What does the second cord that comes with the MacBook do?

Question

What does the second cord that comes with the MacBook do?

I purchased my first Mac (a MacBook), a few weeks ago. Inside the box came the magnetic power cord and one other cord which says on it, "Volex APC7Q". I have no clue what to do with this cord. Clearly it can't be that important as I've used the computer just fine all this time without it, but I'm curious to know it's actual function. I don't see anywhere on the computer it would connect, so I'm at a loss.

I was Googling it and it seems that it was for use with the Powerbook and iBook models, so why it was packaged with my MacBook is beyond me.

This is what it looks like, in case you were wondering what I'm talking about:

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/shentech1942107384406

MacBook 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mac OS X (10.4.9) 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Posted on Apr 22, 2007 7:20 AM

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Answer 1

First Magus

Level 7

21,299 points

Apr 22, 2007 12:21 PM in response to Nicole Bortolan

It does not replace the magnetic cable since that is attached to the power module. It replaces the two prong adapter that folds into itself. The extension cable is better because it add a connection to a third pin in the module. This connects to the ground pin on the cable.

If you slide the two pin connector off you will see the metal tab that the ground connects to.

Mort

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Answer 2

Apr 22, 2007 7:27 AM in response to Nicole Bortolan

On the AC adapter connected to your macbook (The white square) the power connector and be removed. To do so. Unplug the Adapter, and pull upward on the area where the prongs are. Make sure you have the prongs facing left and pull straight up. Then slide this on. This is simply a longer power cable for your macbook.

Sorry the explanation is confusing.

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/WorldTravel_Adapter_KitUG.pdf
this PDF shows you how to exchange the power adapter on page 2.

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Answer 3

Apr 22, 2007 12:16 PM in response to georgiatech15

I think the above poster means that during an electrical storm, your computer would be grounded, hopefully protecting it.

On a similar note, however, why would that cable be better as far as grounding is concerned than the magnetic cable?

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I was really curious.

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