Is there a 12-volt adapter that works with macbook pro?

Question

Is there a 12-volt adapter that works with macbook pro?

I have a 15" MacBook Pro and need a 12-volt adapter. First I checked Apple's store and did not find a 12-volt adapter. I used Juice70 from iGo for my Dell laptop so I called them to purchase a connection adapter for the MacBook Pro and was told that Apple hasn't shared the magnetic power connection technology with them and so they cannot provide an adapter for my computer. Any ideas for a resolution to my problem would be appreciated. FYI, I have registered a request with support for Apple to market a 12-volt adapter.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on May 24, 2011 12:54 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 4, 2017 9:58 AM in response to maryfromheber

I think you misread 12 volts as 12 watts. He is looking to charge the MacBook, from a car battery.

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Answer 2

Poikkeus

Level 4

2,786 points

May 24, 2011 1:12 PM in response to maryfromheber

The reason why the 12 watt adapter isn't available from Apple is because their 85w adapter is recommended for 15 and 17" models. However, one vendor is selling 12 volt adapters for selected MBP's up to the current generation.

http://macbookadapter.com/60wcompare.html?gclid=CL-Mr8uygakCFQkLbAod6hIcSw

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Answer 3

May 24, 2011 2:33 PM in response to Poikkeus

I'm a little confused. In reference to your first sentence, I'm talking about a 12 volt adapter that plugs into a cigarette lighter and the adapter on the other end that plugs into the computer. I went to your link and it shows an adapter that plugs into a two-prong socket.

I did find another entry in the support community with the following:

"At Wal-Mart, there's a 100 watt inverter for $19.93. Just plug the Mac transformer into it, route your cables out of the way and you are done.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4891078

Item Description

Great for use with laptops, cellphones, and other mobile electronics, Whistler's 100-watt power inverter provides convenience on the road by converting 12-volt DC power to 110-volt AC power. Offers 100 watt continuous power, and a maximum surge capacity of 200 watts.10 amp power requirement.

MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.6) G4 Tower, Atari ST with Mac Plus emulator"

Does anyone know if this adapter works with MacBook Pro. It looks like it might be what I need.

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Answer 4

May 24, 2011 2:37 PM in response to maryfromheber

Now I see on Walmart's website that the Whistler 100-W is no longer available. Any other suggestions?

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Answer 5

ds store

Level 7

30,855 points

May 24, 2011 3:08 PM in response to maryfromheber

Problem is most vehicles can't supply enough power to charge a MacBook Pro battery, not without placing a generator in the engine compartment someplace like police cars and campers have.

Apple provides the MagSafe Airline Adapter but it's designed for 15V, not the 12V of vehicles, then it's only to keep the battery from discharging on airplanes, it won't charge it.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB441Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDEwMQ&mco=MTA4NDE2Mjc

"It's designed for 15V DC that you find on airplanes. If you are the DIY type, you can make your own 15V DC automotive socket by using an automotive universal laptop supply to step up the car's 12V to 15V"

I found this online:

http://www.365laptop.us/product_info.php?language=en&currency=USD&products_id=10 64

Notice the device says:

"Input: 11-14V DC 8Amp MAX " - Cars are 12V DC.

Output: -DC 15V.... the same as the Airline Adapter

Looks like one needs to cut and splice the two parts/wires one needs together. 🙂

This 12V to 15V conversion is a lot better/streamlined than trying to upconvert 12V DC to a whopping 120 AC and then your Mac's power brick is downconverting 120AC to what it needs in DC to try to charge the battery which the vehicle can't supply the wattage for anyway.

Apple has a patent on the MagSafe adapter, they don't provide a 12V to 15V converter + MagSafe adaptor for the car. It would be nice if they did though. 🙂

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Answer 6

Mar 4, 2013 6:37 PM in response to ds store

"Problem is most vehicles can't supply enough power to charge a MacBook Pro battery, not without placing a generator in the engine compartment someplace like police cars and campers have."

This is simply not true. I use a 300 watt inverter in a car to power and charge my 15 inch macbook pro. Further more I use a marine batter and a 300 watt inverter to charge it at home because I have no conventional electrical supply.

I think the solution is just to run the macbook off of an inverter. Even though the power us is highly inefficient.

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Answer 7

Mar 4, 2013 6:40 PM in response to woodchopperak

It is more effecient to run your appliances off of DC because there is no loss of power from the conversion from DC to AC then back to DC.

Also your cars' engine is effectively a generator (it has an alternator on it) so simply using an inverter through your cigaretter lighter should do the trick.

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