even if it was proprietary. It was just better.rjsterry said:
In what way not very good? The Apple cable is just Apple being proprietary. Everyone else is using USB-C anyway. It has the modest advantage of not having a wrong way up.TheBigBean said:Over in EU land, the EU has decided USB-C is the future. Never seems very good to me, but sadly the private sector won't be able to solve that now.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-61720276
My mobile is now a pain to charge as the cable always falls out. A colleague has the same problem on a different phone.
In contrast, all the charge ports in my old phones that used micro USB still work perfectly.
I also can't use a phone charger in my laptop or vice versa.
You can argue it is a small sample size, but it seems rubbish to me based on that size.
And whilst I generally dislike Apple, I think allowing companies to make what they like is a fight worth having. It's really not the government's place to dictate which tech must be used. I appreciate at this point I'm coming across like surrey_commuter.
I also realise that the government has legislated around wall sockets.
On a previous occasion this did not work and the bloke in the pop-up shop fixed it for £200 -
I don't see how standardising mains power sockets is OK but standardising other power sockets is some affront to the free market. Apple's insistence on a proprietary plug and socket standard is an attempt to subvert a market and tie users to their overpriced chargers rather than offer more choice.TheBigBean said:
If Apple make inferior, but safe products, then people should choose not to buy their products. It really isn't something a government needs to meddle with.morstar said:
I agree there is a need to be open to improvements which is possibly not catered for by the legislation.TheBigBean said:Even if it is the best now, it won't be forever. Well, it will be in the EU.
However, the innovation argument has not held water for several years now.
USB-C is a very good standard and lightning is shockingly bad by any meaningful comparison and yet apple have kept it for commercial not innovative reasons.
As with many things Apple, many of their policies are anti innovation so it’s a pretty weak argument.
The Eu is making the right decision for now. But I agree there needs to be a mechanism by which new (better) standards can be introduced.
I watch with interest as that is how I think the bike market needs to evolve. Some form of enforced standards that don’t block innovation.
A difficult balancing act I admit.1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
Pinnacle Monzonite
Part of the anti-growth coalition0 -
Mains sockets are mostly about safety though. That's why they were standardised. As an aside the number of safety features is really interesting.rjsterry said:
I don't see how standardising mains power sockets is OK but standardising other power sockets is some affront to the free market. Apple's insistence on a proprietary plug and socket standard is an attempt to subvert a market and tie users to their overpriced chargers rather than offer more choice.TheBigBean said:
If Apple make inferior, but safe products, then people should choose not to buy their products. It really isn't something a government needs to meddle with.morstar said:
I agree there is a need to be open to improvements which is possibly not catered for by the legislation.TheBigBean said:Even if it is the best now, it won't be forever. Well, it will be in the EU.
However, the innovation argument has not held water for several years now.
USB-C is a very good standard and lightning is shockingly bad by any meaningful comparison and yet apple have kept it for commercial not innovative reasons.
As with many things Apple, many of their policies are anti innovation so it’s a pretty weak argument.
The Eu is making the right decision for now. But I agree there needs to be a mechanism by which new (better) standards can be introduced.
I watch with interest as that is how I think the bike market needs to evolve. Some form of enforced standards that don’t block innovation.
A difficult balancing act I admit.0 -
Is there legislation about standardisation on usb for the other end?rick_chasey said:If standardisation is beneficial to the consumer, then sure. If it's not, then not.
