(11-09-2019, 08:16 AM)geokon Wrote: I'm likely not aware of some design considerations here, but I assume the next iteration of the device would just skip the barrel jack entirely? It's a very bizarre design that requires either a special wall wart or a esoteric USB to barrel cable. I'm kinda curious why that was selected. The obviously the ideal solution would be a second USB-C port - or at least a USB-C dummy/power-only port that you sometimes see on SBCs (it doesn't need to do anything crazy to negotiate 12V - just need to wire up the 5V pins)
Again.. there is probably a good reason they didn't do that though
Micro USB ports don't last long, I have a number of devices where that was the charging failure point. USB C lasts longer, but they begin to fail after a few years too. I for one, am glad the design choice was a barrel jack.
I have not used one, but those nifty magnetic power connectors Apple was (still?) using seemed both durable and less apt to damage the device when someone trips over your cord.