Our Verdict
It’s one small device and brings back a small feature that I’m sure over the years has saved many MacBook Pros.
The concept and delivery of the LINEMAG is simple; there is very little to it. Just plug it in, and that’s it, you never have to think about it again.
It’s sleek and doesn’t interfere with external cases, closing the lid or when slipping the MacBook Pro into a messenger bag, it’s just discrete and works.
If like me you tend to be a little clumsy then you do need to pick up the LINEMAG.
For
- Adds Mag connector to MacBook Pro's
- Easy to use
- Once fitted you don't have to think about it again
Against
- The connector can separate a little too easily
What is the LINEMAG?
It’s tiny and has just one function, to stop you destroying your MacBook Pro through pure clumsiness.
Sitting between the USB Type-C power cable and the USB Type-C port in your computer the LINEMAG is simply a magnetic connector.
Why is this needed? Ever trip over your power cable? Then you’ll know why.
Before Apple introduced USB Type-C connector to their MacBook Pro’s power was supplied through a mag connector. It was simple but innovative, and over its lifespan the design saved every MacBook I’ve owned from crashing into the floor at some point.
Now, surprisingly for Apple, they’ve decided to utilise a standard USB Type-C connector for everything; from display to peripherals to power. You don’t have a choice, and although the switch was made a couple of years ago, I still have a bag full of adapters for various hard drives and accessories.
While the unification of connector is welcome, the power adapter can be an issue. While you can keep accessories near the laptop, power cables are inevitably stretched across rooms, desks and counters to the nearest power supply.
With the old Mag connector, someone trips over the cable you’ve left strewn across the floor, and it’s no problem, Type-C and your MacBook goes catapulting off.
I’ve been lucky so far, no serious incidents and my MacBook appears to still be in one piece. Although there is a large crack down the protective case which I’ve reinforced with stickers.
These past minor, and more than likely future near-disasters, could all have been and will be averted, with the LINEMAG.
Price & Availability
The LINEMAG Mac magnetic power connector price tag is $29 at the time of writing. You can purchase it at linedock.io.
Features
The LINEMAG is essentially a magnetic connector that can be broken apart when needed.
On one end is the USB Type-C male connector, this plugs directly into your machine and can be left in place. It sits a couple of mm proud of the side of the MacBook Pro but isn’t that noticeable.
The other end of the LINEMAG features the USB Type-C female connector, and this plugs directly into the USB Type-C power cable. Once done, and the two halves are connected, the flow of power to the machine is as normal.
The adapter is designed to enable up to 100W of power and supports pass-through charging, which is essential.
While the primary use for the connector is power, you can also use it for any other USB Type-C connection to the machine. However, I’d avoid eGPU or hard drives which hate being disconnected without warning.
Network and video is supported with 10Gb/s data transfer and 4K video.
Build Quality
The LINEMAG is an all-metal connector and fits in place like any other USB Type-C device. Once in place, in the machine and on the power cable, you don’t need to think about it again.
To use touch the two ends together and the magnets make the connection and the power or data can flow as if it were a standard cable.
The magnetic hold of the two halves seems solid enough, but you do need to make sure there is a little slack in the cable so that the magnetic surfaces meet flat, otherwise the two halves will separate.
Performance
Unfortunately, the only way to test the LINEMAG is to trip over the USB Type-C cable and see what happens.
While the pull of the magnetics is enough to extract the USB half from the machine if pulled directly any sideways pull instantly releases the two sections. This gave me some confidence that my MacBook would survive the test.
Testing from a variety of angles, it was apparent that however you attempted to trip over the cable, it was impossible for the MacBook to follow.
While the mag connector may have featured on the older MacBook Pro’s, here it’s been refined for USB Type-C connectors by LINEDOCK.
Verdict
It’s one small device and brings back a small feature that I’m sure over the years has saved many MacBook Pros.
The concept and delivery of the LINEMAG is simple; there is very little to it. Just plug it in, and that’s it, you never have to think about it again.
It’s sleek and doesn’t interfere with external cases, closing the lid or when slipping the MacBook Pro into a messenger bag, it’s just discrete and works.
If like me you tend to be a little clumsy then you do need to pick up the LINEMAG.