I voted for USB-C because (flash)lights with this newer standard will be still usable with the cables current in 5 years.
And i like the dual insertable socket/plug.
Here are some german language news articles, from which i’d found the english links i’d post at BLF:
Cool. I found the last couple of paragraphs in this one interesting:
I agree with the EU that devices should not come with a USB charger in the box, both to avoid electronic waste and because I prefer to pick a nice, universal multi-port charger for myself anyway.
Among other things, there will be a transitional period sooner or later where I have a mixture of old devices using micro USB and new devices using USB-C. Manufacturer-supplied chargers tend to be basic, single port units, so they only support one connector type. I’d far rather buy a universal charger with both connector types from Anker and just have one charger to carry.
i also agree that the charger shouldn’t be supplied now, i have several charger that i forgot completely about them
my charger has 5+1 Quick charge port+1 Type C port and it is enough for a geek like me
I remember the time around 2007, when miniUSB was the most common plug. Even when microUSB was released, i had a lot devices with miniUSB, which has been more sturdily in my opinion.
I hope USB-C will be as good as miniUSB.
Well, I would never call a magnetically coupled charge connector simply “magnetic charger” either. But, you’re right that it’s probably the most common interpretation of that phrase. Induction chargers are simply called “wireless” chargers usually. Sorry if I caused anybody confusion (ironically :person_facepalming: )
It doesn’t work on my phone with a small thin metal disc. Although to be fair, the disc is ferrous so it probably messes with the magnetic field…
Where would the receiving coil even go on an 18650 tube light? The tail?
I have preference for USB micro because most chargers have this connector.
Switching to USB-C is only useful with high A charging. Considering the chargers in a flashlight usually are weak there isn’t a real benefit for USB-C.
Many current power supplies have microUSB, but most new and all future power supplies will have USB-C.
Switching to USB-C is useful for easy plug injection, longer plug life and longer compatibility to power supplies in the future. In 2 years most chargers will be USB-C.
The connector is fine, it’s just that nearly no devices are available for it. Only one company still sells products and in the future even this brand will use USB-C.
USB-C offers the same advantage and is more common.
USB-C if it must be USB. Proprietary cables make USB charging less than “universal”.
In any case, I don’t like having major points of water/lint ingress or needing to unscrew the light to plug it in (might as well swap the battery at that point). My ideal “always 100% charged and ready to go” light may have outside contacts and a basestation - something similar to wireless landline phone handsets. That way I can grab or drop in the light without needing to think about anything.
USB-C ports can be water proof without a cover as seen in the Samsung Galaxy. I have taken imine into the lake (in my pocket) with no cover or anything on the port and the phone is none-the-worse for wear. With that said, I suppose if it got filled with lint, a person could just wash it out under a faucet.