MacBook owners frustrated by new audio jacks

[AppleInsider]

A few owners of Apple's new unibody notebooks are experiencing backwards compatibility issues with the units' redesigned audio jacks, which offer a snug connection for the company's latest headphones with integrated microphones at the expense of a few legacy stereo headsets and speaker connectors.

Threads about the issue began turning up on Apple's Discussions support boards back in November, shortly after the new unibody MacBook and MacBook Pro began shipping. Customers of both models (1, 2) reported that when wearing non-Apple headphones, even the slightest bump or movement of the cord -- such as turning one's head to the side -- would result in a disconnection that caused audio to be rerouted back through the notebook's built-in speakers.

For those connecting external speakers to their MacBook, the mere act of setting a book down on the desk next to the computer would reportedly disrupt the connection. Upon closer inspection, it turns out that some 1/8th-inch miniplugs are left with a tad more wiggle room while in receptacle, namely those lacking a fourth conductor.

"When a jackplug is inserted into the socket there is a degree of play in the socket," wrote forum user movetolearn. "Fully pushed in...it works. Give a gentle pull, the plug moves back out maybe 0.5mm and, even though the plug stays in the socket, the sound comes out of the speakers."

As time went on and posters tested additional playback devices, they discovered longer plugs with four contacts and three separator rings would sit firmly and securely, while traditional stereo jacks with three contacts and only two separator rings resulted in a loose connection.

"One thing I notice is that my iPhone 3G headset works fine," wrote user Toronto-Ty. "What I am thinking is that since the plug has integrated stereo l/r and mic, there are 3 plastic bands around the metal plug, thus creating 4 metal sections. The fact that the headphone jack on the new MacBook is integrated mic as well, is what I feel the problem might be."



The same poster later reported a secure connection using Apple's in-ear headphones with mic. He also claims to have e-mailed Steve Jobs about the matter, only to receive a response from the company co-founder essentially telling him he was "wrong, literally."

Last year the company transitioned a number of its headphone jacks to quad-conductor jacks with microphone capabilities. Users who are experiencing the loose connection issue with third-party headphones on their new MacBooks may want to explore iFrogz $4 adapter solution suggested by one forum member.





For more on the differences between Apple's various audio and video cable connectors, see the article titled Using iPod & iPhone Video Out: Background and In-Depth Review.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[h3ndrix]

Call me retarded for defending this one but isn't this exactly what USB audio interfaces are for? The use of non proprietary audio equipment like headphones, monitors, etc? Just sayin.

[Phone-UI-Guy]

Here come all the class action bozos...

[irnchriz]

what a bunch of fucking morons, just don't push it all the way in. If you push it in and you fee the 'click' stop pushing it.

My iMac 2.1ghz G5 and iMac intel core duo and my current Alu iMac are exactly the same with some 3.5mm jacks.

Get over it.

[Virgil-TB2]

This is quite sad for those affected, but those are clearly "crap" connectors despite the price of the headsets mentioned. Apple could have stopped it by actually testing the plug with other jacks though, which is a bit of a fail on their part.

Sadly for almost everyone else, there will undoubtedly be a class-action lawsuit about this as it is more of a concrete problem than the other problems that have engendered class-action lawsuits in the past.

Stay tuned for at least a year or so of articles, blogs and whining about this one.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by mrochester

You're retarded. The standard 3.5mm headphone socket is loosing connection with standard 3.5mm headphones. There's clearly a problem here!

Please don't indulge in attacks against an individual. You can say that his idea is retarded.

Even if he was being literal.

[federmoose]

Originally Posted by mrochester

You're retarded. The standard 3.5mm headphone socket is loosing connection with standard 3.5mm headphones. There's clearly a problem here!

If you're going to call someone retarded... use the proper words. it's "losing", not "loosing".

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by federmoose

If you're going to call someone retarded... use the proper words. it's "losing", not "loosing".

