Archived Posts » 60,595,333
MacBook / MacBook Air owners - aftermarket AC adapters?
1/25/2012 7:55:08 AM
I've been thinking about getting an ultrabook lately, and ditching the Android tablet. Maybe later on I'll get a tablet, or just get a Kindle Fire or something to use as an ebook reader...
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit. Anyway, I know I'm going to want to get another AC adapter to leave at the office, since it's where I'll be dwelling the most.
I got on Amazon to look for accessories, and found a couple apparently non-Apple AC adapters. Anyone use one? I'm generally not squeemish about using aftermarket shit, but figured I'd ask. I'm not going to order anything quite yet, but wanted to get some opinions.
As an aside, I'm SO going to get that cover that looks like a book. For now, I did order a sleeve made of leather that looks like one of those yellow/manilla envelopes. I've also owned a MacBook before (one of the 13" white plastic ones) and LOVED it. I love OS X and how easy and functional it is. I couldn't give two shits about iTunes, but at least I will be able to connect my iPod that lives in my car to update music on it instead of firing up that XP VM I made just for iTunes!
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit. Anyway, I know I'm going to want to get another AC adapter to leave at the office, since it's where I'll be dwelling the most.
I got on Amazon to look for accessories, and found a couple apparently non-Apple AC adapters. Anyone use one? I'm generally not squeemish about using aftermarket shit, but figured I'd ask. I'm not going to order anything quite yet, but wanted to get some opinions.
As an aside, I'm SO going to get that cover that looks like a book. For now, I did order a sleeve made of leather that looks like one of those yellow/manilla envelopes. I've also owned a MacBook before (one of the 13" white plastic ones) and LOVED it. I love OS X and how easy and functional it is. I couldn't give two shits about iTunes, but at least I will be able to connect my iPod that lives in my car to update music on it instead of firing up that XP VM I made just for iTunes!
1/25/2012 9:51:02 AM
The Magsafe connector is patented and Apple does not license it, so I would be wary. I bought a second adapter to leave at home, still working fine after 3 years.
1/26/2012 6:59:24 AM
Originally Posted By rxdawg:
The Magsafe connector is patented and Apple does not license it, so I would be wary. I bought a second adapter to leave at home, still working fine after 3 years.
The Magsafe connector is patented and Apple does not license it, so I would be wary. I bought a second adapter to leave at home, still working fine after 3 years.
That's one thing I think I recall. I'd bet the adapters I saw were cheap chinese knockoffs that are not licensed. I'll just keep my eyes out for a good price on a used 45W unit.
1/26/2012 10:00:06 AM
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
That's one thing I think I recall. I'd bet the adapters I saw were cheap chinese knockoffs that are not licensed. I'll just keep my eyes out for a good price on a used 45W unit.
Originally Posted By rxdawg:
The Magsafe connector is patented and Apple does not license it, so I would be wary. I bought a second adapter to leave at home, still working fine after 3 years.
The Magsafe connector is patented and Apple does not license it, so I would be wary. I bought a second adapter to leave at home, still working fine after 3 years.
That's one thing I think I recall. I'd bet the adapters I saw were cheap chinese knockoffs that are not licensed. I'll just keep my eyes out for a good price on a used 45W unit.
Used power adapters from a reputable vendor: http://eshop.macsales.com/search/magsafe
1/26/2012 10:02:27 AM
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit.
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit.
Sure is. Where?
1/26/2012 1:56:40 PM
Originally Posted By rxdawg:
Sure is. Where?
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit.
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit.
Sure is. Where?
macmall.com.
Waiting for fucking FedEx to drop the bastard off to me right now. Can't bitch too much, they threw in overnight shipping for free.
1/26/2012 2:02:09 PM
Originally Posted By rxdawg:
Used power adapters from a reputable vendor: http://eshop.macsales.com/search/magsafe
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
That's one thing I think I recall. I'd bet the adapters I saw were cheap chinese knockoffs that are not licensed. I'll just keep my eyes out for a good price on a used 45W unit.