FWIW we have standardised the other end of charging cables (USB or into a socket).0 -
-
Apple argues they should be, so presumably they are not at the moment.rick_chasey said:https://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/ocs/400-499/oc489_6.ht
I think so. CBA to read it all0 -
If people want to buy devices that use the same charger then they can.TheBigBean said:
That's reassuring to hear. I wasn't expecting to (a) agree with you and (b) be the only person who does.surrey_commuter said:
I think you know the answer to thatTheBigBean said:
For clarity, do you think it is something governments should be legislating about?surrey_commuter said:
My cable kept falling out and I fixed it by digging out the fluff with a pin.TheBigBean said:
It's too flimsy for a laptop and I suspect will lead to charging problems over time. Much preferred my old laptop one even if it was proprietary. It was just better.rjsterry said:
In what way not very good? The Apple cable is just Apple being proprietary. Everyone else is using USB-C anyway. It has the modest advantage of not having a wrong way up.TheBigBean said:Over in EU land, the EU has decided USB-C is the future. Never seems very good to me, but sadly the private sector won't be able to solve that now.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-61720276
My mobile is now a pain to charge as the cable always falls out. A colleague has the same problem on a different phone.
In contrast, all the charge ports in my old phones that used micro USB still work perfectly.
I also can't use a phone charger in my laptop or vice versa.
You can argue it is a small sample size, but it seems rubbish to me based on that size.
And whilst I generally dislike Apple, I think allowing companies to make what they like is a fight worth having. It's really not the government's place to dictate which tech must be used. I appreciate at this point I'm coming across like surrey_commuter.
I also realise that the government has legislated around wall sockets.
On a previous occasion this did not work and the bloke in the pop-up shop fixed it for £20
I really don't see why any Govt feels the need to waste their time legislating on it0 -
Seems a weird thing to legislate for. If they'd done it 10 years ago, it wouldn't be usb c.0
-
If the standard is legislated for, doesn't that remove the incentive to innovate and come up with a better solution?0
-
The number of different power sockets suggests that this isn't the case. The precise layout and size of the pins is not critical to the safety. It's primarily so that any suitable appliance will fit in any socket. This becomes particularly relevant for appliances that are inherently portable and require regular charging (as compared to, say, a washing machine). Safety is still a consideration even in a USB cable - a short circuit could still cause a fire.TheBigBean said:
Mains sockets are mostly about safety though. That's why they were standardised. As an aside the number of safety features is really interesting.rjsterry said:
I don't see how standardising mains power sockets is OK but standardising other power sockets is some affront to the free market. Apple's insistence on a proprietary plug and socket standard is an attempt to subvert a market and tie users to their overpriced chargers rather than offer more choice.TheBigBean said:
If Apple make inferior, but safe products, then people should choose not to buy their products. It really isn't something a government needs to meddle with.morstar said:
I agree there is a need to be open to improvements which is possibly not catered for by the legislation.TheBigBean said:Even if it is the best now, it won't be forever. Well, it will be in the EU.
However, the innovation argument has not held water for several years now.
USB-C is a very good standard and lightning is shockingly bad by any meaningful comparison and yet apple have kept it for commercial not innovative reasons.
As with many things Apple, many of their policies are anti innovation so it’s a pretty weak argument.
The Eu is making the right decision for now. But I agree there needs to be a mechanism by which new (better) standards can be introduced.
I watch with interest as that is how I think the bike market needs to evolve. Some form of enforced standards that don’t block innovation.
A difficult balancing act I admit.1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
Pinnacle Monzonite
Part of the anti-growth coalition0 -
Depends how you craft the legislation but that is a downside yesDorset_Boy said:If the standard is legislated for, doesn't that remove the incentive to innovate and come up with a better solution?
0 -
The quality, length and shielding makes quite a difference in terms of speed and amps able to be transferred too. Similar I guess to the standards of UTP.
Thank gawd for wireless charging and communication. Even the trusty 35mm headphone jack is being silenced.0 -
Not difficult to include an annual review in the primary legislation, with updates introduced as necessary by secondary legislation.kingstongraham said:Seems a weird thing to legislate for. If they'd done it 10 years ago, it wouldn't be usb c.