In mrochester's defence, the OP asked to be called retarded. I don't think responding with "your retarded" is out of line at all in that situation.

[hlanslots]

I encountered the same issue like everybody else in this forum, but found a cheap solution that resolved the problem.
There is a small adapter called "Fitz iPhone headphone jack adapter" which is made by iFrogz. It works perfectly fine for the new Macbooks.
check it out on: http://ifrogz.com/products/fitz/
The price is $3.99 - not a lot of money to end your frustration.

[Boogerman2000]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

In mrochester's defence, the OP asked to be called retarded. I don't think responding with "your retarded" is out of line at all in that situation.

Exactly. Said in Jest perhaps? Jesus, you guys take yourselves way too seriously sometimes.

[iReality85]

Originally Posted by Phone-UI-Guy

Here come all the class action bozos...

Calling my lawyer now. Speed dial, no less!

...even though I don't own a uMB. Apple makes this too easy.

[mariofreak85]

Originally Posted by hlanslots

I encountered the same issue like everybody else in this forum, but found a cheap solution that resolved the problem.
There is a small adapter called "Fitz iPhone headphone jack adapter" which is made by iFrogz. It works perfectly fine for the new Macbooks.
check it out on: http://ifrogz.com/products/fitz/
The price is $3.99 - not a lot of money to end your frustration.

The amount of adapters we mac users need to use 3rd party products is rather funny.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by Boogerman2000

Exactly. Said in Jest perhaps? Jesus, you guys take yourselves way too seriously sometimes.

We should just stay away from it.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by hlanslots

I encountered the same issue like everybody else in this forum, but found a cheap solution that resolved the problem.
There is a small adapter called "Fitz iPhone headphone jack adapter" which is made by iFrogz. It works perfectly fine for the new Macbooks.
check it out on: http://ifrogz.com/products/fitz/
The price is $3.99 - not a lot of money to end your frustration.

And the fact that even one adapter that is not made by Apple works as well as the Apple plugs does, kind of puts the lie to the whole premise as well.

The plug is "captured" by means of the knob at the end connecting to embedded leaf springs at the back of the socket. If the socket as designed captures some plugs but not others it kind of implies that the plugs are at fault, not the socket.

Apple's plugs look pretty standard to me, and Apple has a history of exacting adherence to specs in things like this, so what are the odds that Apple's plugs are going to turn out to be exactly on the mark and that the plugs in question that don't work are actually just poorly made?

High IMO.

[bryanhauer]

Huh. Bought my MBPro the first day it was available and have had no issues with the headphone jack whatsoever. I've plugged in everything from regular Apple earbuds to Philips noise canceling headphones to Bose desktop speakers with not one issue.

I obviously believe most of the complaints, but anyone who would sue over this should be beaten in the face with a rubber hose. If a product doesn't work for you, return it. If the replacement still doesn't work, return it and don't do business with that company anymore.

[melgross]

It's easy to understand what Apple is trying to do with these various adapters, as they been doing it for many years, but I wonder if it's such a good idea.

Unless they offer these systems as standards, and they are accepted, it's just going to continue to cause confusion, and frustration to many people.

They offered the Mini Displayport to the standards board, why don't they offer these as well?

Then we might see other companies using them, and more plugs will be compatible.

This isn't something that crucial to the company's survival that they keep it to themselves. They would benefit from everyone using it.

[teckstud]

Let me see:
1.) No HDMI
2.) NO FireWire
3.) Bad audio jacks
4.) Hi-gloss screens

Apple hardware may start a new trend of switchers goin' the other way-to the dark side!

[okeribok]

So Apple has found yet another way to piss its customer off!
I had started hating them quite a while ago for the degrading customer satisfaction hardware-wise. It's things like this that will keep the hate going.

I still prefer Mac OS X as my primary OS. What to do, what to do...

