macbook 5.1 unibody power cable query

[alieshia]

Hi! I have a macbook according to the "about this mac" section it is a 5.1, its the one when they started making macbooks in metal (I remember this as it was a replacement to the plastic one I had which cracked horribly)

My power cable broke and I purchased a 60w magsafe as I was recommended but it will only power the thing but says "not charging" where the battery icon is and if you remove the cable the laptop goes straight off. Do I need the higher w cable?

The lady I spoke to on the phone at the local apple store said since it is a metal body it has to be a pro but I know when I bought it is wasn't a pro... thought I've heard rumour they rebranded the model not long after I got mine.

Ok so under all that waffle what I would really like to know is which power cable I need please? and If it's the one I have do you think it means mine battery has died too?

thanks so much, Ali x

 

[GGJstudios]

Hi! I have a macbook according to the "about this mac" section it is a 5.1, its the one when they started making macbooks in metal

It's the 13" aluminum MacBook, Late 2008, MacBook 5,1, Model number A1278, introduced October, 2008.
You can find specs on all Apple products with Mactracker.

Do I need the higher w cable?

No, the 60W MagSafe Power Adapter is the right one.

The lady I spoke to on the phone at the local apple store said since it is a metal body it has to be a pro

She's wrong.

My power cable broke and I purchased a 60w magsafe as I was recommended but it will only power the thing but says "not charging" where the battery icon is and if you remove the cable the laptop goes straight off.

See the CHARGING section in this FAQ, which should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions: Apple Notebook Battery FAQ

 

[DewGuy1999]

According to this Apple Doc apple: Intel-Based Apple Portables: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord--US), a 60-WATT adapter is what's needed for the MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008). I suppose it's possible the adapter is defective or maybe there's something in this Apple Doc that will help:

Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters