Need a reliable and inexpensive replacement 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012). Is there a safe alternative to the standard $80 price.

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Need a reliable and inexpensive replacement 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012). Is there a safe alternative to the standard $80 price.

I have bought four adapters for my MacBook Pro over the years, each time paying approximately $80. I am seeing cheaper alternatives on ebay and don't feel sufficiently knowledgeable to make a decision on reliability. I use this computer every day at a desk, in a coffee shop, etc., and inevitability it begins to splinter and shred. I'm hoping there is a reliable and inexpensive duplicate to be found.

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.13

Posted on Nov 21, 2019 10:59 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

68,684 points

Nov 23, 2019 3:45 PM in response to quiet_whistle

Stay away from cheap third party chargers as they could be dangerous. It is best to stay with an official Apple charger. Apple's power adapters are packed with many safety features to protect both you and the laptop. If you are spending $1,000+ on a laptop you do not want to destroy your laptop or other property to save a few dollars. Hold the magsafe connector when disconnecting the adapter and do not bend the cord sharply at the magsafe end or at the brick. I grant you that the cords on the Apple chargers are not the best nor do they wrap around the brackets very well for storage/transport, but I would not risk anything else. I would suggest to gently coiling up the cord and tie it with a velcro tie when transporting the charger.

The OWC power adapters @BobTheFisherman mentions should be fine since OWC is a reputable vendor specializing in Apple products.

See this article which shows some of the differences between an official Apple charger and a third party/fake charger (see the link within for the original technical article written by a Google engineer):

https://lifehacker.com/dont-replace-your-macbook-charger-with-a-cheap-knockoff-1825605569

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Answer 2

Nov 23, 2019 3:55 PM in response to quiet_whistle

Find the right power adapter and cable for your Mac notebook ...

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/MD565LLA/

http://www.macbookadapter.com/60w-genuine-apple-macbook-magsafe-ac-power-adapter

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Answer 3

Nov 23, 2019 9:14 PM in response to HWTech

Thank you for your very detailed and informed explanation. I had read enough to know of the dangers in buying a "cheap third party" charger, but had hoped that Apple might have rendered a solution for this problem.

I am extremely careful and seriously mindful of the hazards involved in packing and transporting the computer, but have come to realize the futility of this arrangement. I'm thinking it would probably make more sense to buy an IPad when I'm on the move and keep the computer stationary at home.

I do appreciate the wisdom of the answers I've been receiving here and am heartened that they are uniform in opinion. That says a great deal about the character and integrity of this community. Thank you all. I will follow the recommendation on the OWC.

After I replace the adapter, I may come back for some needed advice on an IPad and a computer upgrade.

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Answer 4

Nov 23, 2019 8:37 PM in response to leroydouglas

Thank you so much. This was not only helpful, but informative.

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Answer 5

Nov 22, 2019 7:30 AM in response to quiet_whistle

I get mine from OWC.

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Need a reliable and inexpensive replacement 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012). Is there a safe alternative to the standard $80 price.

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