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MacBook Pro Q&A - Published October 26, 2006
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What is the MagSafe airline adapter? Does it work with the MacBook Pro and MacBook? Does it work in a car?
On October 24, 2006, Apple released the MagSafe Airline Power Adapter (no longer available), confirming that the company had heard the complaints (subsequently removed) that there was no way to use a MagSafe-equipped Apple notebook in an airplane without draining the battery.
The MagSafe Airline Power Adapter (MA598LL/A) makes it possible to connect any MacBook or MacBook Pro model, regardless of vintage, to "in-seat DC power ports available on many commercial airliners -- both EmPower ports and 20 mm ports with the included adapter."
For assistance finding which seats on particular airplanes are equipped with power, you may wish to refer to the excellent SeatGuru. SeatGuru also provides information about seats that are good or bad (do not recline), audio and video capabilities, and more.
Apple also notes that:
- Using the MagSafe Airline Power Adapter provides power for your computer but does not charge the battery.
- The MagSafe Airline Power Adapter is not compatible with automobile power ports.
Apple has yet to license the "MagSafe" design -- and reportedly refuses to do so -- but the enterprising MikeGyver offers to modify a stock MagSafe cable to work on airplanes that provide DC power ports (compatible with EmPower with an adapter). The MikeGyver solution reportedly recharges the MacBook or MacBook Pro battery and is provided with a car adapter as well.
Photo Credit: MikeGyver
If you think that it looks like a bit of a "hack", you probably are not alone. MikeGyver even addresses this in a provided Q&A:
Depends on how you look at it. If you want the job done, this will do the job. . . No one is legally allow[ed] to make the MagSafe connector. Also, the first Apple computer was made from wood. Wouldn't you consider that a Hack?
The MikeGyver solution is available for US$60 if you provide the power adapter (and an additional US$10.95 for the EmPower plug). If you really want to "hack" your MagSafe, MikeGyver also sells a do-it-yourself manual for US$19.95.
The Apple MagSafe Airline Power Adapter is available direct from Apple for US$59 (plus sales tax), or from Apple Authorized Resellers like site sponsor Adorama free of sales tax.
Also see: What is the "MagSafe" power connector? How is the MagSafe power connector designed to not cause data loss?
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