Adapter reviews
08/29/10 20:14 Filed in: Reviews
Update 8:14 PM, Aug 29, 2010 :
We added the Duracell AC/DC adapter & Targus adapter to our store.
Preview of the our adapter rating are as follows:
1) Duracell AC/DC Auto/Air/Home adapter with USB port. ipad compatible.
2) Targus AC/DC Auto/Air(sort of)/Home adapter with splitter. ipad compatible.
3) Mikegyver AC/DC Auto/Air/Home
4) iGo EverywhereMAX
5) Kensington AC/DC Auto/Air/Home.
Stay tuned for FULL review.
Meanwhile below is our review before adding the Duracell and the Targus to our lineup.
-------------------------------------------
Who said there were no car or airline adapters for the Macbooks? CLEAN linear power for your Macbooks.
One of the most frequent questions I get is which adapter is the best?
Well, hopefully i’ll answer them here. If you just want something that will work, then we suggest the second Generation “Mikegyver Power Travel Kit”, it is cheaper (we call it the good model)however because we have to modify the patented magsafe connector from apple, you’ll need to disconnect the magsafe cable from Apple’s AC adapter and plug it into the Car/Airline adapter. You’ll notice that we lock it at 16v because in 97% of the cases you’ll be just fine, and also, airlines provide limited power and 16v would be the best setting without making the airlines upset. Other adapters that is on the market claim to have the added benefit of auto switching dual voltage for the Macbook Pro, but there is a strong chance that it’ll overpower the 75w Airline breaker limit. Not a good thing especially if you need to charge and use your dead Macbook Pro upon liftoff!
The Next set of adapters that we sell are AC/DC adapters. We call them our better/Best selection. Please make no mistake, these are NOT inverters. Most people write me asking why it is so much more expensive when they can buy a car adapter (it really is an INVERTER) at XYZ place for cheaper. Without getting in too technical, you are pretty much converting car power into household power, then using the Apple adapter converting it back to car power. Now does that sound efficient? No! is it wasteful? YES! (No, I’m not an tree hugger, I just like being efficient).
I’ve heard stories where people would run out of power in no time, and in some cases, they can’t even use their Macbook Pros since the adapter trips the inverter breaker.
These AC/DC adapter have TWO inputs. One can be used to plug into normal household power. The other, which is more important, is Car or Airline power. The Car/Airline input just modifies the DC CAR power into the SAME power as your Macbook, just a different voltage.
So, now, which of these AC/DC adapter do I recommend?
Our first choice: The Mikegyver ALL-IN-ONE AC/DC adapter. It is also Mikegyver certified to be able to charge and power BOTH your Macbook Pro and your iPad at the SAME time! Not a whole lot of accessories were ready for the iPad. The built in USB port on it’s side also allows you to charge all your other USB accessories too. It is fairly small but is slightly bigger then the iGo Max, but the iGo max does not have a USB port. It also comes with other tips for other laptops on the market. While plugged into a DC source, it has low power shut off at 9v and will turn itself back on at 11v*.
Second: The New iGo everywhereMAX. It is now smaller, but not quite as thin as the Kensingtons, but indeed lighter and smaller then the iGo 130w everywhere. As mentioned it has more tips for more accessories on the market. It also comes with the Dual power accessories for your other devices (tips for those accessories sold separately). While used from DC source, the iGo Max has a safety shut off at 9v and will turn itself back on at 11v*.
Third: We happen to like the Kensington K33197(US)adapters because they are slim and light. It also has a long cord and in most cases, you’ll be sitting quite far away from the power outlet on your hotel bed.
It also has an optional Y-cable so that you can power both Macbook, and some other accessories. Speaking of accessories, the Kensington do have tips for accessories such as a USB power tip, but not nearly as much as the iGo’s.
While used from DC source, the Kensington has a low power shut off below 12v, and will require you to manually unplug and replug in the cig plug to reset power to the Macbook.
This model has been officially discontinued by Kensington. It is harder and harder to find for sale now, but we still like it because this is still the smallest and slimmest all-in-one adapter charger we can find anywhere in the world. We'll miss this model.
Of course if you don’t notice by now, ALL our adapters can come with the Magsafe cable.
Happy charging away from home!
Mike
*cut-off range also depends on amperage available.
We added the Duracell AC/DC adapter & Targus adapter to our store.
Preview of the our adapter rating are as follows:
1) Duracell AC/DC Auto/Air/Home adapter with USB port. ipad compatible.
2) Targus AC/DC Auto/Air(sort of)/Home adapter with splitter. ipad compatible.
3) Mikegyver AC/DC Auto/Air/Home
4) iGo EverywhereMAX
5) Kensington AC/DC Auto/Air/Home.
Stay tuned for FULL review.
Meanwhile below is our review before adding the Duracell and the Targus to our lineup.
-------------------------------------------
Who said there were no car or airline adapters for the Macbooks? CLEAN linear power for your Macbooks.
One of the most frequent questions I get is which adapter is the best?
