Replug breakaway cable protects your 3.5mm jack

Replug's clever breakaway concoction essentially does for 3.5-millimeter audio jacks what MagSafe does for Apple's power connection, as it simply snaps away when excess pressure is applied to "protect your audio jack from the rigors of daily use." The device works in any 3.5-millimeter auxiliary input, be it on your laptop, PMP or desktop, and should be available sometime this fall for a currently undisclosed price.

[john @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:28PM]

How uncoordinated are you Apple users that you would need more 'safety' devices than the rest of humanity? What's wrong with you?

[paul34 @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:31PM]

Right, because only Apple users are human and sometimes drop or bump their stuff.

Or maybe, have someone bump into their stuff. I guess that doesn't happen to PC users! In which case, I suppose PC owners do not live in the real world either.

I've never even used a Mac before, and I'm pretty sick of PC-fanboyism.

[CraigJ @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:54PM]

If this was a Mac-only accessory your comment would make sense.

[john @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:54PM]

Seems like mac users are more prone to these "accidents" than PC users. I've never seen just safety devices for pc's.

They'd better implement outlet plugs and corner cushions also just be safe. You can't be too careful you know!! Safety first!

[Kevin @ Oct 2nd 2007 8:55PM]

It's not that Apple users are more accident prone, it's just that we like to take care of our stuff and be sure it's safe.

[Shibathedog @ Oct 2nd 2007 9:56PM]

I'm trying not to make this sound like a PC-Fanboy comment but if I owned a Mac I would too those things are damn expensive.

[Fleiteh @ Dec 7th 2007 9:09PM]

lol I've used MACs and they limit users to a very basic computer usage. So, to my experience mac's are not even an option to me. I like to modify my computer in every way to make it work for me and not the other way around like in MACs... I am a graphic artist and love to compose music and edit videos occasionally and I have much more freedom on a PC when doing those things. So its all about personal preferences and user knowledge of operating systems they have used. My point is, if you don't know what you're talking about than shut up. If you haven't tried something to a certain extent and you're being biased about it, than it means you're incredibly simpleminded; generally those people are MAC owners... go figure. What are you exactly trying to prove when classifying people by types of computers they use.
Macs are for 'beginners' in computing PERIOD.
PCs are for 'professionals'.
Any advanced user with knowledge of both systems would agree. And stop ganging up on 1 person, thats just low.

[Jason @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:31PM]

Yea.. us Mac users are sooo uncoordinated.. I use my laptop as my primary computer.. I'm constantly plugging and unplugging all of my "desktop" cables (firewire, power, audio, usb)... A "magsafe" sound cable sounds cool....

[ominx @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:38PM]

Why would PC users care if their laptop went crashing to the floor in little bits and pieces? They would actually be better off.

[ominx @ Oct 2nd 2007 8:25PM]

No it's what your father probably said to your mother when he thought she miscarriaged only to be devastated to see it was only her water that broke.

[ominx @ Oct 2nd 2007 8:55PM]

Your fascination with asses is a little worrisome.

[dj-kenpo @ Oct 2nd 2007 9:12PM]

both of you are a little worrisome.

[Super S @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:39PM]

My brother knocked his MacBook Pro off his desk, damaging the audio card in it from having speakers plugged in. Now I'm not saying that because he has a Mac he's clumsy, it's just an example of why this product is a good idea.

[PeterF @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:42PM]

That doesnt make sense. To ruin the plug by dropping it while speakers are plugged in proably means it landed on the side where the audio is plugged in, jamming the plug into the computer. This wouldn't help for that, as the part that plugs into the computer doesn't break away

[john @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:43PM]

Oh we know exactly what you're saying about your brother Super S. Don't worry I won't tell him.

[Super S @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:48PM]

What happened was the laptop fell, pulling at the 3.5mm headphone plug, at an angle that in turned bent the port in the laptop before it hit the ground. It pulled out before the laptop hit the ground, helping to break the fall actually, but it has deamed the audio card useless.

[Josh @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:33PM]

What is with all of you jerks in the comments today, just chill out. Is it really that big of a jump for you to understand someone accidentally knocking something off of a table? I don't even own a mac and i have knocked things off of tables.

Everyone in this comment section is just flaming everything. Chill out.

[greatslack @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:41PM]

I definitely could have used this on my last laptop. I ended up having to buy a PCMCIA sound card just to get audio from it.

[frankt @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:43PM]

I don't recall ever tripping over my head phone cable while I was wired in to my laptop. (is it physically possible?)

However I am always tripping over power cable to my laptop and other gadgets. Does anyone make one of these I can use on a DC power adaptor?

[mushrooshi @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:42PM]

THis is great, when I have a plug that soloidly extends out an inch I am afriad I will knock it and ruin the port. THisis a great iea.

[andi @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:42PM]

I never got to yank any cable out of the laptop by mistake.. and the brand or OS don't really matter, do they?.. it's just the alcohol level or absent-mindedness...
or guests :D

[mushrooshi @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:43PM]

Forgot to add: THis thing looks UNIVERSAL. It looks like you just plug it into a port. Stop making fun of mac users, please.

[Mystech @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:46PM]

If you really want to impress me, make a decent docking station for the Macintosh pictured above... that BookEndz monstrosity (http://www.bookendzdocks.com/) has got to be a joke.

