Dumb question, but how come the MBP MageSafe power adapter doesn't have a ground prong like all other laptop power adapters have? 
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MagSafe power adapter
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It does, on the extension cord that comes with it. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1630Dumb question, but how come the MBP MageSafe power adapter doesn't have a ground prong like all other laptop power adapters have?
Dumb question, but how come the MBP MageSafe power adapter doesn't have a ground prong like all other laptop power adapters have?
Lenovo's don't. Nor do some Compaq/HP.
I prefer this for travel adaptors since the two-wire cables pack smaller.
Is it any less safe without the ground prong? I would think it should be there in the event of a power surge.
eh...just don't use the two prong during a thunderstorm (or your Mb, for that matter). The duckhead (2 prong adapter) wouldn't be as portable if they had to jimmy a ground plug onto it, though I would pick one up if available.
The ground plug doesn't really protect from surges as much as from faulty wiring resulting in a hot case and subsequent shock. A three prong plug connects a metal case to ground to avoid it become hazardous in the event of an internal short.
I find that if I use my power supply (UK) without the extension I get a "tingle" of electricity through the body of the MBP.
I know very little about UK wiring, but in the US that's a sign of a problem with the neutral side of the outlet. Smart (safe) thing to do is to have the wiring checked out by a qualified electrician.
We have a lot of Dell laptops at work and many of them did not come with a grounded power supply, but not all.
It does not matter which outlet I use, even in a different building or with a different magsafe.
I`ve heard of this "issue" numerous times with the MBP.
It also occurs if the MBP is not plugged into the mains itself but is connected to, say, a mains powered USB hard drive. MRoogle it...
I know just what you mean. If you stroke your fingers across the body its like a weird vibration?
I get this is some (not all) plug sockets in my house. Never noticed any negetive effects on my Mac so Im not worried. Plus it feels kinda cool