Well, hopefully i’ll answer them here. If you just want something that will work, then we suggest the second Generation “Mikegyver Power Travel Kit”, it is cheaper (we call it the good model)however because we have to modify the patented magsafe connector from apple, you’ll need to disconnect the magsafe cable from Apple’s AC adapter and plug it into the Car/Airline adapter. You’ll notice that we lock it at 16v because in 97% of the cases you’ll be just fine, and also, airlines provide limited power and 16v would be the best setting without making the airlines upset. Other adapters that is on the market claim to have the added benefit of auto switching dual voltage for the Macbook Pro, but there is a strong chance that it’ll overpower the 75w Airline breaker limit. Not a good thing especially if you need to charge and use your dead Macbook Pro upon liftoff!
The Next set of adapters that we sell are AC/DC adapters. We call them our better/Best selection. Please make no mistake, these are NOT inverters. Most people write me asking why it is so much more expensive when they can buy a car adapter (it really is an INVERTER) at XYZ place for cheaper. Without getting in too technical, you are pretty much converting car power into household power, then using the Apple adapter converting it back to car power. Now does that sound efficient? No! is it wasteful? YES! (No, I’m not an tree hugger, I just like being efficient).
I’ve heard stories where people would run out of power in no time, and in some cases, they can’t even use their Macbook Pros since the adapter trips the inverter breaker.
These AC/DC adapter have TWO inputs. One can be used to plug into normal household power. The other, which is more important, is Car or Airline power. The Car/Airline input just modifies the DC CAR power into the SAME power as your Macbook, just a different voltage.
So, now, which of these AC/DC adapter do I recommend?
Our first choice: The Mikegyver ALL-IN-ONE AC/DC adapter. It is also Mikegyver certified to be able to charge and power BOTH your Macbook Pro and your iPad at the SAME time! Not a whole lot of accessories were ready for the iPad. The built in USB port on it’s side also allows you to charge all your other USB accessories too. It is fairly small but is slightly bigger then the iGo Max, but the iGo max does not have a USB port. It also comes with other tips for other laptops on the market. While plugged into a DC source, it has low power shut off at 9v and will turn itself back on at 11v*.
Second: The New iGo everywhereMAX. It is now smaller, but not quite as thin as the Kensingtons, but indeed lighter and smaller then the iGo 130w everywhere. As mentioned it has more tips for more accessories on the market. It also comes with the Dual power accessories for your other devices (tips for those accessories sold separately). While used from DC source, the iGo Max has a safety shut off at 9v and will turn itself back on at 11v*.
Third: We happen to like the Kensington K33197(US)adapters because they are slim and light. It also has a long cord and in most cases, you’ll be sitting quite far away from the power outlet on your hotel bed.
It also has an optional Y-cable so that you can power both Macbook, and some other accessories. Speaking of accessories, the Kensington do have tips for accessories such as a USB power tip, but not nearly as much as the iGo’s.
While used from DC source, the Kensington has a low power shut off below 12v, and will require you to manually unplug and replug in the cig plug to reset power to the Macbook.
This model has been officially discontinued by Kensington. It is harder and harder to find for sale now, but we still like it because this is still the smallest and slimmest all-in-one adapter charger we can find anywhere in the world. We'll miss this model.
Of course if you don’t notice by now, ALL our adapters can come with the Magsafe cable.
Happy charging away from home!
Mike
*cut-off range also depends on amperage available.
From bottom up:
Mikegyver All-in-one
iGo Max
Kensington
12v Car, Boat, RV Mac Mini 2010 how to...
07/18/10 23:31 Filed in: DIY Mac Mini
2010
Warning: The following
steps are to be performed by those competent in
soldering and electronics. The following step WILL very
likely VOID your warranty. We will also take NO
responsibility for any damages that you might
incur.
Ok, so here’s how we did it, however we don’t like re-inventing the wheel (rather then to improve on it) we going to refer you to ifixit.com on disassembly first.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac-Mini-Model-A1347-Teardown/3094/1
Please do steps 1-14, and 22. Then come back here.
After you have disassembled your Mac mini, remove the power supply and re-assemble everything like so. Reconnect the power supply on the outside of the Mac Mini.
1) Cut the positive wires, and the Negative wires. Note the Middle wire:
2) Solder Pos wires together, and solder Neg wires together.
3) Find a wire and solder to it to make leads longer:
4) Solder the other end of the wire to a Panel mount DC jack:
5) Run it to the back of the Mac Mini where the AC cable used to plug in:
6) Find a Car cig plug (we sell them) and solder it to a 2.1mm plug:
7) Here’s how it looks fully assembled.
8) Plug in to the Mac Mini and you’re done!
NOTE: We tested with operating voltages of 10v all the way up to 15vdc, however we STRONGLY recommend you use a voltage regulator such as this from mp3car.com
The Car cig plug and all accessories can be purchased here (scroll to bottom).
For those who don’t want to do this yourselves, write us.
Ok, so here’s how we did it, however we don’t like re-inventing the wheel (rather then to improve on it) we going to refer you to ifixit.com on disassembly first.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac-Mini-Model-A1347-Teardown/3094/1
Please do steps 1-14, and 22. Then come back here.
After you have disassembled your Mac mini, remove the power supply and re-assemble everything like so. Reconnect the power supply on the outside of the Mac Mini.
