Charging Air with 85W charger?

rk25123 · Jan 17, 2013, 01:08 PM

My Air's charger works only when it wants to and totally randomly, and since it's out of warranty I have to buy a new one. I read somewhere that Mac chargers auto-detect which laptop model you're connecting and regulate the Watts accordingly, so I was wondering, since they all cost the same, if it was better to get the 85W charger instead of the 45W that comes with the Air. Are there any downsides? Is it bigger?

Thanks for the help!

Mrbobb · Jan 17, 2013, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk25123

Are there any downsides? Is it bigger?

It's bigger and heavier. I use one at home, where it's permanently plugged in but I have my standard 45w for the road.

Psssh... U may want to clean the MagSafe with an air can. It may do magic.

rk25123 · Jan 17, 2013, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrbobb

It's bigger and heavier. I use one at home, where it's permanently plugged in but I have my standard 45w for the road.

Psssh... U may want to clean the MagSafe with an air can. It may do magic.

Thanks for the tip, but unfortunately I already tried with not luck. It's strange, sometimes it works right away, sometimes it will start charging after an hour it's been plugged and sometimes won't charge at all... I even had it tested at an Apple store and it resulted OK...
Is the 85W much bigger and heavier? On the Apple site there are no specifics...

GGJstudios · Jan 17, 2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk25123

My Air's charger works only when it wants to and totally randomly, and since it's out of warranty I have to buy a new one. I read somewhere that Mac chargers auto-detect which laptop model you're connecting and regulate the Watts accordingly, so I was wondering, since they all cost the same, if it was better to get the 85W charger instead of the 45W that comes with the Air. Are there any downsides? Is it bigger?

Thanks for the help!

There is no harm in using a more powerful MagSafe adapter.

Intel-Based Apple notebooks: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord

Quote:

Power adapters for Intel-based Apple notebooks are available in 45W, 60W, and 85W varieties. Although you should always use the proper wattage adapter for your Apple notebook, you can use an adapter of a higher wattage without issue.

Quote:

Note: MagSafe 2 connectors are not backwards compatible, so you cannot use a MagSafe 2 connector with computers that do not have a MagSafe 2 port. However, you can use your older MagSafe power adapter on newer computers with a MagSafe ports by using a MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter

The link below should answer most, if not all, of your battery/charging questions. If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend you take the time to read it.

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk25123

Is the 85W much bigger and heavier?

They're the same size.

rk25123 · Jan 17, 2013, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

They're the same size.

Thank you! Your answer couldn't possibly be more complete! Just one thing: are you sure they're the same size? I thought so judging from the photos on the Apple store, but I found discording statements on the web. What about the weight?

Brian Y · Jan 17, 2013, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

There is no harm in using a more powerful MagSafe adapter.

Intel-Based Apple notebooks: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord

The link below should answer most, if not all, of your battery/charging questions. If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend you take the time to read it.

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ

They're the same size.

The 85 watt magsafe adapter is much larger than the 45 watt one.

GGJstudios · 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk25123

Thank you! Your answer couldn't possibly be more complete! Just one thing: are you sure they're the same size? I thought so judging from the photos on the Apple store, but I found discording statements on the web. What about the weight?

Yes, they're basically the same size and weight. If there's any small difference in weight or size, you wouldn't be able to discern it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Y

The 85 watt magsafe adapter is much larger than the 45 watt one.

Not true:

85w Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.1 x 2.5 inches
45w Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.1 x 2.3 inches

rk25123 · Jan 17, 2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

Yes, they're basically the same size and weight. If there's any small difference in weight or size, you wouldn't be able to discern it.

Not true:

85w Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.1 x 2.5 inches
45w Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.1 x 2.3 inches

Good, so the only logical thing to do is to get the 85W!
Thank you for the help!

GGJstudios · Jan 17, 2013, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk25123

Good, so the only logical thing to do is to get the 85W!
Thank you for the help!

If you only plan to use it with your MBA, it's better to get the adapter that's designed for it. While it's not harmful to use a higher wattage adapter, it's recommended to use the one that's made for your model.

Quote:

Although you should always use the proper wattage adapter for your Apple notebook, you can use an adapter of a higher wattage without issue.

paulrbeers · Jan 17, 2013, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

Yes, they're basically the same size and weight. If there's any small difference in weight or size, you wouldn't be able to discern it.

Not true:

85w Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.1 x 2.5 inches
45w Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.1 x 2.3 inches

That's the size of the boxes....

