magsafe - for all macbooks?

[crizal]

hi, i was wondering if its possible to use a mafsafe adapter with all macbooks, macbook pros and macbook airs? my sister has a white macbook (last revision) and i have a mbp late 2010.. so if the answer is yes, then i wont take my magsafe to the vacation and instead use my sisters..

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Yes, you can use them on all Macs with MagSafe. Depending on the wattage, it might charge slower on higher wattage MBPs.

 

[Intell]

Yes, but the lower watt ones, 45 & 60, may not be able to power the bigger Macbook Pros. But the highest watt, 85, will safely power all Macbook/Pros.

 

[crizal]

but in the end, all the magsafe adapters are the same and standard, right?

except maybe the design? cause i have also seen some with different connector designs?

 

[GGJstudios]

but in the end, all the magsafe adapters are the same and standard, right?

No, some have higher output than others.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC461LL/A
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC556LL/B

 

[simsaladimbamba]

but in the end, all the magsafe adapters are the same and standard, right?

except maybe the design? cause i have also seen some with different connector designs?

It is the same design, just different wattage. 45W for the MBA, 60W for the 13" MB/P and 85W for the 15" and 17" MBP.
Some more visible information at the Apple Online Store: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/power?mco=MTM4MjU0OTk

 

[calderone]

Yes, you can use them on all Macs with MagSafe. Depending on the wattage, it might charge slower on higher wattage MBPs.

Not quite. Apple recommends that you do not use lower wattage power adapters on laptops that require higher wattage as it can cause problems with the SMC and the battery.

 

[edifyingGerbil]

I think Apple needs to release one with a wattage of 87 in order to keep up with the output of the 15" MBPs which apparently, when the GPU and CPU is under load, use more energy than they receive.

 

[Gav2k]

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Op your right there were two designs the original looked like a 'T' the new design is an 'L' but the actual connector hasn't changed.

Ideally you need to take the supply with the greatest wattage. If you take the lower wattage you will need to make sure your MacBook pro is powered off to charge it with any speed.

 

[crizal]

Not quite. Apple recommends that you do not use lower wattage power adapters on laptops that require higher wattage as it can cause problems with the SMC and the battery.

well, if its so, then it might be better to take the own adapter with.. its not that heavy either.. just wanted to know, thanks a lot..

 

[GGJstudios]

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

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

For instance If you have a MacBook (13-inch Late 2009) that normally uses a 60W adapter, you can also use an 85W adapter with that computer. You would not use a 45W adapter with that computer; it would not provide enough power for that MacBook. Using an adapter of higher wattage than the adapter that came with the computer will not cause the computer to charge more quickly or otherwise operate any differently than using the adapter that came with the computer.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Not quite. Apple recommends that you do not use lower wattage power adapters on laptops that require higher wattage as it can cause problems with the SMC and the battery.

Okay, but I used a 60W adapter with a 17" MBP successfully and haven't had any issues, but I used it the other way around more anyway.
Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[calderone]

Okay, but I used a 60W adapter with a 17" MBP successfully and haven't any issues, but I used it the other way around more anyway.
Thanks for pointing it out.

I didn't say it wouldn't work. Just that Apple doesn't recommend it and the potential negatives.

 

[kappaknight]

Lower wattage ones will work. However, if your MBP goes dead from the battery running out, the lower wattage one will not be able to kick start it - even if you charge it while the laptop is closed.