Correct charger for iBook Clamshell?

Hi,

Generally speaking, before connecting any power adapter to a computer (or another device), it is always a good idea to look for information on labels. To begin with, the power adapter in your first picture has a text indicating that the output is 24V (regulated DC) and the current is 1.875A. That is the same as 45W power. The technical specifications (iBook - Technical Specifications) for at least the earlier iBook Clamshell models (is your computer one of those?) tells you that the power is 45W. The later Clamshell models (iBook FireWire) may require more power. Do you have a label on the computer confirming the voltage and current?

The second question is the plug, since there were two sizes. Does the plug fit the connector in the computer?

If the power rating in W (that is, voltage V DC x current A) is correct, and the plug fits, the power adapter should be OK, as K Shaffer also mentioned.

The web page http://ibook-clamshell.com/index.php/en/23-faqs/hardwaretipps/474-yoyo-power-ada pter-m7332-distinctive-features may be of interest to you.

Never use a power adapter with a lower power rating. The voltage should always be the same (24 V DC in this case). The current rating for the power adapter must be the same or higher than what the computer actually needs. Using a power adapter with a lower than required power rating can lead to overheating.

The Apple 45W Power Adapter could be one intended for another Apple product

other than early G3 iBook colors/clamshell model. ~ I was able to use an iBook G3

'yo-yo power adapter' with May2001 White G3 iBook; that was original equipment.

And the original product box had exact shape space to hold the yo-yo. That also

said Portable Power Adapter, and was 45W. (Output same as slightly later 45W

white adapter for G3 iBook White model that came out in 2001 or so. I have one.)

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=yo-yo+G3+Clamshell+power+adapter&t=ffsb&ia=videos

When I received white G3 (2001 500MHz 12-inch Combo 10GB HD/ 576MB RAM)

it also had a white-cube Apple portable charger -- which I still have although I sold

the G3 iBook white, with its own yo-yo power adapter. The non-yo-yo 45w is used

to simply charge a later model G4 iBook or G4 PowerBook. +Has illuminated plug.

One of the applications of the 'yo/yo style adapter' was not intended for use with

the early iBook G3 (colors/clamshell or white.) ~ Don't remember exact product it

was intended to support; plugs are slightly different or incorrect for iBook G3.

So you should be able to use the Portable adapter. An early G4 PowerBook

used a different yo-yo power adapter (looks alike) than those you show:

A "Powerbook-G4-Power-Adapter-Model-M7332" but label on ebay listing

said the above. Exactly. Not sure if DC plug was the same as iBook.

{My white Apple adapter that worked with G3 White iBook (same plug as clamshell

yo-yo for G3 colors) 'Apple Portable Power Adapter' has a model number: M8482

& date says 2001. Works w/ G4. Otherwise, same power output as clamshell yo-yo.}

Perhaps the lower power unit wouldn't toast with later cube Apple iBook/PBook

adapter; as some version adapters are backward compatible. While lower output

may have issue running larger display portable with better specs and superdrive.

I've charged a Mid 2005 iBook G4 12-inch 1.33GHz via early 2001 (white) power

supply; same one that was included as spare with yo-yo on early May 2001 white

iBook G3 first model. If I want to run the iBook, too; I have a higher output adapter.

If the plug fits correctly and it supplies power, it should be set to go.

Good luck & happy trails! 🙂