LG not including charging cables with their earbuds

Did you smash it

Bought a pair in an EU country (not Ireland). Hasn’t a charging cable. Should this be allowed under EU consumer regulations. I’m sure it’s a fairly standard cable but I don’t have a fit for it in my house. Is it normal for no charging cables to be included in consumer products requiring a charge. Awful annoying.

ohnonotgmail

It will be either a USB-C or a micro USB cable. what earbuds?

Did you smash it

This one, lg note free. My main point is they should have to include charging cables legally.

ohnonotgmail

That is a USB-C port. and there is no obligation on them to include a charging cable.

Jim_Hodge

USB-C is the standard now for the very reason that consumers are saved money by not needing to buy them with products. Most houses have several such cables from phones, tablets, earbuds etc.

Did you smash it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119429951#Comment_119429951

yeah there isn’t. I think that’s the problem. you don’t get these issues with apple products.

the on button is so small and hard to press on these that I don’t know if they need a charge to work initially (instructions don’t indicate this) or I need a pin to press them. Don’t want to use a pin in case I’ve to bring these back

ohnonotgmail

what model of the tone free? i had a look and some of them do come with a cable.

Did you smash it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119429989#Comment_119429989

FP3W

theteal

I think I'm paying the price for buying less tech over the last few years, I actually have very few USB-C cables and struggle to find when needed. Quite a pile of mini and micro USB though. I've resorted to buying a wireless charging dock for the phone so that's one cable freed up for other use.

ohnonotgmail

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430027#Comment_119430027

not sure what button you are referring to unless you mean the button on the earbud itself. they seem to to operate the same as any other pair of earbuds. Surprised you don't have a USB-C cable. Everything released in the last few years charges with USB-C

https://manuals.plus/_lg/tone-fp3-tone-free-true-wireless-bluetooth-earbuds-manual#axzz7b1Z1s1EP

phonypony

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119429966#Comment_119429966

Because Apple has always used its own proprietary connectors to extract more money from you. Which is exactly what the the standardisation of USB connectors is counteracting.

Would you rather have to spend €20 to replace a charging cable for one product or use another cable that is compatible with all your portable devices?

Did you smash it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430149#Comment_119430149

Yes it’s the button on the earbud. They need to be pressed for 3-5 seconds. I’m doing that but it’s a terrible button that is too flush with the surface around it and tiny. I just hope the button/power awakens after a charge off the cable i buy

As for USB-C chargers, I don’t seem to have one. I don’t know how weird that is. I think buying devices without cables in the pack is a new one to me but I mainly buy apple products (iPads, iPhones) where I have to give no thought to finding a cable for charging. I have a Bluetooth speaker and a kindle and they aren’t a fit. Maybe my firestick is a usb - c charger setup but I need that where it is.

Did you smash it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430229#Comment_119430229

well apple do spoilt you with ease of use. A charging cable I saw as an essential in buying the product. I try not to buy Chinese products for political reasons but now I have to laugh at where that has got me.

I don’t know what I’ve learnt about my future tech buying preferences but I’ve learnt today that charging cables being included with buying of non apple products aren’t a given

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430307#Comment_119430307

Apple have to change to USB-C to sell in the EU from 2024.

lawred2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430307#Comment_119430307

Almost all electronics are Chinese products

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430320#Comment_119430320

Apple assembles the majority of its iPhones in factories located in Zhengzhou, China,

Did you smash it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430320#Comment_119430320

i don’t think it’s quite that overwhelming. LG is a Korean company at least, the other products on offer at budget prices all had a whiff of China about them.

Did you smash it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430328#Comment_119430328

I know about Foxconn. I got hooked on the brand before I became a mildly conscientious objector.

lawred2

Yeah and Apple is an American company

Did you smash it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430361#Comment_119430361

The LG outer packaging doesn’t seem to indicate the country they are made in strangely.

edit - made in vietnam

Did you smash it

There is a of course a difference in buying products made in a country than buying products from a country that has total control over the products it makes like Xaomi or huawei

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430409#Comment_119430409

Not sure what that has to do with not getting a charger included. I'll buy based on quality paired with value for money and durability.

Did you smash it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119430493#Comment_119430493

Of course, it’s your money, spend as you wish. I see China as an evildoer and a spreader of illiberal ill democratic ideology so don’t want to support if I can avoid it.

I won’t go into the connection between it and the charger not being included. It’s in one of the posts.