Originally Posted By rxdawg:
The Magsafe connector is patented and Apple does not license it, so I would be wary. I bought a second adapter to leave at home, still working fine after 3 years.
The Magsafe connector is patented and Apple does not license it, so I would be wary. I bought a second adapter to leave at home, still working fine after 3 years.
That's one thing I think I recall. I'd bet the adapters I saw were cheap chinese knockoffs that are not licensed. I'll just keep my eyes out for a good price on a used 45W unit.
Used power adapters from a reputable vendor: http://eshop.macsales.com/search/magsafe
Thanks for the link... might order one of those refurb/repaired units. As long as they work, fuck it, power is power!
1/26/2012 2:18:31 PM
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
I've been thinking about getting an ultrabook lately, and ditching the Android tablet. Maybe later on I'll get a tablet, or just get a Kindle Fire or something to use as an ebook reader...
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit. Anyway, I know I'm going to want to get another AC adapter to leave at the office, since it's where I'll be dwelling the most.
I got on Amazon to look for accessories, and found a couple apparently non-Apple AC adapters. Anyone use one? I'm generally not squeemish about using aftermarket shit, but figured I'd ask. I'm not going to order anything quite yet, but wanted to get some opinions.
As an aside, I'm SO going to get that cover that looks like a book. For now, I did order a sleeve made of leather that looks like one of those yellow/manilla envelopes. I've also owned a MacBook before (one of the 13" white plastic ones) and LOVED it. I love OS X and how easy and functional it is. I couldn't give two shits about iTunes, but at least I will be able to connect my iPod that lives in my car to update music on it instead of firing up that XP VM I made just for iTunes!
I've been thinking about getting an ultrabook lately, and ditching the Android tablet. Maybe later on I'll get a tablet, or just get a Kindle Fire or something to use as an ebook reader...
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit. Anyway, I know I'm going to want to get another AC adapter to leave at the office, since it's where I'll be dwelling the most.
I got on Amazon to look for accessories, and found a couple apparently non-Apple AC adapters. Anyone use one? I'm generally not squeemish about using aftermarket shit, but figured I'd ask. I'm not going to order anything quite yet, but wanted to get some opinions.
As an aside, I'm SO going to get that cover that looks like a book. For now, I did order a sleeve made of leather that looks like one of those yellow/manilla envelopes. I've also owned a MacBook before (one of the 13" white plastic ones) and LOVED it. I love OS X and how easy and functional it is. I couldn't give two shits about iTunes, but at least I will be able to connect my iPod that lives in my car to update music on it instead of firing up that XP VM I made just for iTunes!
You bought the core 2 duo version, now for $850.
1/26/2012 6:32:59 PM
Originally Posted By 501st:
You bought the core 2 duo version, now for $850.
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
I've been thinking about getting an ultrabook lately, and ditching the Android tablet. Maybe later on I'll get a tablet, or just get a Kindle Fire or something to use as an ebook reader...
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit. Anyway, I know I'm going to want to get another AC adapter to leave at the office, since it's where I'll be dwelling the most.
I got on Amazon to look for accessories, and found a couple apparently non-Apple AC adapters. Anyone use one? I'm generally not squeemish about using aftermarket shit, but figured I'd ask. I'm not going to order anything quite yet, but wanted to get some opinions.
As an aside, I'm SO going to get that cover that looks like a book. For now, I did order a sleeve made of leather that looks like one of those yellow/manilla envelopes. I've also owned a MacBook before (one of the 13" white plastic ones) and LOVED it. I love OS X and how easy and functional it is. I couldn't give two shits about iTunes, but at least I will be able to connect my iPod that lives in my car to update music on it instead of firing up that XP VM I made just for iTunes!
I've been thinking about getting an ultrabook lately, and ditching the Android tablet. Maybe later on I'll get a tablet, or just get a Kindle Fire or something to use as an ebook reader...
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit. Anyway, I know I'm going to want to get another AC adapter to leave at the office, since it's where I'll be dwelling the most.
I got on Amazon to look for accessories, and found a couple apparently non-Apple AC adapters. Anyone use one? I'm generally not squeemish about using aftermarket shit, but figured I'd ask. I'm not going to order anything quite yet, but wanted to get some opinions.
