I recently purchased a 2010 entry level Macbook Pro and could go on forever about the things I love about it. The magnet in the mag-safe ac adapter, however, is far too strong. Although I would not subject my new notebook to a test to prove this, I highly doubt that if someone were to trip the cord while walking by, the adapter would tear away without pulling my notebook along with it as is intended. In addition, the mag-safe adapter is problematic even when attempting to plug into my computer for a charge. The strength of the magnet often latches uncleanly to the computer causing scratch marks to the aluminum around port. Given how anal I am about keeping my new Macbook Pro beautiful, this is an irritation. What do you guys think? to properly serve its purpose, should the magnet have less strength?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
mag-safe ac power adapter magnet is too strong!
- Thread starter stobin723
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
"Too strong" is subjective. I think the magnet strength is fine, but I don't like the new "L"-shaped connectors anyways.
subjectivity
It's not subjective..
If it doesn't cut away when tripped over and causes scratches to the aluminum when plugged in then it is not serving its purpose and is too strong...
..I'm not asking you to describe a sunset here lol.
It's not subjective..
If it doesn't cut away when tripped over and causes scratches to the aluminum when plugged in then it is not serving its purpose and is too strong...
..I'm not asking you to describe a sunset here lol.
My 2010 15" MBP MagSafe disconnects every time my dog trips over it.
If you grab the MagSafe and try to slowly tow your MBP across the table with it, it may not disconnect. But a sudden jarring from someone tripping over it is different, and it will disconnect. If yours doesn't, then you have a one-off manufacturing issue that AppleCare can help you with.
If the magnet had less strength, it'd disconnect more frequently for people that use them on their laps.
As for the scratches, yes, they'll happen. You'll also scratch near your mini-displayport/Firewire/USB ports every time that you're not 100% lined up when you go to plug one in.
If you grab the MagSafe and try to slowly tow your MBP across the table with it, it may not disconnect. But a sudden jarring from someone tripping over it is different, and it will disconnect. If yours doesn't, then you have a one-off manufacturing issue that AppleCare can help you with.
If the magnet had less strength, it'd disconnect more frequently for people that use them on their laps.
As for the scratches, yes, they'll happen. You'll also scratch near your mini-displayport/Firewire/USB ports every time that you're not 100% lined up when you go to plug one in.
Mine seems to disconnect fine. I don't think its that the magnet is too strong, I think that it doesn't come out properly because of its shape.
Mine also disconnects just fine, and I actually prefer the new adapter to the old one. The old adaptor was very flimsy.
I have to disagree with most people here and say actually, my magnet is WAY too strong. In fact, talk about tripless cord... My cat tripped my cord, and the magnet was so strong, it ripped the magnet right off of the cord and is now stuck in my computer. Not too strong? I'm not sure about that.
I have a 2010 15" MBP with the new style mag safe. It's marginal as I see it, but no computer is perfect.
If Apple didn't hype the hell out of evertything they build, consumers would have realistic expectations.
That aside, I really like my new MBP, it's the best out of the many Mac laptops I've owned.
If Apple didn't hype the hell out of evertything they build, consumers would have realistic expectations.
That aside, I really like my new MBP, it's the best out of the many Mac laptops I've owned.
It is TOO STRONG.
I plugged in mine to charge. I walked away and tripped over the cord which caused my computer to drop and dent right where the charger goes in. I think it gives my computer some character. However, it does not due what it is supposed to therefore I need to take it in.
I plugged in mine to charge. I walked away and tripped over the cord which caused my computer to drop and dent right where the charger goes in. I think it gives my computer some character. However, it does not due what it is supposed to therefore I need to take it in.
For me is perfect and not weak or too strong. This is by far the best invention ever for decades to come. I lost a Toshiba 17" when the laptop was accidentally bumped. This caused the connector not to function correctly ever since having it repaired x2.
The day I got my 17MBP, that mag plug paid off when one of my kids tripped the cable.
Again, the best creation ever and from Apple. Sooner or later, the rest of the manufacturer will follow.
The day I got my 17MBP, that mag plug paid off when one of my kids tripped the cable.
Again, the best creation ever and from Apple. Sooner or later, the rest of the manufacturer will follow.
OT: I think Microsoft actually came up with the base idea with the first gen Xbox controllers. They could easily break away preventing an Xtastrophy.
On topic: I have a 2006 Macbook with a magsafe and it's always disconnected fine when someone trips it. Much better than the normal round AC style.
- They would if it weren't for Apple's patent.
but that stupid patent only last years not lifetimes.