Can the MagSafe Airline adaptor work in cars?

Question

Level 1

9 points

Can the MagSafe Airline adaptor work in cars?

I've read through most posts to try to find the answer to this question, but can't figure it out. Can I use my MagSafe Airline cable to power (not charge) my MBP in my car? I know it says "airline" but I can't help to wonder if that is the only place it works, why does it come with an auto adapter???

Thanks!!!
Tom

MacBook Pro 15", Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Dec 27, 2006 3:02 PM

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Answer 1

danny'ss

Level 1

20 points

Dec 27, 2006 4:55 PM in response to twn2

Good question, I had the same today when I was at the Apple store. Their answer was not 100% clear. Looking at the supplied adapter, it would seem that it can connect to the 12v car connector.
They did tell me that it would not charge the battery and that maybe it should even be removed from the MBP whent using that adapter.

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Answer 2

Ethanee

Level 2

350 points

Dec 27, 2006 4:55 PM in response to twn2

The airline adapter uses an EmPower interface, which is different from the lighter power outlet in the car. I believe it looks like this:
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/peripher/6500687/6500687mvr4.shtml

Actually, I think it wouldn't be so hard to make an adapter to convert from lighter to EmPower, then use the airline adapter. But I've not seen this anywhere...

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Answer 3

danny'ss

Level 1

20 points

Dec 27, 2006 5:00 PM in response to twn2

True, but the Airline magsafe cord comes with a second adapter (plugs to the empower)that looks like it's made for the car's 12v connector.

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Answer 4

Ethanee

Level 2

350 points

Dec 27, 2006 6:37 PM in response to danny'ss

You're right! I missed that in the picture on the Apple online store. It looks like there isn't any transformer brick though. Does this mean that the 15V from the EmPower outlet is sent unchanged into the MBP? If so, does this mean that 12V from the car's outlet won't work? The output voltage from the magsafe power brick is 16V...

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Answer 5

HeyJP

Level 4

2,400 points

Dec 27, 2006 8:11 PM in response to twn2

If you look up the Magsafe Airline adapter in the online AppleStore, there are two special operating notes listed:

1) The adapter will power the computer but not recharge the built-in battery.
2) The adapter is NOT compatible with car cigarette lighter ports.

Darn. Too bad they couldn't do one design for both.

Jim

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Answer 6

danny'ss

Level 1

20 points

Dec 27, 2006 8:31 PM in response to HeyJP

But why supply a "car" adapter?
I doubt that the MBP would work properly with less than 15-16v. In a car, the voltage would be anywhere between 11v and 14.5v. I'm trying to find a solution to using my MBP in my sailboat. Typical voltage at the end of the day is around 13v. I usually have 14.3-14.5 during the day. Don't want to run through the inverter's 110v supply.

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Answer 7

davidlp

Level 1

10 points

Dec 27, 2006 8:45 PM in response to twn2

Before I bought the MBP, I was looking at a ibook and the sales rep (called the 800#) told me there were two adaptors, one being the airline adapter (mag safe), and the other being a 3rd party vendor product that would work in an auto and also could be used on an airline. I had a Targus adapter that would do both for my IBM work laptop. Perhaps a 3rd party supplier makes such an adapter.

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Answer 8

HeyJP

Level 4

2,400 points

Dec 27, 2006 8:54 PM in response to davidlp

A good 3rd party car adapter does a step-up from 12v to a higher voltage anyway and then does severe spike suppression. Car power is notoriously badly regulated with huge spikes when headlights, airconditioners, etc cut in and cut out. So you need a high quality adapter from a car.

Jim

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Answer 9

danny'ss

Level 1

20 points

Dec 28, 2006 4:22 AM in response to HeyJP

Kensington makes an adapter/charger. It's being discussed in another thread.

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Answer 10

davidlp

Level 1

10 points

Dec 28, 2006 5:26 AM in response to danny'ss

thanks, and thats the brand the 1-800 store rep gave me. If I recall it was only about $10 more than the standard, non-auto friendly adapter. Happy New Year.

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Answer 11

Red Dwarf

Level 6

14,950 points

Dec 28, 2006 6:24 AM in response to danny'ss

I'm trying to find a solution to using my MBP in my sailboat.

What you (and others in this thread) need is an Inverter. This is one example.

A quick Google search will yield further results enabling you to shop around.

RD

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Answer 12

photogFG

Level 1

32 points

Dec 28, 2006 6:55 AM in response to davidlp

I bought one of these AC/DC conversions from the original magsafe plug and brick and it works really well... would suggest looking at these.

http://mikegyver.com/ideas/airline-car/index.html

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Answer 13

twn2 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 28, 2006 2:26 PM in response to twn2

So, I guess it won't work in my truck then....right? I understand the 4-port thingy is for a plane, I use it all the time in planes, but I've never seen a plane with a 20mm adapter. United, AA, Lufthansa, Virigin, BA, BMI, Delta, and others that I have flown on all have the empower (I guess that's the name for the 4-port thingy) in business and first class. Has anyone seen a auto adapter type port in a plane?

I'm going down and buying an APC 150w converter ( http://www.compusa.com/products/productinfo.asp?pfp=cat3&product_code=338009&Pn=150_watt_DC_to_AC_Inverter_with_AirlineAdapter). Not happy about it, but I don't think I have any other option.

MacBook Pro 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)

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Answer 14

Dan08

Level 1

20 points

Dec 28, 2006 5:45 PM in response to twn2

I bought one of the apple magsafe airline adapters and it works great with the supplied car adaptor, in a car. It didn't charge the battery (I didn't expect it to) but it did power my MacBook Pro.

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Answer 15

Willett58

Level 2

220 points

Dec 29, 2006 1:21 PM in response to Dan08

I use the inverter, simple, clean power, plus surge protection. Take care.

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