# USB Cord question **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 16, 2023, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241 "2023-03-16T03:29:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241/21 "2023-03-16T16:12:25Z")
I use magnetic charging cables for my phone, tablet and other rechargeable devices. Just plug the magnetic adapter into the device and you eliminate the wear and tear on the charging port. I’ve never had a problem with the cables “wearing out”. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241/22 "2023-03-16T16:43:18Z")
I get the vast majority of my cables from Monoprice. They’ve got a lifetime warranty. I typically open a claim, they may or may not ask for a picture, and 72 hours later I have a replacement. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241/23 "2023-03-16T19:13:48Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > I use magnetic charging cables for my phone, tablet and other rechargeable devices. Just plug the magnetic adapter into the device and you eliminate the wear and tear on the charging port. I’ve never had a problem with the cables “wearing out”. I’m mystified as to what you’re talking about. Care to provide an example for this clueless old fart? ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241/24 "2023-03-16T19:47:04Z")
> **[Amazon.com: Terasako Magnetic Charging Cable 4-Pack \[1ft/3ft/6ft/6ft\], 360°...](https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Charging-Terasako-Compatible-Smartphone/dp/B07RHVNFQ6)** > > Buy Terasako Magnetic Charging Cable 4-Pack \[1ft/3ft/6ft/6ft\], 360° Rotating Magnetic Phone Charger Cable with LED Light, 90° Angle Connector, Nylon-Braided Cords: USB Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241/25 "2023-03-16T20:06:25Z")
I hadn’t seen those before, neat. The side mount cable is especially clever Note that it scored 30000+ strong adsorption anti-shedding test. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241/26 "2023-03-16T20:19:20Z")
One caveat about magnetic charging cables is they’re hit and miss with Apple devices and you need a specific type if you want to transfer data. But with everything else I find them extremely convenient. I use them with my Pixel 6a, Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, rechargeable mouse, Anker powerpack, even my water flosser. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241/27 "2023-03-16T20:19:42Z")
@Darren_Garrison: Thanks for that. I’d never seen, heard, nor thought of such things. So from @blondebear’s cryptic description I was imagining some sort of magnetic receiver that I could plug into my old-fashioned USB-only phone, then lay that receiver on a magnetic charging pad to absorb all that magnetic power goodness & send it to the phone. But then how you could leave that accessory plugged into your phone all the time without it being a bulky useless mess was beyond me. D’oh! This is a much more elegant idea. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241/28 "2023-03-16T20:21:03Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Thanks for that. I’d never seen, heard, nor though of such things. There seem to be models with data, too. I’ve long wanted to try one. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241/29 "2023-03-16T20:44:21Z")
I’ve had them fail, they have a lifetime warranty though (or at least select ones do) and are pretty easy to work with to get them replaced. They asked a few questions and for the receipt, then mailed them off to me. They requested I send a photo of the cut old cords, not sure if there were any consequence for not doing so but I did. They’re a Chinese company, with substantial US presence FWIW. But they have good CS and put effort into appearing professional, and unlike half the poor translation electronics on Amazon, they’ll likely still be around when you need to buy more or get a warranty. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241/30 "2023-03-16T21:25:53Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > So from @blondebear’s cryptic description I was imagining some sort of magnetic receiver that I could plug into my old-fashioned USB-only phone Something somewhat similar does exist–cases with batteries built in that hook to your USB port. [https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Cell-Phone-Battery-Charger-Cases/zgbs/wireless/7073958011](https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Cell-Phone-Battery-Charger-Cases/zgbs/wireless/7073958011) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-cord-question/981241.md?page=1)