I can tell you that my 85 Watt for my 2011 Macbook Pro is much larger than the one for my 2011 Macbook Air. The 85 watt adapter is at least twice as large.

GGJstudios · Jan 17, 2013, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulrbeers

That's the size of the boxes....

I can tell you that my 85 Watt for my 2011 Macbook Pro is much larger than the one for my 2011 Macbook Air. The 85 watt adapter is at least twice as large.

You're right, I got the box size instead of the adapter size, but I don't recall there being any noticeable size difference.

My 85w is roughly 3⅛"x3⅛"x1⅛"

Brian Y · Jan 17, 2013, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

Yes, they're basically the same size and weight. If there's any small difference in weight or size, you wouldn't be able to discern it.

Not true:

85w Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.1 x 2.5 inches
45w Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.1 x 2.3 inches

Those are the box dimensions. Your magsafe adapter is not 7 inches long!

The 45w is 2.5" x 2.5" x 1.25", and is 190g including the duck head.
The 85w is 3.25" x 3.25" x 1.25" and is 300g including the duck head.

30% bigger, 58% heavier. If you have no real reason to buy the 85 - get the 45. It's a noticeable difference (1/4 lb) and its more expensive.

marioman38 · Jan 17, 2013, 03:36 PM

My brother has a 15" 2011 MBP, and his charger is MUCH bigger and heavier than my 2011 MBA

Mrbobb · Jan 17, 2013, 04:28 PM

"Size" is so subjective.

. But there ain't no way am lugging an 85w with me when I knows the smaller plug exists.

But back to ur REAL prob. I would pursue that connector throughly. Not making good contact am thinking.

ybz90 · Jan 17, 2013, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

There is no harm in using a more powerful MagSafe adapter.

Intel-Based Apple notebooks: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord

The link below should answer most, if not all, of your battery/charging questions. If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend you take the time to read it.

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ

They're the same size.

They're very different in weight, and somewhat in size, but neither are what I'd consider even remotely heavy. In fact, the 85W is more like normal, and the 45W borders on absurdly small.

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Y

Those are the box dimensions. Your magsafe adapter is not 7 inches long!

The 45w is 2.5" x 2.5" x 1.25", and is 190g including the duck head.
The 85w is 3.25" x 3.25" x 1.25" and is 300g including the duck head.

30% bigger, 58% heavier. If you have no real reason to buy the 85 - get the 45. It's a noticeable difference (1/4 lb) and its more expensive.

Percentage-wise it seems big, but in absolute terms, it's a fairly small difference. Both are pretty tiny adapters. But I agree, don't get the 85W if you don't need to, even if on the basis of price alone.

Mrbobb · Jan 17, 2013, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ybz90

the 45W borders on absurdly small.

The ridiculous one is the iPhone's. Is so small at first glance u wonder if they didn't make a mistake.

kohlson · Jan 17, 2013, 07:11 PM

We have 13-MBP, 15-MBP, and 13-MBAs at our house. The chargers for the MBAs are easily discernible from the MBP15 -- somewhat smaller in the former case. Not a real big deal, but the MBA chargers could easily slip into a padded sleeve next to the MBA, while the larger one may not be as food of a travelling companion.

They work well, though. So much so that my daughter took the "wrong" one with her to school. As she said, it charges the Air much faster.

hfg · Jan 17, 2013, 08:15 PM

You can often find reasonably priced replacement Apple chargers at OWC.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/MB283LLA/

$55-used? (I have a couple and they looked brand new)

throAU · Jan 17, 2013, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

They're the same size.

No they aren't.

I've had both 85w and the smaller 45w MBA 11" charger in the house and they are most certainly NOT the same size. They're similar size, but compare side by side, and they just aren't.

The 85w charger will work fine however and it will charge your machine quicker. It is safe though as the charger will regulate it's output to prevent damaging your battery.

cjgonzales1900 · Jan 18, 2013, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk25123

My Air's charger works only when it wants to and totally randomly, and since it's out of warranty I have to buy a new one. I read somewhere that Mac chargers auto-detect which laptop model you're connecting and regulate the Watts accordingly, so I was wondering, since they all cost the same, if it was better to get the 85W charger instead of the 45W that comes with the Air. Are there any downsides? Is it bigger?

Thanks for the help!

