Apple quietly updates design of MagSafe power adapter

I prefer C. It never blocks ports, and it does come out *much* easier. I nearly pulled my laptop off the desk this morning trying to remove the A cord.
I've used Cs for 3 years with none of the issues mentioned.
One way for apple to resolve this would be to have the brick-to-computer side as easily switchable as the outlet-to-brick already is.

I wonder if this is because of all of the returned power supplies due to fraying? My site has returned some 12-13 of them alone. Fraying issue happens next to the head of the magsafe usually. Sometimes other end instead though usually magsafe end. I can see that this should put less wear on the cord next to the magsafe.

Another annoying thing about the new design (besides not coming out easily enough when pulled straight along the cord), is that the new rubber covering makes the cord so stiff that it sometimes you have to fight the cord to twist it around to plug in (since it really isn't reversible anymore -- unless you don't mind blocking ports). The new 3-prong cord has a similar problem with being overly stiff: it wants to spread out over the desk (knocking things over) instead of sitting in a nice coil like the older ones do.

Trade-offs for better durability/wear (of the power adapter) I guess, but I prefer the convenience/ease of use (flexibility) of the older ones. Been using the same ones for 4+ years (one stationary and one mobile) and no signs of wear on either magsafe connector cord. (so the added durability isn't really a worthwhile benefit for me)

if you look at promo pics and videos, you will see that the adapter is designed to be attached with the cord going AWAY from your laptop, and not covering the ports. this fixes the problem of the cord bending where it meets the tip which led to frayed cables in the C-style connector.

MacDaddyNews has received the new adapter. They say it's very durable and has stepped even farther ahead of the competition. It sounds great! http://www.macdaddynews.com/?p=2641

Another benefit of the new adapters: the longer aluminum plug provides more leverage when being taken out. This should put less stress on the cord-plug join and provide a longer life before the cable starts to break.

Another nice touch from Apple.

-JB

There is another issue with the new tip. If you use a plastic case li,e the spek case it doesn't work.

This might be Apple's response to the Henge Docks recently created. I don't think those new MagSafe connectors will fit in the dock.

The A connector looks almost identical to the one that came with my Apple Cinema Display. It has a three-prong cord to connect power, video and USB to the back of the display.

I don't like the rough finish of the cables. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the previous version (which I had for just over a week, exchanged for the update) had smooth cables. The smooth ones are much easier on your hands when winding them.