[awa64 @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:49PM]

I love this idea. I lose too many headphones to wear and tear, so having a breakaway cable would be a fantastic money-saver for me. As it is, I feel like I'm throwing money away by buying a $20 pair of junky headphones, let alone a nice pair...

Unfortunately, I need it on the right earbud, not the 3.5mm jack. That's the one that ALWAYS dies on me, regardless of manufacturer or what happens to it. Either that headphone slowly loses volume, or gets yanked loose altogether...

[k @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:55PM]

i've had a few experiences when the magsafe kept my macbook safe. when ever i hook up the macbook to the tv and stereo, i see how a magsafe style audio cable can keep things safe

[Johnathon Zirkle @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:56PM]

On their website its listed as 19.99...not so undisclosed...

[i.c. weiner @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:56PM]

that "antennae" like thing is supposed to fit your pmp. if you put your pmp in your pocket, that antennae thing will break, so why cant they make it smaller?

[MB_User @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:59PM]

Question. Regarding the little part that stays connected to the laptop in the event of a sudden disconnection, would the laptop still think something is plugged in to the audio port (and thus not pipe audio through the built-in speakers)? I wonder because it seems like it could get annoying pulling that little thing out every time you want to take the laptop somewhere. Maybe not. I don't know.

[Twitchy @ Oct 2nd 2007 9:00PM]

I doubt it - once the headphones are disconnected the circuit is broken and audio would flood out of your speakers. Would be rather embarrasing if you were watching porn at full volume in the library. Not that I have, but my mate, Dangerous Dave...

[russ d @ Oct 2nd 2007 8:03PM]

If you have kids and use headphones with your laptop, this could be very useful.

[JB87 @ Oct 2nd 2007 8:05PM]

Yes, the plug part works like any other 3.5mm jack. If I understand correctly after looking at their website, it's simply a standard 3.5mm plug that fits into a soft, easily-detachable socket on the cord part; and when enough force is applied the socket detaches, leaving the small plug still hooked up to the audio jack.

[Daniel @ Oct 2nd 2007 8:07PM]

if i only had this a month ago i wouldnt have to mess with my cable every minute because one speaker goes out. i will probably buy one of these. actually, they probably already exist on ebay.

this is definitely useful for laptops.

[JB87 @ Oct 2nd 2007 8:07PM]

Misread your comment slightly, MB_User.. yes, it'd still act like there's something plugged into it, just about every audio jack I've ever seen has the plug close/open a switch when it's inserted/removed rather than checking it electrically.

[J.C. @ Oct 2nd 2007 8:16PM]

There $19.99 BTW...

[Shrapnel09 @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:29PM]

I'm not so sure this is going to be that effective. For most speakers, it should be fine, but most headphones have a 3.5mm plug at a 90 degree angle to the cord. The cord is most likely to be the line of the force and thus 90 degrees from the break-away jack. Doesn't seem like it would add much except another connection in the middle for a possible drop in audio quality.

[jkb @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:02PM]

Does it work with the iPhone's extra deep 3.5mm plug?

[Luijo @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:02AM]

I'm very curious to know the same thing..
Can someone confirm?

[Joseph Terranella @ Oct 2nd 2007 9:20PM]

Did you see the tiny metal prongs on the inside of the tip?

I see this thing breaking quicker than Brad Pitt can get laid.

[AndrewNeo @ Oct 2nd 2007 9:38PM]

I'd love one of those for my MP3 player.. I wore a 3.5mm jack out one one just from overuse. I'm paranoid about breaking my expensive new one with the same problem.

[John Allison @ Oct 2nd 2007 11:34PM]

It seems that most of you do not have cats. For those who do, this product looks amazing.

[Juaquin @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:08AM]

This is actually pretty cool. I'd like to see it applied to USB ports - I once left my laptop on the floor and stepped on a USB dongle sticking out of it, breaking the jack so the motherboard had to be replaced (thank goodness for accidental damage protection). Heck, they should make one for every port.

[randy @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:16AM]

I only use an optical connector on that port. The mini-Toslink male adapter required to connect optically there already has a break-away design.

[Fred @ Oct 3rd 2007 3:16PM]

Bleh. Avoid wires altogether with a stereo bluetooth wireless headset.

[DBS @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:41PM]

What are these headphones?
http://www.replug.com/gallery_pop.php?id=13

[Brett @ Oct 13th 2007 9:06PM]

This is actually kinda neat... but not $18 neat.

[Brian @ Oct 15th 2007 6:25AM]

Just got this in an email today:
"Thank you for your comments and suggestions during the launch of Replug. We’ve made several improvements to the online store including a better interface and lower cost shipping options.
[Read "We were inundated by customers mocking us for charging $18 for this."]
To extend our appreciation for your patience and support, we’re offering a 10% discount on all purchases made before November 1st, 2007. Simply enter the coupon code TKU10PCD at check-out."
[Read "So we are throwing you a bone . . . a very, very small bone."]

[Brian T @ Nov 26th 2007 2:38PM]

It would be good for a cell phone listening to music as you work out on a tred mill... in stead of yanking your whole cell phone to the ground. The phone will be safe and uhh I need to catch up with the tread mill.

[Fleiteh @ Dec 7th 2007 9:36PM]

if youre clumsy it sounds like a perfect accessory. And despite the picture its not only for mac notebooks its for pc laptops too.