1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
Pinnacle Monzonite
Part of the anti-growth coalition0 -
Then regulate to make sure it is safe. If Apple's connection is not safe then it is perfectly reasonable to ban it.rjsterry said:
The number of different power sockets suggests that this isn't the case. The precise layout and size of the pins is not critical to the safety. It's primarily so that any suitable appliance will fit in any socket. This becomes particularly relevant for appliances that are inherently portable and require regular charging (as compared to, say, a washing machine). Safety is still a consideration even in a USB cable - a short circuit could still cause a fire.TheBigBean said:
Mains sockets are mostly about safety though. That's why they were standardised. As an aside the number of safety features is really interesting.rjsterry said:
I don't see how standardising mains power sockets is OK but standardising other power sockets is some affront to the free market. Apple's insistence on a proprietary plug and socket standard is an attempt to subvert a market and tie users to their overpriced chargers rather than offer more choice.TheBigBean said:
If Apple make inferior, but safe products, then people should choose not to buy their products. It really isn't something a government needs to meddle with.morstar said:
I agree there is a need to be open to improvements which is possibly not catered for by the legislation.TheBigBean said:Even if it is the best now, it won't be forever. Well, it will be in the EU.
However, the innovation argument has not held water for several years now.
USB-C is a very good standard and lightning is shockingly bad by any meaningful comparison and yet apple have kept it for commercial not innovative reasons.
As with many things Apple, many of their policies are anti innovation so it’s a pretty weak argument.
The Eu is making the right decision for now. But I agree there needs to be a mechanism by which new (better) standards can be introduced.
I watch with interest as that is how I think the bike market needs to evolve. Some form of enforced standards that don’t block innovation.
A difficult balancing act I admit.
With thanks to Caroline Haslett there is more to the UK plug as it is designed to be child proof.The main thing to know about the U.K. wall plug is that while it is bulkier than other designs, every ounce of that additional bulk makes the design safer. This is accomplished in four main ways:
• Prong Design: Like standard U.S. grounded plugs, the U.K. wall plug has three prongs. But the design of these prongs makes it nearly impossible for you to shock yourself accidentally. Unlike in U.S. plugs, half of each prong is coated in insulation. Because of this, even if a plug is not fully inserted into a socket, touching the exposed part of the prongs can’t give you a shock.
• Socket Design: Any kid with a fork or a screwdriver can light his hair on fire in the United States by jamming it into a wall socket. Not so in England, where it would take at least two screwdrivers to manage the same calamitous trick. The U.K. plug is designed so that the grounding prong is slightly longer than the prongs responsible for transferring current. Like a tumbler in a lock, this grounding prong is responsible for “unlocking” the socket, giving access to the more dangerous live and neutral terminals.
• Built-In Fuses: During World War II, a copper shortage resulted in the British government putting fuses into every plug, instead of wiring them directly. Although the built-in fuse adds bulk to the U.K. plug design, it’s also safer: In case of an unexpected electrical surge, the fuse simply blows and the electricity shuts off, preventing fires, electrocutions, and other accidents. It also makes U.K. plugs easier to fix.
• Circuit Design: Finally, there’s the wiring inside the plug itself. Not only is it extremely intuitive, but it has been thoughtfully designed so that if the plug is tugged and the wiring frays, the live and neutral wires are the first to become disconnected, while the grounding wires–the ones responsible for preventing human electrocution when they come in contact with a circuit–are the last to fray.
It’s a truly brilliant design. The only caveat is that, as with Lego, the rugged, bottom-heavy design of a U.K. plug makes it an almost scientifically perfect caltrop.
1 -
It's quite impressive how many connectors they manage to fit in and flip reversed for the reversibility.0 -
I doubt anyone chooses their phone/tablet/laptop based on the type of charger it has but it would actually be very helpful to be able to just borrow a phone/laptop charger off someone and know it would work.
I'm surprised there isn't more standardisation for laptop chargers, there seem to be hundreds of shapes and sizes - is there any benefit for anyone apart from replacement charger manufacturers?
0 -
Laptops are now mostly USB-C, so you can use another laptop one. You can't use a mobile phone charger on a laptop because it isn't powerful enough. In theory, you should be able to charge your mobile with your laptop charger, but as we all know, in theory practice is the same as theory, but in practice it is not.monkimark said:I doubt anyone chooses their phone/tablet/laptop based on the type of charger it has but it would actually be very helpful to be able to just borrow a phone/laptop charger off someone and know it would work.
