Apple Inc (AAPL)

[louismg]

Yofal,

Dell's power adapters don't wrap up or coil well. You just "stuff them" into the laptop bag, and pull them out when needed. The issue is that the cords are more rugged, like those you'd see on standard appliances, while Apple's are more akin to the iPod headphone cords - thin and prone to fraying with use. One of the bigger issues may have been solved with their recent introduction of magnetic adapters, but the metal oval at the end that plugs into the laptop can be easily bent with frequent use, or the occasional laptop drop that hits it from the side. There's no amount of manual tweaking that can get the metal back to its original state.

I see it as a form vs. function thing. They look great, but don't live long.

Additionally, their form actually makes things worse. Their square shape means it takes up at least two slots on a power strip (the Dell takes one), and if you've ever tried to put the Apple power adapter into a recessed plug (very common), you'll find it won't go - you're literally putting a square device in a round hole.

- louismg