Cables are something that everyone has at home, but few people think much about them, because you usually just take them, plug them in and they work. But then there are moments when they get tangled in your backpack, get in the way on your desk or literally become a ball of nerves. And this is exactly where the FIXED Retractable Cable comes into play, which after a few days of use almost makes me wonder why not every cable is designed like this? Because honestly, although it is actually a completely trivial matter, it is a truly ingenious solution.
Technical specifications, processing and design
On paper, this cable doesn't look revolutionary. The manufacturer has opted for USB-C to USB-C, a length of 1 meter, and support for charging up to 100 W, so it can easily power laptops. Data transfer at the USB 2.0 level, i.e. 480 Mb/s, is weaker, but it must be said that this cable is definitely not about data transfer, and therefore it should be considered more of an accessory.
The main difference and weapon of this cable is its construction. The cable is retractable and not just any cable. You can pull it out from both sides at the same time and stop it at any length so that both parts remain the same length. As a result, this means that you don't have excess cable on your desk that is twisting somewhere, but exactly as much as you need.
The flat design prevents tangling, which sounds like a marketing phrase, but it really works here. Add to that the aluminum ends and the sturdy body of the reel and you get a product that doesn't feel like a cheap toy, but like something that is designed to withstand daily use, won't get tangled, and generally makes sense in your backpack, for example.
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Testing
Honestly, testing charging cables is not exactly my favorite discipline, especially in the past, because it was always the same thing. However, in recent months, several really interesting cables have landed on my desk that have impressed me with their workmanship, speed, durability, and design. And the FIXED Retractable Cable is not only one of them, but I dare say that it is fighting for the imaginary top of this ranking.
Paradoxically, I felt the biggest change completely unexpectedly on my desk. Suddenly you don't have a cable lying around, but you have it "under control". You only pull out as much as you need, the rest remains hidden. And when you're done, you simply pull it back and it's done. So your desk is still perfectly tidy, nothing gets in the way and everything is simply nice and neat.
This solution also works great when you're on the go. The cable doesn't get tangled in your backpack, it doesn't get caught on other things, and most importantly, it doesn't take up unnecessary space, which is a small thing you only start to appreciate once you have it. As for charging, 100W of power means that you can charge not only your phone, but also your MacBook or another laptop. There is nothing to solve in this regard. The cable does exactly what it is supposed to.
The only negative thing to mention (although as I wrote above, it's all about perspective) is the data transfer. 480 Mbps is no road-breaker these days, so it's not exactly ideal for large data transfers. But honestly, this is not a cable you'd buy primarily for file transfers.
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Summary
FIXED Retractable Cable is a cable that will surprise you with how much it can improve your everyday use. Not only does itonem, not a revolutionary technology, but a simple idea that makes perfect sense. So if you're like me and are annoyed by the chaos of cables on your desk or in your backpack, this is a solution that works surprisingly well. And once you get used to it, going back to a classic cable becomes quite annoying.