[federmoose]

Originally Posted by italiankid

I thought Microsoft was only allowed to make things non backwards compatible? LOL

Apple is following in the footsteps.... haha

OSX anyone? Not that compatible with os9. And "classic" was a farce... so few applications worked when they were needed.

and for the record, Microsoft has compatibility options that work well back to programs from 98. Of course, that makes for a BLOATED OS that has a lot of problems... but that isn't the point. your statement is incredibly off-base.

[jaf]

Same thing with expresscard 34 port! I bought a Lacie expresscard 34 with 2 firewire 800 and i can't connect it! Apple support does not have an answer for this! But if you search the internet you'll see that are other consumers with this problem! This only happens with the late 2008 Macbooks...

[roehlstation]

Originally Posted by federmoose

OSX anyone? Not that compatible with os9. And "classic" was a farce... so few applications worked when they were needed.

and for the record, Microsoft has compatibility options that work well back to programs from 98. Of course, that makes for a BLOATED OS that has a lot of problems... but that isn't the point. your statement is incredibly off-base.

RIIIIIIGHT...the MS compatibility back to 98 works sooooo well.

[roehlstation]

Originally Posted by federmoose

OSX anyone? Not that compatible with os9. And "classic" was a farce... so few applications worked when they were needed.

and for the record, Microsoft has compatibility options that work well back to programs from 98. Of course, that makes for a BLOATED OS that has a lot of problems... but that isn't the point. your statement is incredibly off-base.

You just contradicted yourself. does it work well, or have a lot of problems?

[codymr]

What is it with Apple monkeying around with mini jack connections? First the recessed iPhone jack... then the 6th gen iPod Classic messed up 3rd party video cables... now the MacBook (and perhaps the MacBook Pro too)?

While I cringe looking at the usual design of PC laptops and the unnecessary gaggle of connectivity options... It's getting to be ridiculous the number of extra cables and connector the average Apple laptop - sorry, I meant "notebook" needs.

For a company that does so many ingenious things they sure get tripped up by a lot of no brainer stuff like basic mini jack design which has been around for decades.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by MacOldTimer

I believe you are forgetting the original iPhone or you didn't own one. In order to use any headphones (other than those that shipped with the iPhone) you had to buy an adapter.

They got so much shit over it they changed it to a standard headphone plug in for the 3G model.

Actually, the original iPhone jack did adhere to the spec. The problem was that the spec does not cover the plastic bit, just the plug itself.

It would probably be fairer in that case to describe the plugs with the giant plastic housing that would not fit into the iPhone as "non-standard" than it would be to describe Apple's plugs as such even though as I said, I don't think the spec covers the housing.

I agree that such slight variations from the spec are pretty common though and Apple could be faulted for not making allowances for that.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by h3ndrix

Call me retarded for defending this one but isn't this exactly what USB audio interfaces are for? The use of non proprietary audio equipment like headphones, monitors, etc? Just sayin.

Originally Posted by Boogerman2000

Exactly. Said in Jest perhaps? Jesus, you guys take yourselves way too seriously sometimes.

Sometimes it's hard to tell. As many sarcastic jokers as there are, there are also equally nutty people that actually believe the the preposterous things they say. It's not necessarily so easy to write a good sarcastic joke.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by italiankid

Sorry... correct me if wrong... here we go...

New LED display only works with new MacBook lineup. Yes or No?

Yes (as designed)

Originally Posted by italiankid

First gen iPhone only allowed Apple earpiece. Yes or No?

No (it just didn't fit for *some* jacks)

Originally Posted by italiankid

iLife '09 - GarageBand works with PowerPC? Yes or No?

Yes (with minor exception)

Originally Posted by italiankid

FW400 taken out of the new MacBook lineup.

No (only removed from entry level model)

Originally Posted by italiankid

The list goes on. If you answered Yes to 3 or more, than you are correct. You are screwing your customers.

Your score:

1 out of 4 correct. (that's a failing grade, probably a "D")

PS - You can't use "the list goes on" unless you actually have more points, which you don't.
PPS - Your implied answer to point 2 is actually No, so your summation statement is wrong also.