As an aside, I'm SO going to get that cover that looks like a book. For now, I did order a sleeve made of leather that looks like one of those yellow/manilla envelopes. I've also owned a MacBook before (one of the 13" white plastic ones) and LOVED it. I love OS X and how easy and functional it is. I couldn't give two shits about iTunes, but at least I will be able to connect my iPod that lives in my car to update music on it instead of firing up that XP VM I made just for iTunes!
You bought the core 2 duo version, now for $850.
We gonna get all snobbery on this now??? ETA: I see the source of your derision. You CAN get an 11.6" MBA for around $700, but with 2GB RAM and a 64GB SSD. This one has 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD.
I got it today, and it's very nice. I'm not a power user, and I won't be doing any serious work on it. The most intensive thing I might do on it would be connecting an external DVD drive and ripping movies while I'm at work.
1/26/2012 10:24:40 PM
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
We gonna get all snobbery on this now??? ETA: I see the source of your derision. You CAN get an 11.6" MBA for around $700, but with 2GB RAM and a 64GB SSD. This one has 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD.
I got it today, and it's very nice. I'm not a power user, and I won't be doing any serious work on it. The most intensive thing I might do on it would be connecting an external DVD drive and ripping movies while I'm at work.
Originally Posted By 501st:
You bought the core 2 duo version, now for $850.
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
I've been thinking about getting an ultrabook lately, and ditching the Android tablet. Maybe later on I'll get a tablet, or just get a Kindle Fire or something to use as an ebook reader...
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit. Anyway, I know I'm going to want to get another AC adapter to leave at the office, since it's where I'll be dwelling the most.
I got on Amazon to look for accessories, and found a couple apparently non-Apple AC adapters. Anyone use one? I'm generally not squeemish about using aftermarket shit, but figured I'd ask. I'm not going to order anything quite yet, but wanted to get some opinions.
As an aside, I'm SO going to get that cover that looks like a book. For now, I did order a sleeve made of leather that looks like one of those yellow/manilla envelopes. I've also owned a MacBook before (one of the 13" white plastic ones) and LOVED it. I love OS X and how easy and functional it is. I couldn't give two shits about iTunes, but at least I will be able to connect my iPod that lives in my car to update music on it instead of firing up that XP VM I made just for iTunes!
I've been thinking about getting an ultrabook lately, and ditching the Android tablet. Maybe later on I'll get a tablet, or just get a Kindle Fire or something to use as an ebook reader...
Anyway, I pulled the trigger on an 11.6" MacBook Air tonight for $850 after $50 rebate. It's the 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. I think it's a pretty good price for that unit. Anyway, I know I'm going to want to get another AC adapter to leave at the office, since it's where I'll be dwelling the most.
I got on Amazon to look for accessories, and found a couple apparently non-Apple AC adapters. Anyone use one? I'm generally not squeemish about using aftermarket shit, but figured I'd ask. I'm not going to order anything quite yet, but wanted to get some opinions.
As an aside, I'm SO going to get that cover that looks like a book. For now, I did order a sleeve made of leather that looks like one of those yellow/manilla envelopes. I've also owned a MacBook before (one of the 13" white plastic ones) and LOVED it. I love OS X and how easy and functional it is. I couldn't give two shits about iTunes, but at least I will be able to connect my iPod that lives in my car to update music on it instead of firing up that XP VM I made just for iTunes!
You bought the core 2 duo version, now for $850.
We gonna get all snobbery on this now??? ETA: I see the source of your derision. You CAN get an 11.6" MBA for around $700, but with 2GB RAM and a 64GB SSD. This one has 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD.
I got it today, and it's very nice. I'm not a power user, and I won't be doing any serious work on it. The most intensive thing I might do on it would be connecting an external DVD drive and ripping movies while I'm at work.
Regardless of what you do or do not do with your computer, it makes no sense to pay those kinds of prices for nearly 3.5 year old tech.