I work at a local computer repair shop. We got a free 85W Mag Safe and I have been using it for over a Year. Have not had any problems. I even asked apple just to be on the safe side and make sure not warranty would be void or anything. They said the charger will automatically change to the lower Watts when I connect the air. I use a 2011 MacBook Air.

rk25123 · Jan 18, 2013, 10:30 AM

Thank you all for the infos/suggestions!
I'll try again to clean the connector, but I haven't got much hope...
I thing I'll go for the 45W (79€/105$, urgh!), less compatible but much nicer for traveling!

hfg · Jan 18, 2013, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk25123

Thank you all for the infos/suggestions!
I'll try again to clean the connector, but I haven't got much hope...
I thing I'll go for the 45W (79€/105$, urgh!), less compatible but much nicer for traveling!

Be sure to clean both sides (cable and computer) of the power connector

BeeJee · Jan 18, 2013, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk25123

Thank you all for the infos/suggestions!
I'll try again to clean the connector, but I haven't got much hope...
I thing I'll go for the 45W (79€/105$, urgh!), less compatible but much nicer for traveling!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001VAAJ5E/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1358530134&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

rk25123 · Jan 18, 2013, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeeJee

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001VAAJ5E/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1358530134&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

That would be a great deal, but unfortunately they won't ship to Italy!

bniu · Jan 18, 2013, 12:03 PM

I've got several MBP/MBA models that I use at work, so I just leave a 85W magsafe 1 version permanently plugged into my workspace and use a magsafe 2 adapter for my air. It's great having the flexibility that that adapter provides.

I've also got the same one plugged into a bedside stand at home. No need to worry about which macbook I have, they all work with the adapter.

Jan 17, 2013, 01:08 PM	#1
rk25123 macrumors member Join Date: Aug 2010	Charging Air with 85W charger? My Air's charger works only when it wants to and totally randomly, and since it's out of warranty I have to buy a new one. I read somewhere that Mac chargers auto-detect which laptop model you're connecting and regulate the Watts accordingly, so I was wondering, since they all cost the same, if it was better to get the 85W charger instead of the 45W that comes with the Air. Are there any downsides? Is it bigger? Thanks for the help!
	0

Jan 17, 2013, 03:36 PM	#13
marioman38 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle.Wa	My brother has a 15" 2011 MBP, and his charger is MUCH bigger and heavier than my 2011 MBA __________________ Mac: 2011 Air 13" i5 1.7 256gb Desktop: XPS 8500 i7 3.4ghz 8GB RAM, 5TB HD iPhone: 5 Slate 16GB (AT&T)
	0

Jan 18, 2013, 12:03 PM	#25
bniu macrumors 6502a Join Date: Mar 2010	I've got several MBP/MBA models that I use at work, so I just leave a 85W magsafe 1 version permanently plugged into my workspace and use a magsafe 2 adapter for my air. It's great having the flexibility that that adapter provides. I've also got the same one plugged into a bedside stand at home. No need to worry about which macbook I have, they all work with the adapter. __________________ Macbook Pro 17" 2011 2.3ghz i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB Crucial M4 SSD, Glossy, Apple Thunderbolt Display iPhone 5 64GB White AT&T, iPad 4 64GB White AT&T iPod classic 160GB, iPod nano 6th gen 8GB
	0

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Jan 17, 2013, 04:28 PM	#14
Mrbobb macrumors 68020 Join Date: Aug 2012	"Size" is so subjective. . But there ain't no way am lugging an 85w with me when I knows the smaller plug exists. But back to ur REAL prob. I would pursue that connector throughly. Not making good contact am thinking.
	0

Jan 17, 2013, 07:11 PM	#17
kohlson macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2010	We have 13-MBP, 15-MBP, and 13-MBAs at our house. The chargers for the MBAs are easily discernible from the MBP15 -- somewhat smaller in the former case. Not a real big deal, but the MBA chargers could easily slip into a padded sleeve next to the MBA, while the larger one may not be as food of a travelling companion. They work well, though. So much so that my daughter took the "wrong" one with her to school. As she said, it charges the Air much faster.
	0

Jan 17, 2013, 08:15 PM	#18
hfg macrumors 68000 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA.	You can often find reasonably priced replacement Apple chargers at OWC. http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/MB283LLA/ $55-used? (I have a couple and they looked brand new)
	0

Jan 18, 2013, 10:30 AM	#21
rk25123 Thread Starter macrumors member Join Date: Aug 2010	Thank you all for the infos/suggestions! I'll try again to clean the connector, but I haven't got much hope... I thing I'll go for the 45W (79€/105$, urgh!), less compatible but much nicer for traveling!
	0