I'm surprised there isn't more standardisation for laptop chargers, there seem to be hundreds of shapes and sizes - is there any benefit for anyone apart from replacement charger manufacturers?
0 -
That sounds really useful, wish phones were like that.TheBigBean said:
Laptops are now mostly USB-C, so you can use another laptop one. You can't use a mobile phone charger on a laptop because it isn't powerful enough. In theory, you should be able to charge your mobile with your laptop charger, but as we all know, in theory practice is the same as theory, but in practice it is not.monkimark said:I doubt anyone chooses their phone/tablet/laptop based on the type of charger it has but it would actually be very helpful to be able to just borrow a phone/laptop charger off someone and know it would work.
I'm surprised there isn't more standardisation for laptop chargers, there seem to be hundreds of shapes and sizes - is there any benefit for anyone apart from replacement charger manufacturers?- Genesis Croix de Fer
- Dolan Tuono0 -
Can somebody explain the bit about copper shortages and built in fuses?TheBigBean said:
Then regulate to make sure it is safe. If Apple's connection is not safe then it is perfectly reasonable to ban it.rjsterry said:
The number of different power sockets suggests that this isn't the case. The precise layout and size of the pins is not critical to the safety. It's primarily so that any suitable appliance will fit in any socket. This becomes particularly relevant for appliances that are inherently portable and require regular charging (as compared to, say, a washing machine). Safety is still a consideration even in a USB cable - a short circuit could still cause a fire.TheBigBean said:
Mains sockets are mostly about safety though. That's why they were standardised. As an aside the number of safety features is really interesting.rjsterry said:
I don't see how standardising mains power sockets is OK but standardising other power sockets is some affront to the free market. Apple's insistence on a proprietary plug and socket standard is an attempt to subvert a market and tie users to their overpriced chargers rather than offer more choice.TheBigBean said:
If Apple make inferior, but safe products, then people should choose not to buy their products. It really isn't something a government needs to meddle with.morstar said:
I agree there is a need to be open to improvements which is possibly not catered for by the legislation.TheBigBean said:Even if it is the best now, it won't be forever. Well, it will be in the EU.
However, the innovation argument has not held water for several years now.
USB-C is a very good standard and lightning is shockingly bad by any meaningful comparison and yet apple have kept it for commercial not innovative reasons.
As with many things Apple, many of their policies are anti innovation so it’s a pretty weak argument.
The Eu is making the right decision for now. But I agree there needs to be a mechanism by which new (better) standards can be introduced.
I watch with interest as that is how I think the bike market needs to evolve. Some form of enforced standards that don’t block innovation.
A difficult balancing act I admit.
With thanks to Caroline Haslett there is more to the UK plug as it is designed to be child proof.The main thing to know about the U.K. wall plug is that while it is bulkier than other designs, every ounce of that additional bulk makes the design safer. This is accomplished in four main ways:
• Prong Design: Like standard U.S. grounded plugs, the U.K. wall plug has three prongs. But the design of these prongs makes it nearly impossible for you to shock yourself accidentally. Unlike in U.S. plugs, half of each prong is coated in insulation. Because of this, even if a plug is not fully inserted into a socket, touching the exposed part of the prongs can’t give you a shock.
• Socket Design: Any kid with a fork or a screwdriver can light his hair on fire in the United States by jamming it into a wall socket. Not so in England, where it would take at least two screwdrivers to manage the same calamitous trick. The U.K. plug is designed so that the grounding prong is slightly longer than the prongs responsible for transferring current. Like a tumbler in a lock, this grounding prong is responsible for “unlocking” the socket, giving access to the more dangerous live and neutral terminals.
• Built-In Fuses: During World War II, a copper shortage resulted in the British government putting fuses into every plug, instead of wiring them directly. Although the built-in fuse adds bulk to the U.K. plug design, it’s also safer: In case of an unexpected electrical surge, the fuse simply blows and the electricity shuts off, preventing fires, electrocutions, and other accidents. It also makes U.K. plugs easier to fix.
