MBP 16" M4 – Apple 140W USB-C Power Adapter - alternatives?

[sparkie7]

Looking at getting a power adapter and magSafe 3 cable set to leave at the office so I don't have to carry it back and forth

Are there better alternative to Apple's in terms of size, additional features, better price, without losing reliability etc..

Below are the links to AUS adapter and cable as reference...

140W USB-C Power Adapter

USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2 m) — Space Black

 

[PotentPeas]

You can use any USB-C power adapter, you don't have to use an Apple one. Companies like Anker make them much cheaper. ...You don't even need a full 140W, that's basically only required if you want to "fast charge" the battery *while also* running a heavy compute load.

You can plug into the a USB-C port on the system to charge. M4 systems will accept the full 140W over USB-C. But if you want to use the MagSafe to keep your USB-C ports open, there are also USB-C → MagSafe cables and adapters available at sites like Amazon. (Quality varies; check reviews.) I'm using a right-angle adapter because I like to have the cord directed "backwards" rather than "straight out" from the system.

 

[sparkie7]

Thanks. I found this one, but not enough reviews yet to establish how good it is. I like the included travel adapters though..

ZYRON 140W USB-C GaN 5 Fast Charger with Universal Travel Adapters (AU/US/EU/UK)

STOUCHI 140W USB C Mag-Safe 3 Cable USB Type C to Mag Safe 3 Charging Cable

This Anker one looks compact, only 100W, but looks good..

Anker Prime USB C Charger, 100W USB C Fast Charger, 3 Ports GaN Compact

I'm using a right-angle adapter because I like to have the cord directed "backwards" rather than "straight out" from the system.

Do you have a link to it?

 

[PotentPeas]

Do you have a link to it?

Actually looked and I can't find it... I wonder if it is not for sale anymore.

It is by a no-name company "JSAUX", and it is similar to this -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLRM4T3R -- but what I have is just a right-angle adapter that you plug a USB-C cable into... but a full cable like this one is.

It is slightly flaky. Occasionally, I connect it and it doesn't "connect" (the light does not turn on and no power is flowing), and I have to unplug it and plug it in again to get it to go. I never have that trouble with the "real" Apple MagSafe cable. But other than that, I have no problem, it seems to deliver enough power for fast-charging and I do like it form a "cable management" perspective.

 

[raythompsontn]

Are there better alternative to Apple's in terms of size, additional features, better price, without losing reliability etc..

Anker has some really good power supplies. Truth be told a 67 watt supply would be more than adequate for work I suspect. Unless you are putting your machine under really heavy load, 95% or greater CPU for hours at a time, it does take that much power to run the MacBook and charge the batteries.

I have this power adapter from Anker and it works really well. It is small enough I take it with me when I am traveling.

 

[smirking]

You can use any USB-C power adapter, you don't have to use an Apple one. Companies like Anker make them much cheaper. ...You don't even need a full 140W, that's basically only required if you want to "fast charge" the battery *while also* running a heavy compute load.

If you have a Silicon chip Mac, this is the answer unless you're doing something that causes heavy battery drain.

When I travel, I sometimes only bring along a 30W or even a 20W charger. I'll do a lot of RAW photo editing when I'm away, but not enough to run down my entire battery. When I'm not charging my phone, I plug it into my laptop. It charges very slowly, but I can get by indefinitely like this without any issue.

 

[PotentPeas]

Agree with the above. I have a M2 Max 16" and I have been able to get by with a 30W while traveling, without any trouble at all. During "light use" it will still charge the battery (albeit slowly) while I use it.