Power bank for older MacBook Pro - USB Confusion

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Level 1

4 points

Power bank for older MacBook Pro - USB Confusion

Hello,

I have a MacBook Pro Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014. Also a new iPad mini 5 and an iPhone SE. I’m trying to find a power pack that will help me charge all three if the power goes out this summer. Here in California that’s a high likelihood with the fires we’ve had.

My older model MacBook Pro has USB 3 ports, and all of the power packs that I am looking at online use the new USB-C protocol. I am afraid of frying my devices. Can anyone guide me to the right place for me to figure this out? I’ve read many reviews and some articles, and it is just really confusing me.

Many thanks, Cari

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.14

Posted on Jul 9, 2019 12:19 PM

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Answer 1

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Jul 9, 2019 1:38 PM in response to cariscribe

Your MacBook Pro Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014 is not compatible with a USB charger. It only has 2 USB ports but they can not be used to charge it.

It uses the MagSafe 2 charger. You will need to get something with an AC outlet that you can plug that charger into to charger your MacBook Pro.

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Answer 2

cariscribe Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 9, 2019 4:46 PM in response to Duane

Thank you, Duane. This does make it simpler. I will look for a backup battery for my mobile devices and leave the laptop charging question out of the equation. Looks like I would need a beast of a battery to charge the MacBook Pro, but the portable batteries for the smaller devices are much lighter and more affordable. I appreciate you taking the time to clear this up for me.

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Power bank for older MacBook Pro - USB Confusion

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