Especially since you could get a refurb current gen air for $999.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC969LL/A
1/28/2012 1:41:47 AM
That's a lot of money for a 1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo 
1/28/2012 3:28:40 AM
Yeah, I'm thinking I'll return this one and get the newer one, even if it's a refurb. I know from experience that refurb doesn't necessarily mean "beat to shit by someone and returned". A lot are canceled orders and such.
I'll have a large paycheck and nothing I need to spend it on in a couple weeks, so I think I'll use this one until then, order the refurb and return this one to MacMall. I think I'll dig the faster proc, backlit keyboard and Thunderbolt port will be nice.
I'll have a large paycheck and nothing I need to spend it on in a couple weeks, so I think I'll use this one until then, order the refurb and return this one to MacMall. I think I'll dig the faster proc, backlit keyboard and Thunderbolt port will be nice.
1/28/2012 1:39:18 PM
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
Yeah, I'm thinking I'll return this one and get the newer one, even if it's a refurb. I know from experience that refurb doesn't necessarily mean "beat to shit by someone and returned". A lot are canceled orders and such.
I'll have a large paycheck and nothing I need to spend it on in a couple weeks, so I think I'll use this one until then, order the refurb and return this one to MacMall. I think I'll dig the faster proc, backlit keyboard and Thunderbolt port will be nice.
Yeah, I'm thinking I'll return this one and get the newer one, even if it's a refurb. I know from experience that refurb doesn't necessarily mean "beat to shit by someone and returned". A lot are canceled orders and such.
I'll have a large paycheck and nothing I need to spend it on in a couple weeks, so I think I'll use this one until then, order the refurb and return this one to MacMall. I think I'll dig the faster proc, backlit keyboard and Thunderbolt port will be nice.
Just make sure that you get the Samsung ssd rather than the toshiba. The samsung is much faster, and worth the extra effort of obtaining an air with one.
1/28/2012 6:56:39 PM
Originally Posted By 501st:
Just make sure that you get the Samsung ssd rather than the toshiba. The samsung is much faster, and worth the extra effort of obtaining an air with one.
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
Yeah, I'm thinking I'll return this one and get the newer one, even if it's a refurb. I know from experience that refurb doesn't necessarily mean "beat to shit by someone and returned". A lot are canceled orders and such.
I'll have a large paycheck and nothing I need to spend it on in a couple weeks, so I think I'll use this one until then, order the refurb and return this one to MacMall. I think I'll dig the faster proc, backlit keyboard and Thunderbolt port will be nice.
Yeah, I'm thinking I'll return this one and get the newer one, even if it's a refurb. I know from experience that refurb doesn't necessarily mean "beat to shit by someone and returned". A lot are canceled orders and such.
I'll have a large paycheck and nothing I need to spend it on in a couple weeks, so I think I'll use this one until then, order the refurb and return this one to MacMall. I think I'll dig the faster proc, backlit keyboard and Thunderbolt port will be nice.
Just make sure that you get the Samsung ssd rather than the toshiba. The samsung is much faster, and worth the extra effort of obtaining an air with one.
I'm likely going to get an aftermarket unit. I don't need tip top blazing fast uber super performance. I'd mostly use the external drive to rip DVDs while I'm at work. Most of the time at work, the lappy will pretty much just be idle, and I have a 10 hour shift, so I don't really care how long it takes to rip.
1/28/2012 7:30:21 PM
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
I'm likely going to get an aftermarket unit. I don't need tip top blazing fast uber super performance. I'd mostly use the external drive to rip DVDs while I'm at work. Most of the time at work, the lappy will pretty much just be idle, and I have a 10 hour shift, so I don't really care how long it takes to rip.
Originally Posted By 501st:
Just make sure that you get the Samsung ssd rather than the toshiba. The samsung is much faster, and worth the extra effort of obtaining an air with one.
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
Yeah, I'm thinking I'll return this one and get the newer one, even if it's a refurb. I know from experience that refurb doesn't necessarily mean "beat to shit by someone and returned". A lot are canceled orders and such.
