Most MacBook users have learned to love their MagSafe power adaptors — the cleverness of having the power cable disconnect by a sudden yank, and not taking your expensive notebook to oblivion. But what about those headphones you’re using? They’re an equal menace, as well. That’s where one great innovation comes in: Replug, a simple breakaway cable — winner of the 2007 Design Distinction Award from ID Magazine.

Design. Everything has been designed very thoughtfully — the small, plastic cable breaks away from the metal plug when yanked to the sides. But unlike the MagSafe adaptors, all of this occurs without the help of magnets, which seems to help in offering no noticeable loss in audio quality. Overall, It’s all top-notch snap-on and snap-off design.

Functionality. Your audio device won’t reap any more benefits from Replug, other than the peace of mind the little cable can offer for those unexpected yanks and tugs your Mac or iPod may endure. It works perfectly with almost any audio device (more on that later), and definitely worth all the recent hype.

Limitations. Replug’s price may be seem a bit high at $17.95, but the most shocking limitation comes with certain devices: the most popular examples are the iPhone’s hollowed headphone jack, and then the iPod shuffle’s awkwardness as the stiff cable sticks out longer than the music player itself.

Final thoughts. Replug simply works great, and is worthy of any audio fan’s attention. The notable exceptions are iPhone and iPod shuffle owners, as mentioned, who would benefit by looking somewhere else. Everything considered, Replug is a neat protection for those not intimidated by the little cable’s price.

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[tags]Apple,Mac[/tags]