87 Watt vs 60 Watt MagSafe Adapter

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Date: Wednesday, June 14th, 2006, 08:00
Category: MacBook Pro

As you know there is no AC adapter for the MacBook Pro that can be used on airplanes (because of the 75 watt limit) and there are no AC adapters for 12 volt use (i.e. in automobiles).
The 60 watt MacBook AC adapter will charge both the MacBook Pro 15 and 17-inch but at a slower rate. The 60 watt AC adapter gives off no more heat than usual (on either the charger or the MBP) when charging a MacBook Pro. We believe that this may be a temporary solution for the lack of an airline charger.
We’re looking for others to test this setup who have more knowledge about the correct voltages and battery charging requirements. Please post in the comments if you have any ideas.
Contributed by: Rob Graner


As you know there is no AC adapter for the MacBook Pro that can be used on airplanes (because of the 75 watt limit) and there are no AC adapters for 12 volt use (i.e. in automobiles).
The 60 watt MacBook AC adapter will charge both the MacBook Pro 15 and 17-inch but at a slower rate. The 60 watt AC adapter gives off no more heat than usual (on either the charger or the MBP) when charging a MacBook Pro. We believe that this may be a temporary solution for the lack of an airline charger.
We’re looking for others to test this setup who have more knowledge about the correct voltages and battery charging requirements. Please post in the comments if you have any ideas.
Contributed by: Rob Graner

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  • http://zachfine.com/blog Zach Fine

    I was recently seated in coach/economy aboard an Airbus A330 on an international flight, and there were power outlets available below each seat in the center console. According to the in-flight magazine, the outlets supplied 65W, which is below the necessary voltage for my 15″ MacBookPro’s power supply and indeed did not work. However, if I removed the battery from my MacBookPro, the 65W was sufficient to power the computer.
    So next time you’re on a flight that supplies less than 85W of power at the outlet, try removing your computer’s battery. This cuts the battery charging circuitry out of the loop, and makes it possible to run your MacBookPro off a 65W outlet.