November 18, 2010 10:55
I have just purchased a PWR+ 12V power adaptor for my Mac PowerBook, model AP4C. I ordered through Amazon UK and it cost me £24 including VAT & delivery.
It comprises the dreaded cigar lighter plug, a white box containing the works and a MagSafe-style connector. The MagSafe connector is clearly a Chinese copy that Apple has not yet stopped. It is elbow rather than straight, includes an orange/green indicator like the real thing, but the light stays on when disconnected from the MacBook.
It works just fine so far - only tested in my car, not at sea. When the MacBook is charged and asleep, the unit is scarcely warm to the touch, indicating the voltage step-up circuitry is efficient. When working hard to charge, the unit is only slightly warm.
I am very pleased with this modest-cost solution. I don't like buying a copy of Apple's patented plug, but as they have refused to license it or sell it to OEMs, this seems the only practical way around the problem so created.
It comprises the dreaded cigar lighter plug, a white box containing the works and a MagSafe-style connector. The MagSafe connector is clearly a Chinese copy that Apple has not yet stopped. It is elbow rather than straight, includes an orange/green indicator like the real thing, but the light stays on when disconnected from the MacBook.
It works just fine so far - only tested in my car, not at sea. When the MacBook is charged and asleep, the unit is scarcely warm to the touch, indicating the voltage step-up circuitry is efficient. When working hard to charge, the unit is only slightly warm.
I am very pleased with this modest-cost solution. I don't like buying a copy of Apple's patented plug, but as they have refused to license it or sell it to OEMs, this seems the only practical way around the problem so created.