MagSafe auto charger ships for MacBooks

updated 12:00 pm EDT, Mon August 13, 2007

MagSafe auto charger

Mikegyver Computer and Tech (MCT) has developed a Magsafe vehicle charging adapter for Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro that allows owners to charge their laptops on-the-go. The accessory supports charging Apple's Intel-based notebooks in cars, boats, on airplanes, and around the house without the need to waste energy or money on an inverter -- a device that turns DC (direct current) into AC (alternating current) to offer a standard 110-volt wall plug that can charge laptops using their own bundled AC adapters. MCT's cord features a MagSafe connector on one end and a DC connector that works with the "N2" tip accessory which ships with the Kensington 120-watt Notebook AC/DC Power Adapter. The cord also works with iGo's Juice70, allowing MacBook owners to use a single power adapter for numerous devices. Kensington's 120-watt adapter is priced at $140, while iGo's Juice70 is available for $120. MCT also offers a package bundling the Kensington adapter with its modified MagSafe adapter for $210, according to one ZDNet blogger.

By Electronista Staff

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TheBum

Mac Enthusiast

Joined: Sep 2001

08/13, 01:34pm | report spam | close reply

not gold

No, not gold, but probably from either an Apple airline power adapter or AC power adapter. Since Apple hasn't licensed anybody to sell MagSafe adapters, I suspect that MCT simply cut the cord from an Apple power adapter and spliced it onto a cigarette lighter plug with some voltage regulation circuitry. They would have to charge for the price of the adapter plus the parts and labor for modifying it.

bobbyperu

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2007

08/14, 03:58pm | report spam | close reply

do the math

A Magsafe adapter from Apple costs $60 for the Airline version, no one else but them is licensed to make them or the wall units. Mikegyver buys it off the shelf, splices either a Kensington or iGo adapter on it, and sells it along with the DC voltage regulator brick that allows you to plug it into any 12 volt socket. (~$140)

Even if he is able to get any of the above and a bulk discount, his markup is still minimal and well deserved for the intellectual property and assembling time.

I was considering engineering the same solution, but I'm glad he saved me the time.

I have a Brunton Solo battery that fuels my 17" G4 Powerbook for more than a day of constant, all processor/all hd use because of the Kensington direct DC adapter. If I have to switch the Solo into AC/DC inverter mode, to run my 17" MacBook Pro, I get 3 hours top. Power inversion wastes tons of energy and results in considerable heat.

I've already ordered mine.

MrVent

Joined: Aug 2007

08/23, 09:25pm | report spam | close reply

Got from brother!!!

Well when I got the car the satellite radio antenna was not connected... probably a factory error, but other than that nothing. So I connect along with it was this MagSafe auto charger that my brother gave me.. It works great... But still the car is awesome all around. This MIVEC V6 is no slouch pushing 258 hp from its stock engine. Handles well in corners. Has all the buttons and whistles of a luxury car due to the mitsubishi galant header, but still has a sporty look. The only negative is the turning radius is not that good, but so far I would buy it all over again if I had to.

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MagSafe auto charger ships for MacBooks

updated 12:00 pm EDT, Mon August 13, 2007