PB adapter on MB?

Question

Level 1

103 points

PB adapter on MB?

I have several extra PowerBook adapters purchased so that I could use my PB in different places (media room, home office, work office) so that I would not have to unplug the adapter and bring it with me wherever I went. Now that I have a new MacBook, I have two extra PB adapters that have the standard RCA plug rather than the new Magsafe.

Anyone know of a product that will adapt the old PB connector to the new magsafe? Apple doesn't have one listed on its site. This would be some kind of female RCA -> Magsafe adapter.

G5 2x1.8 & MacBook C2D Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Dec 23, 2006 4:59 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Dec 23, 2006 5:07 PM in response to Beeblebrox

Hi Beeblebrox,

Such a product is not possible. Apple holds patents on the Magsafe connector which would stop third parties from making one, and the Magsafe PSU's output two voltages, while the old ones only do one each.

I suggest selling your extra adaptors on eBay and using the profits to buy more magsafe ones.

Reply

Answer 2

Dec 23, 2006 5:12 PM in response to Beeblebrox

Hi Beeblebrox:

Not too sure it would work, the voltages may be different, as may the current demands, you could compare the specs on the two adapters.

-Robert

Reply

Answer 3

Beeblebrox Author

Level 1

103 points

Dec 23, 2006 5:26 PM in response to Robert Edison

Hi Robert,

It turns out that the Powerbook adapters are actually a bit more stout than the one that comes with the MacBook. The PB adapter is a 65Watt while the MB adapter is a 60Watt. The connector on the end of the hard-wired cord is the only significant difference between the two other than the 5 watts (and the variable output - which I am not sure would be a hindrance or not).

I may end up having to build my own interface between the two. Rather not though!

Reply

Answer 4

Dec 23, 2006 5:54 PM in response to Beeblebrox

The only difference? You should look a bit closer 🙂

Magsafe power adaptors output both 18.5V and 16.5V, over the different pins, while the older ones output 24.5V

Reply

Answer 5

Dec 23, 2006 6:12 PM in response to Beeblebrox

My 17' PB adapter is output is 24.5 V and the MacBook is 18.5/16.5 V. I'm not surprised the MacBook is less wattage, as the intel chips probably draw less power, (than the ol'G4) . Anyway good luck, I doubt that there will be an adapter for the RCA/Magsafe conversion.

-Robert

Reply

Answer 6

Beeblebrox Author

Level 1

103 points

Dec 23, 2006 6:33 PM in response to Alex Dawson

Hi Alex,

Unfortunately, the PB adapter I have at home right now only has the wattage marking on it (the voltage output specs were marred and thus unreadable). Thanks for the info that the voltages are different.

Reply