I'll have a large paycheck and nothing I need to spend it on in a couple weeks, so I think I'll use this one until then, order the refurb and return this one to MacMall. I think I'll dig the faster proc, backlit keyboard and Thunderbolt port will be nice.
Yeah, I'm thinking I'll return this one and get the newer one, even if it's a refurb. I know from experience that refurb doesn't necessarily mean "beat to shit by someone and returned". A lot are canceled orders and such.
I'll have a large paycheck and nothing I need to spend it on in a couple weeks, so I think I'll use this one until then, order the refurb and return this one to MacMall. I think I'll dig the faster proc, backlit keyboard and Thunderbolt port will be nice.
Just make sure that you get the Samsung ssd rather than the toshiba. The samsung is much faster, and worth the extra effort of obtaining an air with one.
I'm likely going to get an aftermarket unit. I don't need tip top blazing fast uber super performance. I'd mostly use the external drive to rip DVDs while I'm at work. Most of the time at work, the lappy will pretty much just be idle, and I have a 10 hour shift, so I don't really care how long it takes to rip.
Then be aware that the air uses a proprietary ssd design.
The only company that I know of that sells alternative ssd's for it is owc. I'd go with the 6G version:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Aura_Pro_Express
Not sure what your statement regarding ripping speeds is about. That depends on the speed of the external drive (and its connection to the computer) as well as the processor and ram speed to a lesser extent. The SSD speeds don't affect the ripping speed.
1/29/2012 5:53:15 AM
I think I responded to that last one when I was really tired... I read that as the Super Drive, as if the Apple Super Drive external drives use Samsung or Toshiba drives.
I'm not sure if buying a refurb Air will end up giving me a choice of which SSD is in it.
I'm not sure if buying a refurb Air will end up giving me a choice of which SSD is in it.
1/29/2012 1:02:42 PM
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
I think I responded to that last one when I was really tired... I read that as the Super Drive, as if the Apple Super Drive external drives use Samsung or Toshiba drives.
I'm not sure if buying a refurb Air will end up giving me a choice of which SSD is in it.
I think I responded to that last one when I was really tired... I read that as the Super Drive, as if the Apple Super Drive external drives use Samsung or Toshiba drives.
I'm not sure if buying a refurb Air will end up giving me a choice of which SSD is in it.
You can see if they will let you power on and check the computer in the store.
Or you can check yourself right after you leave the store.
It's a bit of a hassle to get the samsung, but its worth it.
You can tell which is which by looking at a system report of the machine.
If the ssd says Apple SM than its a samsung, if its TS than its a toshiba:
1/29/2012 7:49:10 PM
Originally Posted By 501st:
You can see if they will let you power on and check the computer in the store.
Or you can check yourself right after you leave the store.
It's a bit of a hassle to get the samsung, but its worth it.
You can tell which is which by looking at a system report of the machine.
If the ssd says Apple SM than its a samsung, if its TS than its a toshiba:
http://i39.tinypic.com/mvqb9v.jpg
Originally Posted By Matthew_Q:
I think I responded to that last one when I was really tired... I read that as the Super Drive, as if the Apple Super Drive external drives use Samsung or Toshiba drives.
I'm not sure if buying a refurb Air will end up giving me a choice of which SSD is in it.
I think I responded to that last one when I was really tired... I read that as the Super Drive, as if the Apple Super Drive external drives use Samsung or Toshiba drives.
I'm not sure if buying a refurb Air will end up giving me a choice of which SSD is in it.
You can see if they will let you power on and check the computer in the store.
Or you can check yourself right after you leave the store.
It's a bit of a hassle to get the samsung, but its worth it.
You can tell which is which by looking at a system report of the machine.
If the ssd says Apple SM than its a samsung, if its TS than its a toshiba:
http://i39.tinypic.com/mvqb9v.jpg
The problem with buying at a store is the $85 worth of tax on a $1000 computer, if any of the local Apple stores have refurb 11.6" MBAs. I'd rather order online and pay for free shipping (yes, I said that) than pay local sales tax.
I don't have unlimited funds for this, otherwise I would have just bought a brand new 13.3" MBA.
