Is the Magsafe connector fragile?

[techmonkey]

I got my MBP earlier this month. While I love the idea behind the Magsafe connection, the cord seems very fragile and cheap. It feels like the connector at the end of the cord may eventually split off and the connector at the main adapter end feels the same way.

Has this been an issue in the past? Does Applecare cover the adapter if it breaks?

 

[e.magnusson]

Well, although I agree with you in that they are a great design, when I had my MacBook (it could have been resolved since then) I noticed dark spots, almost like burn marks, and eventually the wires became frayed and I had to send it in and get a replacement (free). I was still covered under warranty though, so I don't know if they will still cover you, but they should.

 

[CaptainCanuck]

It's been pretty rugged for me so far for the past seven months. I haven't had any problems yet, and don't expect any in the near future.

However, if it does break, it'll be covered under AppleCare, so I don't think it's that big of a problem.

 

[Aniej]

it also might be less of an issue for some of the more recent, last 12 months maybe, since they updated the little rubber flange at the end and get it more length and strength.

 

[iBookG4user]

The Magsafe connector has been fine for me, it doesn't seem that fragile to me.

 

[Smoothie]

I wonder how many people with fraying connectors unplug it by pulling on the cord. I think the best way to remove the connector is to grab it on the hard plastic and rock it down or up. It will separate without putting any strain on the cord.

 

[CaptainCanuck]

I wonder how many people with fraying connectors unplug it by pulling on the cord. I think the best way to remove the connector is to grab it on the hard plastic and rock it down or up. It will separate without putting any strain on the cord.

That's how I usually do it. It's a lot easier too, since you don't have to fight the magnet.

 

[Gymnut]

Mine seems to be pretty sturdy and durable. I'm fairly careful about not pulling it form the cord itself but from the plug head itself. I really wish Apple would license this technology to third party manufacturers to create a smaller power adapter if possible. The current power adapter is huge compared to the power adapter for my old Aluminum Powerbook.

 

[polycat33]

It seems okay to me, however mine has been making noise and a quick call (quick not including fifteen minutes on hold) got them to send me a replacement. So, if it is fragile and starts to break they shouldn't have a problem replacing it if it's either still under warranty or if you have apple care.

 

[JasonMac]

My magsafe is tough and doesnt seem to be fragile at all, so dont worry its gonna be durable for you

 

[sinecurea]

I had get one of mine replaced - the center two pins kept getting pushed into the magsafe head and the MBP wouldn't charge. It was within warrenty, so Apple sent me out a new one after some basic Help desk questions.

S.

 

[avalys]

Mine seems to be pretty sturdy and durable. I'm fairly careful about not pulling it form the cord itself but from the plug head itself. I really wish Apple would license this technology to third party manufacturers to create a smaller power adapter if possible. The current power adapter is huge compared to the power adapter for my old Aluminum Powerbook.

It is huge because the MacBook Pro's power requirements are much greater than those of your old PowerBook. Compared to other power adapters with the same output from Dell, IBM, and the rest, the MBP's is quite small.

 

[scaredpoet]

It is huge because the MacBook Pro's power requirements are much greater than those of your old PowerBook. Compared to other power adapters with the same output from Dell, IBM, and the rest, the MBP's is quite small.

What amazes me is that the MBP will throttle down its processor speed if you remove the battery but keep it plugged in. That would seem to suggest that while 85W is usully enough to power the MBP and charge the battery, there might be times where that's NOT the case and the MBP must also draw power from the battery as well as the power supply.