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Using a MacBook Air power adapter (45w) with a MacBook Pro 15"


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Using a MacBook Air power adapter (45w) with a MacBook Pro 15"
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stevegong
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Join Date: May 2004
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2010-09-04, 05:43

I'm currently travelling, and forgot to bring my 85w power adapter. I happen to have a 45w MacBook Air power adapter lying around, so I've been using that.

A search on the internets reveals that you can't use them together because the 45w does not provide enough to power and charge the MacBook Pro at the same time.
- This is untrue, as I've tested it even while running intensive crap.

So my question is, does using a 45w damage the computer in any way? (I wouldn't think so, but I guess I don't know)


And why doesn't every MacBook Pro user go out and purchase a 45w adapter which is waaay smaller than the 85w?
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HezMah19
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2010-09-04, 06:34

You won't damage the machine, all of Apple's MagSafe adaptors are, to a degree, interchangeable.

The MBP doesn't use the 45w adaptor due to charge time. Your 85w adaptor should charge significantly faster.

jm.
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stevegong
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2010-09-04, 06:38

Cool, I'm loving the 45w adapter. The charge times aren't that much longer, really.

I remember back in the day, slow changing your batteries meant they'd last longer (as in the life of the battery in terms of charge cycles). I wonder if it's better for Lithium ion batteries if you charge them slower.
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Maciej
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2010-09-08, 15:23

In the same vein, what happens if you charge a 13" MBP with the 85W adapter, instead of 45W?
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stevegong
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2010-09-08, 15:29

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maciej View Post
In the same vein, what happens if you charge a 13" MBP with the 85W adapter, instead of 45W?
According to apple it's fine. I feel like it would charge the battery faster, but maybe the computer is smart enough to downgrade it.
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Gargoyle
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2010-09-08, 15:31

I thought that using the 45W adapter with a MacBook Pro could damage the adapter because the MBP is trying to pull more than it can give?
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HezMah19
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2010-09-09, 00:53

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2346

Quote:
Power adapters for Intel based Apple portables are available in 45W, 60W, and 85W varieties. Although you should always use the proper wattage adapter for your Apple portable, you can use an adapter of a higher wattage without issue. For instance If you have a MacBook (13-inch Late 2009) that normally uses a 60W adapter, you can also use an 85W adapter with that computer. You would not use a 45W adapter with that computer; it would not provide enough power for that MacBook.
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Brad
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2010-09-09, 01:01

I've swapped MPB and MB power adapters for years. Never had a problem.
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