• Circuit Design: Finally, there’s the wiring inside the plug itself. Not only is it extremely intuitive, but it has been thoughtfully designed so that if the plug is tugged and the wiring frays, the live and neutral wires are the first to become disconnected, while the grounding wires–the ones responsible for preventing human electrocution when they come in contact with a circuit–are the last to fray.
It’s a truly brilliant design. The only caveat is that, as with Lego, the rugged, bottom-heavy design of a U.K. plug makes it an almost scientifically perfect caltrop.0 -
I pretty damn sure not all USB C cables will be up to this standard.0 -
rick_chasey said:
Depends how you craft the legislation but that is a downside yesDorset_Boy said:If the standard is legislated for, doesn't that remove the incentive to innovate and come up with a better solution?
Changing the standard would be well nigh impossible so nobody would devote resources to looking to improve what already existed.
All the people who would rather the Govt decide rather than market forces must never have considered this decision will be made by some vacuous cretin like JRM or Mad Nad.0 -
Yep, bored meself too.
Another time, perhaps.0 -
surrey_commuter said:
Can somebody explain the bit about copper shortages and built in fuses?TheBigBean said:
Then regulate to make sure it is safe. If Apple's connection is not safe then it is perfectly reasonable to ban it.rjsterry said:
The number of different power sockets suggests that this isn't the case. The precise layout and size of the pins is not critical to the safety. It's primarily so that any suitable appliance will fit in any socket. This becomes particularly relevant for appliances that are inherently portable and require regular charging (as compared to, say, a washing machine). Safety is still a consideration even in a USB cable - a short circuit could still cause a fire.TheBigBean said:
Mains sockets are mostly about safety though. That's why they were standardised. As an aside the number of safety features is really interesting.rjsterry said:
I don't see how standardising mains power sockets is OK but standardising other power sockets is some affront to the free market. Apple's insistence on a proprietary plug and socket standard is an attempt to subvert a market and tie users to their overpriced chargers rather than offer more choice.TheBigBean said:
If Apple make inferior, but safe products, then people should choose not to buy their products. It really isn't something a government needs to meddle with.morstar said:
I agree there is a need to be open to improvements which is possibly not catered for by the legislation.TheBigBean said:Even if it is the best now, it won't be forever. Well, it will be in the EU.
However, the innovation argument has not held water for several years now.
USB-C is a very good standard and lightning is shockingly bad by any meaningful comparison and yet apple have kept it for commercial not innovative reasons.
As with many things Apple, many of their policies are anti innovation so it’s a pretty weak argument.
The Eu is making the right decision for now. But I agree there needs to be a mechanism by which new (better) standards can be introduced.
I watch with interest as that is how I think the bike market needs to evolve. Some form of enforced standards that don’t block innovation.
A difficult balancing act I admit.
With thanks to Caroline Haslett there is more to the UK plug as it is designed to be child proof.The main thing to know about the U.K. wall plug is that while it is bulkier than other designs, every ounce of that additional bulk makes the design safer. This is accomplished in four main ways:
• Prong Design: Like standard U.S. grounded plugs, the U.K. wall plug has three prongs. But the design of these prongs makes it nearly impossible for you to shock yourself accidentally. Unlike in U.S. plugs, half of each prong is coated in insulation. Because of this, even if a plug is not fully inserted into a socket, touching the exposed part of the prongs can’t give you a shock.
• Socket Design: Any kid with a fork or a screwdriver can light his hair on fire in the United States by jamming it into a wall socket. Not so in England, where it would take at least two screwdrivers to manage the same calamitous trick. The U.K. plug is designed so that the grounding prong is slightly longer than the prongs responsible for transferring current. Like a tumbler in a lock, this grounding prong is responsible for “unlocking” the socket, giving access to the more dangerous live and neutral terminals.
