apple news/media reports
10/24/2006, 11:30am, EDT
Tuesday, October 24th
Apple MagSafe Airline Power Adapter
Apple today introduced its new MagSafe Airline Power Adapter, a device that allows Mac notebook owners to plug into an airline seat power port for constant notebook power in-flight. The announcement comes alongside Apple's refreshed MacBook Pro, and follows bans on Apple and Dell laptops enacted by several airlines due to recent lithium-ion battery issues, including numerous reports of laptops bursting into flame. The new accessory features a standard connection via an "EmPower" compatible connector that users can plug into a 20mm DC power plug with the included adapter. "Because it's a MagSafe Adapter, you'll continue to enjoy MagSafe convenience just as you're already enjoying at home or work. The magnetic DC plug both ensures a tight connection and enables a clean break from the power port if there is undue tension-preventing your MacBook from being pulled off of your tray table if someone accidentally yanks the cord." The Magsafe Airline Power Adapter ($60) does not charge the battery while in use, according to Apple.
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No, it bypasses the batteries because few, if any, power adapters for planes charge the battery, because they don't provide the juice to power the laptop AND charge at the same time.
Its not a gimmick for those who travel, because its not a question of affording extra batteries, its whether you want to overload yourself with extra batteries.
Of course, some might argue that Apple went MagSafe on their laptops so they could control the power accessories market and charge these overblown prices for what amounts to a freaking power cable.
Regarding power on planes - more and more planes offer laptop power all throughout coach seats, so that point is moot.
Airline power adapters, in general, do not charge the batteries when used, because of power requirements. I have had several such adapters over the years, and none of them charge the battery when in use - this was *not* designed by Apple just that way because of recent issues - that's just the way it's always been.
Besides the hassle and extra weight and space to carry extra batteries, not having to manage battery life even with multiple batteries on very long flights makes an airline power adapter well worth having.
What is useless is the $15.00 adapter I currently use with my current PowerBook when I do upgrade to a new MacBook Pro. I did not realize until today that this would be the case.
What is disappointing is that unless there is 3rd party relief here, I will have to pay what PC users have been paying for an adapter all along. This has been a small bragging right with my PC using friends.
I'd much rather see an auto adpater, since I drive a lot more than I fly and I've never sat in a seat with a power outlet.
Yeah, cuz there's really no concrete advantage to having MagSafe at all.
Apple should license MagSafe, so those who make power adapters that work with car and airline power can market MacBook products.
One of the advantages of iPods are all the aftermarket products. MacBooks need the same sort of market. Getting too greedy like this is shooting yourself in the foot.
--Mike Perry, Inkling Books, Seattle