I assume that the lightness of the connection has to do with the fact that the 'perfect balance' Pogue describes depends on the weight of the computer to counterbalance the break-away point of the magnet. New new 11-inch Air's are so insanely light that the old magnet could drag them all over the room (almost hang from it), thus defeating the break-away purpose.
A near feather-like connection seems required to balance such a light computer.
The magnet is in the computer. The power adapter part is just iron. If the connection is too strong with the air, the problem lies with the laptop and not the power adapter.
A near feather-like connection seems required to balance such a light computer.