Resolved M3 15" MacBook Air - Mystery vibrations when touching area to the right of the track pad

[djc6]

My wife got a 15" M3 MacBook Air 2TB/24GB. We both noticed some vibration like sensations when touching the large area to the right of the track pad. What is this? Is it some haptic thing you can turn off?

Its still running migration assistant - her old laptop is in target disk mode, so I haven't been able to check out the settings.

 

[chrfr]

My wife got a 15" M3 MacBook Air 2TB/24GB. We both noticed some vibration like sensations when touching the large area to the right of the track pad. What is this? Is it some haptic thing you can turn off?

Its still running migration assistant - her old laptop is in target disk mode, so I haven't been able to check out the settings.

Does that sensation go away if the laptop is unplugged? If so it’s a very small electrical current which can be eliminated by using the Apple extension cable for the charger which includes a grounding wire. If you’re in the US, it’s this one: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK122LL/A/power-adapter-extension-cable

 

[djc6]

Does that sensation go away if the laptop is unplugged? If so it’s a very small electrical current which can be eliminated by using the Apple extension cable for the charger which includes a grounding wire.

You are right! I had the MacBook Air plugged in since its still running migration assistant. Unplugging it makes the 'vibrations' go away. The old laptop we're replacing came with the Apple extension cable - using it on the new laptop also resolved the issue.

I'm glad we went with the build-to-order 70W adapter option - it doesn't seem the 35W version is compatible with the Apple extension cord.

Surprised the new laptop didn't come with this cable so you can have a grounded power source!

 

[chrfr]

Surprised the new laptop didn't come with this cable so you can have a grounded power source!

Unfortunately Apple stopped including those quite a few years ago now. The tingle you feel isn’t dangerous but I do find it annoying.

 

[djc6]

Unfortunately Apple stopped including those quite a few years ago now. The tingle you feel isn’t dangerous but I do find it annoying.

I was more concerned about damaging the new laptop! I don’t know enough about the electromagnetic force to know if what was happening was bad for electronics inside. Thanks again!

 

[praetorian909]

I'm glad we went with the build-to-order 70W adapter option - it doesn't seem the 35W version is compatible with the Apple extension cord.

Surprised the new laptop didn't come with this cable so you can have a grounded power source!

Just wanted to let you know you can get the 35W dual charger and use the grounded extension cable.

With these new  M chip laptops, I mostly use it unplugged and occasionally charge (standby time is also amazing). Basically the reverse of how I used any previous laptop. Quite a paradigm shift for me.

35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter

35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter

The 35W Dual USB‑C Port Power Adapter allows you to charge two devices at the same time, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go. Apple recommends using it with MacBook Air. You can also use it with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

store.apple.com

 

[djc6]

I wonder why they don't offer that as an option when ordering the laptop - my only options were this "compact" one that can't use the extension cord, or the 70W that can:

35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter

The 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter allows you to charge two devices at the same time, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go. The compact size and folding prongs make it easy to pack and store. Apple recommends using it with MacBook Air. You can also use it with iPhone...

www.apple.com

So I'd have to buy that other adapter separately.

 

[djc6]

I borrowed a Klein RT250 receptacle tester, and it says the outlet is fine and properly grounded.

Has anyone tried this grounded "duckhead" adapter so I don't need the bulky 6ft cord?

Grounded Duckhead for Apple Mac - No Tingling or Buzzing! - AC Wall Adapter Plug Duck Head 3-pin US Charger for MacBook/iPhone/iPod AC Power Adapter with Ground Prong - Won't Slip from Outlet

The only 3-prong grounded "Duck Head" adapter for Apple power supplies on the market. Compatible with MacBook and iPad chargers with removable duck head. This is the only duck head on the market that fully grounds your computer. This means that the case of your MacBook will be fully connected to ...

www.amazon.com

I was a little concerned about 3.9 stars, but all the negative reviews seem to be about two adapters in the photo and only receiving one. I think the photo is trying to show different angles of the adapter.

 

[chrfr]

Has anyone tried this grounded "duckhead" adapter so I don't need the bulky 6ft cord?

There's no reason it wouldn't work fine although not being able to fold in the prongs would annoy me when traveling. There are no electronics in those adapters- each pin just passes through to the actual adapter. I personally just coil up the 6' cord with some velcro, that way it works for me when home or traveling.