50w MagSafe for old 2010 13" MacBook Air Compatible with 2011 11" MacBook Air?

[xaveon]

So I have a question that 'm pretty sure many others out there also have. With different wattages and same connectors are these MagSafe adapters compatible with each other? My wife has a 2008 13" MacBook Air, my son has a 2010 13" MacBook Air, and I just got a 2011 11" MacBook Air. I know that the 13" runs on 50W MagSafe power adapters, but are they all compatible and interchangeable? Will it work or will it damage anything?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Intell]

All MagSafe connectors, both the old and new style, are compatible with other MagSafe connectors. The only thing that limits the compatibility is the watts. A 65W MagSafe will power a 50W Mac, but will not power an 85W Mac.

 

[magbarn]

All MagSafe connectors, both the old and new style, are compatible with other MagSafe connectors. The only thing that limits the compatibility is the watts. A 65W MagSafe will power a 50W Mac, but will not power an 85W Mac.

It will actually power both, only problem is that will either take forever to charge or won't charge at all if doing something intensive.

 

[Intell]

It will actually power both, only problem is that will either take forever to charge or won't charge at all if doing something intensive.

Having tested this myself, nothing but a 85W will not charge a Mac that needs 85W. Even if the Mac is off or sleeping. It just will not charge. It will provide some power, but if doing anything other then idling, the battery will be drained to make up for the loss of power. Furthermore, Apple does not recommend this, as it can cause the MagSafe to exceed its design limitations and overheat.

 

[xaveon]

So the power adapters on our 13" MacBook Airs will work with the 11" but not the other way around? Even though it's only 5W difference? Do you guys think there is possibly any damage by doing this?

 

[Intell]

So the power adapters on our 13" MacBook Airs will work with the 11" but not the other way around? Even though it's only 5W difference? Do you guys think there is possibly any damage by doing this?

The 5W may not make much a difference. The 13" will work on the 11" though. There is no damage caused by using a higher wattage MagSafe on a lower wattage Mac. The Mac will only draw as much power as it needs.