• Built-In Fuses: During World War II, a copper shortage resulted in the British government putting fuses into every plug, instead of wiring them directly. Although the built-in fuse adds bulk to the U.K. plug design, it’s also safer: In case of an unexpected electrical surge, the fuse simply blows and the electricity shuts off, preventing fires, electrocutions, and other accidents. It also makes U.K. plugs easier to fix.
• Circuit Design: Finally, there’s the wiring inside the plug itself. Not only is it extremely intuitive, but it has been thoughtfully designed so that if the plug is tugged and the wiring frays, the live and neutral wires are the first to become disconnected, while the grounding wires–the ones responsible for preventing human electrocution when they come in contact with a circuit–are the last to fray.
It’s a truly brilliant design. The only caveat is that, as with Lego, the rugged, bottom-heavy design of a U.K. plug makes it an almost scientifically perfect caltrop.The origins of our large plugs go back to the end of World War Two. With so many houses to build after the war, and facing a chronic copper shortage, Britain was keen to find a way of wiring homes that used less cable. Previously, each mains socket had its own connection to the fuse board. To save copper, Britain adopted the ring main system, with sockets connected sequentially, but this meant each connection needed its own fuse. Instead of putting the fuses in the sockets, they were included in the plugs themselves. Hence the UK's bigger plugs.0 -
My experience is that my phone charges fine from my laptop dock or charger...TheBigBean said:
Laptops are now mostly USB-C, so you can use another laptop one. You can't use a mobile phone charger on a laptop because it isn't powerful enough. In theory, you should be able to charge your mobile with your laptop charger, but as we all know, in theory practice is the same as theory, but in practice it is not.monkimark said:I doubt anyone chooses their phone/tablet/laptop based on the type of charger it has but it would actually be very helpful to be able to just borrow a phone/laptop charger off someone and know it would work.
I'm surprised there isn't more standardisation for laptop chargers, there seem to be hundreds of shapes and sizes - is there any benefit for anyone apart from replacement charger manufacturers?
0 -
A big part of the legislation is about reducing waste.TheBigBean said:
Laptops are now mostly USB-C, so you can use another laptop one. You can't use a mobile phone charger on a laptop because it isn't powerful enough. In theory, you should be able to charge your mobile with your laptop charger, but as we all know, in theory practice is the same as theory, but in practice it is not.monkimark said:I doubt anyone chooses their phone/tablet/laptop based on the type of charger it has but it would actually be very helpful to be able to just borrow a phone/laptop charger off someone and know it would work.
I'm surprised there isn't more standardisation for laptop chargers, there seem to be hundreds of shapes and sizes - is there any benefit for anyone apart from replacement charger manufacturers?
They outlined this intention years ago. Remove the need for chargers to be produced for everything. You can only do that with standardisation.
Tackling the environment can only happen with legislation, the free market will happily burn coal.
You can charge phones with laptop chargers in practice, not just theoretically.1 -
It depends on a whole host of other things such as the cable. The problem is that for the user there is no obvious difference between cables and chargers, yet the performance varies a lot.morstar said:
A big part of the legislation is about reducing waste.TheBigBean said:
Laptops are now mostly USB-C, so you can use another laptop one. You can't use a mobile phone charger on a laptop because it isn't powerful enough. In theory, you should be able to charge your mobile with your laptop charger, but as we all know, in theory practice is the same as theory, but in practice it is not.monkimark said:I doubt anyone chooses their phone/tablet/laptop based on the type of charger it has but it would actually be very helpful to be able to just borrow a phone/laptop charger off someone and know it would work.
I'm surprised there isn't more standardisation for laptop chargers, there seem to be hundreds of shapes and sizes - is there any benefit for anyone apart from replacement charger manufacturers?
They outlined this intention years ago. Remove the need for chargers to be produced for everything. You can only do that with standardisation.
Tackling the environment can only happen with legislation, the free market will happily burn coal.
You can charge phones with laptop chargers in practice, not just theoretically.
0
