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It's generally no problem using a higher rated power supply to power lower rated devices. (As long as the voltage and polarization is equal of course.)

With the MacBooks this means you can generally use MBP chargers for MBA and MBs but you may run into trouble vice versa.

For example using a MacBook Air power supply to run a MacBook Pro might not work. It will charge it (at a lower speed) but it won't be able to charge + run it at the same time for example.

And don't worry you might break it. The power supplies Apple produces are temperature and overload proof.
 
I have done both (run the MBA with MBP charger and run a MBP with a MBA charger). I have never had an issue.

I've been using my old MBA charger for years with my MBP because of its tiny size.... which is great for travel. It is capable of powering and charging at the same time; it just takes longer.
 
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Say does anyone know if the new MBA adapters are the same size as the old MBA adapters? I heard they were a bit smaller but both 45watts and both will work with the new mba models correct??
 
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No answer so far huh? Anyone know if the new MBA power adapter is the sam physical size as the old??
 
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No answer so far huh? Anyone know if the new MBA power adapter is the sam physical size as the old??

Physically the new adapter is a bit smaller however the specs are identical.
 
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Thanks James,

They're selling the old adapters at the apple store and I'd like to buy a smaller new one when they come out. Guess they have extra stock.
 
I was told that you shouldn't use a MBP power adapter on the lower models (13", and Airs) and that it will "hurt your battery in the long run"

No idea the validity behind that.
 
No idea the validity behind that.

I had the same question yesterday and everyone said it was fine. The applestore once told me no as well. Anyway, I was a bit annoyed at their attitude and what you said sparked something in my mind. The validity is they want you to just buy another MBA adapter!! Even though you don't need it!!!

Anyway, I found this from Apple...
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1713

Click down below in the link about proper wattage!!! :)

Mike
 
I had the same question yesterday and everyone said it was fine. The applestore once told me no as well. Anyway, I was a bit annoyed at their attitude and what you said sparked something in my mind. The validity is they want you to just buy another MBA adapter!! Even though you don't need it!!!

Anyway, I found this from Apple...
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1713

Click down below in the link about proper wattage!!! :)

Mike

Yup as we thought:

Select the appropriate power adapter for your Apple portable computer. You can use a higher wattage power adapter, but you cannot use one with less wattage without potential operating issues.
 
I use a MBA charger with my MBP. They accidentally gave me a MBA charger to replace my MBP charger and I didn't realize it until I got home and it worked fine.
 
It's generally no problem using a higher rated power supply to power lower rated devices. (As long as the voltage and polarization is equal of course.)

With the MacBooks this means you can generally use MBP chargers for MBA and MBs but you may run into trouble vice versa.

For example using a MacBook Air power supply to run a MacBook Pro might not work. It will charge it (at a lower speed) but it won't be able to charge + run it at the same time for example.

And don't worry you might break it. The power supplies Apple produces are temperature and overload proof.
That's right. Using a charger with lower output than an Apple device was designed to use causes unpredictable results. For example, the iPad charger has an output of 10 watts but it's possible to connect the iPad to a 5 watt USB connection on a computer, too. I have found that doing so sometimes works, albeit slowly, and sometimes doesn't work. Alternatively, I have routinely recharged my iPod Touch, which is designed for a 5 watt charger, with the iPad's 10 watt charger. That combination works like a dream.
 
I use a MBA charger with my MBP. They accidentally gave me a MBA charger to replace my MBP charger and I didn't realize it until I got home and it worked fine.

Its going to draw power slower! It's so annoying using the MBA charger on a MBP, charges sooo slow.
 
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