[sausage&Onion]

This is just a lack of proper product testing. I am sick of using adaptor after adapter (they keep breaking) for my phone, I'd really be upset if I needed a second one for my laptop. Take this as a tiny part of the lesson we all probably know by now:

DON'T BUY 1st GEN HARDWARE!!!

I'm wainting until they refresh the bastards with SLI and a matte screen. Until then, no wasting money on you Mr. Apple.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by sausage&Onion

This is just a lack of proper product testing. I am sick of using adaptor after adapter (they keep breaking) for my phone, I'd really be upset if I needed a second one for my laptop. Take this as a tiny part of the lesson we all probably know by now:

DON'T BUY 1st GEN HARDWARE!!!

I'm wainting until they refresh the bastards with SLI and a matte screen. Until then, no wasting money on you Mr. Apple.

I don't think it's a lack of testing. They work fine with the proper connectors.

As far as them breaking, well, all of these small plugs break. That's not an Apple exclusive.

The real question here, is whether they could do this in a more standard way, without having to use more than one port for it.

[iPilya]

I have a Late '08 MBP and have used it with a number of headphones... from logitech to sennheiser with absolutely no problems at all. I wonder if this is brand specific problem or if there are other issues. Seriously ALL of my headphones snap in really nice... tight... no wiggle room... just a solid and tight connection.

[coolfactor]

Originally Posted by MacOldTimer

I believe you are forgetting the original iPhone or you didn't own one. In order to use any headphones (other than those that shipped with the iPhone) you had to buy an adapter.

They got so much shit over it they changed it to a standard headphone plug in for the 3G model.

The original iPhone never had a non-standard jack, it was just too far recessed into the case that some plugs didn't fit all the way in. Yes, it was a stupid design.

[ktappe]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

If the socket as designed captures some plugs but not others it kind of implies that the plugs are at fault, not the socket.

I don't see how that follows at all. The 1/8" audio jack has been a standard for over three decades. It stands to reason there would be a plethora of peripherals out there using it and it's incumbent on any manufacturer to ensure their jack works with those existing devices. It's a case of lighting a candle vs. cursing the darkness. I fear Apple has chosen the latter instead of the former, leaving its customers in limbo.

[talkshowonmute]

People are so critical. Maybe if you didnt just BUY the new Macbook even though you had last generations because its not as cool now you wouldnt be complaining right now. and Well it works with NEW headphones with a mic. So i dont understand why you would return your computer 8 times over a stupid headphone jacks. Use this opportunity to upgrade your headphones for your laptop and call it a day. Apple isnt made for backwards compatibility its made for whats happening now and will be happening tomorrow.

I read someones complaint list and:

Personaly I like the glossy screen. I Probably look in mirrors just as much as I do computer screens so a little mix of the both is nice.

I dont want firewire because Im not gonna be using it anyways and it just add an extra port to sit there and do nothing

I have the new headphones, which by the way stay in it fine.

So really i aint got nothing to bitch about. and I dont even use one 3rd party accessory so AH!

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by coolfactor

The original iPhone never had a non-standard jack, it was just too far recessed into the case that some plugs didn't fit all the way in. Yes, it was a stupid design.

To me, this seems like fertile ground for cognitive dissonance.

I don't understand why it's not a non-standard jack when most standard plugs don't fit into it without an adapter and added risk of damage that an unnecessary adapter entails.

[Rokken]

I can't manipulate the same problem as the guy he got in the youtube video with my usual headphones(not Apple's in-year headphones) as well as external speakers, I feel sorry for them though.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by talkshowonmute

Use this opportunity to upgrade your headphones for your laptop and call it a day. Apple isnt made for backwards compatibility its made for whats happening now and will be happening tomorrow.

... (snip)

I have the new headphones, which by the way stay in it fine.

