[besson3c]

This question exposes my ignorance about electricity:

It is okay to use an older Powerbook (or iBook) power supply (plug and connecting apparatus) with a new Powerbook or iBook? Aside from a difference in color and material, they appear to be identical.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, can you damage a Powerbook or iBook by using a different power supply other than what came with the machine? Has the voltage requirements changed over the years, or does the laptop or AC unit somehow regulate this current?

[aricher]

DO NOT!!! I REPEAT - DO NOT!!! USE AN OLD POWER SUPPLY qith a newer machine. Especially if you don't want to void your service agreement/warr. There's a reason why they ship each laptop wih their own specific cable - it's because the cable is made for that model.

Sure, there are those who will say 'just look at the voltage/wattage requirements and buy an off brand power supply." Bad idea. It's expensive but if you need another pwr supply - buy Apple-branded equipment. If you just spent a few grand on a machine don't risk it to inferior product.

[Lateralus]

I don't think it would do any damage.

[besson3c]

Originally posted by aricher:
DO NOT!!! I REPEAT - DO NOT!!! USE AN OLD POWER SUPPLY qith a newer machine. Especially if you don't want to void your service agreement/warr. There's a reason why they ship each laptop wih their own specific cable - it's because the cable is made for that model.

Sure, there are those who will say 'just look at the voltage/wattage requirements and buy an off brand power supply." Bad idea. It's expensive but if you need another pwr supply - buy Apple-branded equipment. If you just spent a few grand on a machine don't risk it to inferior product.

Good point, although in my case I was talking about older Apple power supplies (post yo-yo), not third party supplies.

What are your thoughts about this?

[strokemouth]

The end of the cable for my iBook became frayed and stopped working. When I went to the Apple Store to buy a replacement, they didn't have any. Instead, they recommended the PowerBook adapter (they had a "refreshed" one their for under $30). I'm no electrician, but the voltages are different, and it works fine. Plus, it was recommended by the "genius," so if anything goes wrong, I have his name and number.

[ibook_steve]

I think aricher didn't quite understand the question. You should not have any problems using an older adaptor with a newer machine. If the connector fits, you're OK. However, older supplies did not supply as much power, so running a new machine and charging its battery at the same time may not happen. Just something to be aware of.

Steve

[dodo_nutter]

i read an article about the 45W (i think) older chargers work fine but charging would be slower and if you use the laptop too intensively when charging the power supply wont cope and it'll draw battery power....just be aware that you may not be able to use it as much wen charging as with a newer power supply. could check with apple too via there web site of by fone if you wanted to be doubly sure

[amazing]

Many older power supplies are 45 w, whereas the new power supplies are 65 w. That means that you could use it to charge slowly while the PB is off, but that it wouldn't supply enough power for when the PB is running.