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Alternative charger rMB

J

Jades

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 15, 2012
317
51
Has anyone found an alternative charger for the rMB yet - one that works well? Perhaps the google USB-C charger?

Definitely in need of one, but don't want to spend $80
 
Jades said:
Has anyone found an alternative charger for the rMB yet - one that works well? Perhaps the google USB-C charger?

Definitely in need of one, but don't want to spend $80
Click to expand...

Check the Google store the chrome book accessory section as a comparable 60w charger
 
 
Nothing exists yet, except the Google one, which I would not want to use over the Apple charger.
 
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I don't care about the Google one not having a detachable cable. Has anyone used the Google one and confirmed it works?

My only issue with the Google one is the wattage difference, but then again I feel like it's no different than using one of those 65w MB Pro chargers on a MacBook Air that initially came with a 45w. I guess I just want to be 100% positive
 
Last edited:
Jades said:
I don't care about the Google one not having a detachable cable. Has anyone used the Google one and confirmed it works?

My only issue with the Google one is the wattage difference, but then again I feel like it's no different than using one of those 65w MB Pro chargers on a MacBook aid that initially came with a 45w. I guess I just want to be 100% positive
Click to expand...


For my first post, I can ensure you on this point, you can safely use a 65W charger on a 30W device. It's even better for the charger as you don't load it full, it may last longer.

Just to be full set on this question, the magsafe charger and USB chargers are based on a communication schema:
When you plug it, you have a 5V with basically no power, just enough to communicate with the device and start a discussion:

If the Charger is more powerful than necessary:
Hi Device, I'm a 85W charger, how many watts do you want?
Hi Charger, I'm a macbook air, 45W will be enough for me, thanks!
Then the Charger calibrate the voltage to what is needed (from 5V to 14.5V in case of USB-C) and the device starts drawning the power he asked for.

If the Charger is not powerful enough:
Hi Device, I'm a 45W charger, how many watts do you want?
Hi Charger, I'm a macbook pro, 85W will be nice for me, but as you can deliver only 45, lets go for 45!
Then the Charger calibrate the voltage to what is needed (same as before) and the device starts drawning the power he can get.

Edit: this is true for smart chargers and USB chargers, don't try this with old chargers. If you try to charge a 85W laptop with non smart 45W charger, the charger will not last long :)
But if the voltage is similar, a more powerfull charger can be safely used on a device.
 
Jades said:
I don't care about the Google one not having a detachable cable. Has anyone used the Google one and confirmed it works?

My only issue with the Google one is the wattage difference, but then again I feel like it's no different than using one of those 65w MB Pro chargers on a MacBook aid that initially came with a 45w. I guess I just want to be 100% positive
Click to expand...

It'll work. No confirming needed. But the real question is why would you use it? Are you looking to pick up a 2nd charger? Because just the fact that it's a larger charger would steer me away from it. I love how small the Apple one is.
 
tutux said:
For my first post, I can ensure you on this point, you can safely use a 65W charger on a 30W device. It's even better for the charger as you don't load it full, it may last longer.

Just to be full set on this question, the magsafe charger and USB chargers are based on a communication schema:
When you plug it, you have a 5V with basically no power, just enough to communicate with the device and start a discussion:

If the Charger is more powerful than necessary:
Hi Device, I'm a 85W charger, how many watts do you want?
Hi Charger, I'm a macbook air, 45W will be enough for me, thanks!
Then the Charger calibrate the voltage to what is needed (from 5V to 14.5V in case of USB-C) and the device starts drawning the power he asked for.

If the Charger is not powerful enough:
Hi Device, I'm a 45W charger, how many watts do you want?
Hi Charger, I'm a macbook pro, 85W will be nice for me, but as you can deliver only 45, lets go for 45!
Then the Charger calibrate the voltage to what is needed (same as before) and the device starts drawning the power he can get.

Edit: this is true for smart chargers and USB chargers, don't try this with old chargers. If you try to charge a 85W laptop with non smart 45W charger, the charger will not last long :)
But if the voltage is similar, a more powerfull charger can be safely used on a device.
Click to expand...

Thanks good explanation, better than mine.
Natural that friends think its like attaching a fire hose to a sprinkler
I tell them, think suck not blow.
Provided the voltage is correct the device will suck the required power.
Same reason why a 100w lightbulb doesn't suck 44,000 watts (i have 200 amps at 220 from the street).
And why I use the 12W iPad charger for my iPhone.
 
PDFierro said:
It'll work. No confirming needed. But the real question is why would you use it? Are you looking to pick up a 2nd charger? Because just the fact that it's a larger charger would steer me away from it. I love how small the Apple one is.
Click to expand...

The other real question is - is $20 cost difference ($60 for Google vs $80 for Apple charger+cable) really worth it?

I'd also rather have a detachable USB-C cable, which I get with Apple's solution.
 
The length of the lead on the Google charger may also be a plus point for some:

Quote: "Cord extends up to 12 feet from the outlet, so you can comfortably use your device while it’s charging."
 
jashworth03 said:
I tried a combination of:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QFVRV1O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S8GU544/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was trying to match the charging watts of the Apple charger. I'm not going to say it didn't work, but it charged 2% in 45 minutes with the lid closed and the Macbook "sleeping".

I returned the power brick and am shopping around to see if i can find another USB quick charge option...
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if it will work but if it does, it would be much better for you to consider.

http://www.amazon.com/Charger-Adapt...ie=UTF8&qid=1430821527&sr=8-32&keywords=anker
 
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Ahboyd said:
I'm not sure if it will work but if it does, it would be much better for you to consider.

http://www.amazon.com/Charger-Adapt...ie=UTF8&qid=1430821527&sr=8-32&keywords=anker
Click to expand...
No it wont / will be ultra slow.

This anker adapter can deliver up to 36w if more than 3 usb are fully loaded. 5v by 2.4 amps will be the max you can get from it. It's less than half what you can get from a usb c charger which can go from 5 to 20v with up to 5amps -100w.

What macbook needs is 14.5v by 2 amps.
Before usb c charger we will never find a proper solution as it's part of the new standard...
 
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