So really i aint got nothing to bitch about. and I dont even use one 3rd party accessory so AH!

Are you joking? That's good for you if the first party equipment is all you want. I can't even use the frakking earbuds, I wonder if my headphones would even work.

[DimMok]

This happens to me, I try not to move it around much.

I just thought it was my 1/8 to RCA adapter......As a DJ this is important to me.
But not enought to cry about it.....

ROCK ON.

[coolfactor]

Originally Posted by JeffDM

To me, this seems like fertile ground for cognitive dissonance.

I don't understand why it's not a non-standard jack when most standard plugs don't fit into it without an adapter and added risk of damage that an unnecessary adapter entails.

The jack itself is standard, with respect to electrical connections. The housing around the jack was what prevented many plugs from fitting into it. Specs don't cover that.

No cognitive dissonance here, and I did say it was a stupid design.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by ktappe

I don't see how that follows at all. The 1/8" audio jack has been a standard for over three decades. It stands to reason there would be a plethora of peripherals out there using it and it's incumbent on any manufacturer to ensure their jack works with those existing devices. It's a case of lighting a candle vs. cursing the darkness. I fear Apple has chosen the latter instead of the former, leaving its customers in limbo.

I don't know what the heck you are talking about here.

My point was that out of a group of plugs that all seem on visual inspection to be "standard" plugs, if the socket correctly captures some plugs but other plugs still have some "play" in them after being captured, that it's far more likely that the plugs with the "play" are under-designed for the socket. If the socket itself were under-designed, then it would successfully capture the ones that now show some "play" and the other plugs would not be captured, or not fit at all.

Nothing is certain at this point, but it seems far more likely that Apple's plugs are precisely designed to the spec and that the other plugs are slightly smaller (by microns), or slightly misshaped (rounded edges), and thus after capture still have that "play." This is typical Apple to make their plug have tolerances that are smaller than average, but technically it would still be a case of them sticking to the spec more exactly than the others so it's kind of hard to fault them for it. Generally speaking Apple's customers are picky perfectionists that actually *want* the plugs to be designed with tight adherence to the spec.

Not sure what the candle comment is about at all unless you are suggesting that they make a crappy socket to match all the crappy plugs out there.

[talkshowonmute]

Originally Posted by federmoose

OSX anyone? Not that compatible with os9. And "classic" was a farce... so few applications worked when they were needed.

and for the record, Microsoft has compatibility options that work well back to programs from 98. Of course, that makes for a BLOATED OS that has a lot of problems... but that isn't the point. your statement is incredibly off-base.

What a load of crap, technology is about the now and tomorrow. Not the yesterday and last century. Who cares if crap isnt backward compatible, This isnt just Apple, or Microsoft. Its any good electronics company. New products arent there to support products of yesterday they are here to support the products of tomorrow. Thats how products move foward. Really for all the pain people are giving themselves with this headphone issue they could just buy a new compatible pair of Apple In Ear and live happily ever after. Apple is what I see as A perfectly closed Technological Ecosystem made to grow for tomorow not preserve for today. Both in the consumer spending aspect, and in the operations aspect of the business. If you dont like that maybe you need to buy different products.but personaly that is what I like about this company. But seriously whoever is concerned with crap dating over a decade old deserves to go back under their rock, and give apple, microsoft, and all other electronic companies trying to push new things out the door a break because thats the world today. and I embrace that fully

[Ireland]

You think that's bad? The iPhone headphones don't fit correctly into the MacBook Air headphone port. They work, don't get me wrong, but they don't go in flush, the door's lip is in the way slightly. An embarrassing oversight. I never liked the idea of that door anyway. A lot of those 3rd party 3G Internet dangles can't plug directly in, you need to carry around a stupid Apple adapter that will cost you money, and inconvenience. Like I said, I got the Air cause it's thin and light, most of its faults were simply bad design. A MacBook was out of the question for me; the screens on those 13" MacBooks are awful.