1) Cut the positive wires, and the Negative wires. Note the Middle wire:
2) Solder Pos wires together, and solder Neg wires together.
3) Find a wire and solder to it to make leads longer:
4) Solder the other end of the wire to a Panel mount DC jack:
5) Run it to the back of the Mac Mini where the AC cable used to plug in:
6) Find a Car cig plug (we sell them) and solder it to a 2.1mm plug:
7) Here’s how it looks fully assembled.
8) Plug in to the Mac Mini and you’re done!
NOTE: We tested with operating voltages of 10v all the way up to 15vdc, however we STRONGLY recommend you use a voltage regulator such as this from mp3car.com
The Car cig plug and all accessories can be purchased here (scroll to bottom).
For those who don’t want to do this yourselves, write us.
12v Car, Boat, RV Mac Mini 2010!
07/08/10 11:19 Filed in: News
We did it!
Modified Mac Mini 2010 using Pure 12v from your Car, Boat, RV!
NO INVERTERS!
BUT there is a price to pay... This will pretty much void your warranty if you bring it back in to Apple as is... It can be returned to factory state without much problems though.
Check back you’ll show you how we did it!
Let us know what you think by taking our Poll!
Modified Mac Mini 2010 using Pure 12v from your Car, Boat, RV!
NO INVERTERS!
BUT there is a price to pay... This will pretty much void your warranty if you bring it back in to Apple as is... It can be returned to factory state without much problems though.
Check back you’ll show you how we did it!
Let us know what you think by taking our Poll!
POLL: Car, RV, Boat adapter for the Mac Mini!
07/06/10 13:26 Filed in: Poll
We’re taking a poll!
Because the Mac Mini has a built in power supply, we cannot simply plug in a converter like we did with the older Mac Mini’s. The older model we just swap out the external AC adapter and substitute with a PURE DC adapter. This makes it much more efficient and does not go through the crazy wasteful DC to AC to DC back and forth conversion.
The only option now without voiding your warranty is that you’d have to use an INVERTER... And as you know us, we HATE to do that.
So... We’re taking a poll. How much as you willing to pay for pure DC power source for your mac mini if it would mean modifying your Mac Mini and VOIDING the warranty?
email us
Because the Mac Mini has a built in power supply, we cannot simply plug in a converter like we did with the older Mac Mini’s. The older model we just swap out the external AC adapter and substitute with a PURE DC adapter. This makes it much more efficient and does not go through the crazy wasteful DC to AC to DC back and forth conversion.
The only option now without voiding your warranty is that you’d have to use an INVERTER... And as you know us, we HATE to do that.
So... We’re taking a poll. How much as you willing to pay for pure DC power source for your mac mini if it would mean modifying your Mac Mini and VOIDING the warranty?
email us
Anton Bauer Power Tap DC adapter for Mac Mini
06/23/10 20:13 Filed in: News
Recently we put together an Anton Bauer Power Tap DC
adapter for Mac Mini!
This user is taking advantage of his Anton Bauer Power from his camera setup to run his Mac mini from Camera batteries and accessories!!
This user is taking advantage of his Anton Bauer Power from his camera setup to run his Mac mini from Camera batteries and accessories!!
For the photographers, and film Industry people, Bring
your project to us! We can make it happen! Got a
Macbook Pro or Mac Mini, and want to use your 130wh
Camera battery? contact us!
Car, RV, Boat adapter for the Mac Mini!
06/15/10 07:41 Filed in: News
UPDATE: Apple release new MacMinis today. This will NOT
work with the New MacMini with built in power supply.
Please stay tuned. Email us if you are interested.
--------------------------------------------------
We are offering it with 90w (seen below), 120w for the Mac Mini’s.
Contact us if you want us to custom config this with another adapter such as the Kensingtons, or iGo.
Now available from our store page
--------------------------------------------------
We are offering it with 90w (seen below), 120w for the Mac Mini’s.
Contact us if you want us to custom config this with another adapter such as the Kensingtons, or iGo.
Now available from our store page
Mac Mini External Battery
06/15/10 07:40 Filed in: News
UPDATE: Apple release new MacMinis today. This will NOT
work with the New MacMini with built in power supply.
Please stay tuned. Email us if you are interested.
--------------------------------------------------
New! Mac Mini External Battery
We're at it again!
World's First Mac Mini External Battery. No User mod required.
--------------------------------------------------
New! Mac Mini External Battery
We're at it again!
World's First Mac Mini External Battery. No User mod required.
Great for those who is off the grid, our just want to
run their Mac Mini more efficiently from battery.
Also makes a great Pure DC UPS. Perfect for the new Mac
Mini server! Run your Mac Mini on Battery for hours!
More efficient then standard UPS Battery backups
because you will not be converting from AC to DC to AC
to DC!
Can run your Mac Mini for up to 6.5hrs!
Bundle this with our All-in-one adapters and power from
Home, Car, or Boat! Ask us how!
Now available from our Store page (scroll to
bottom)
NEW! 2nd Gen Mikegyver Home, Airline, and Car !
04/10/10 10:46 Filed in: Macbook car
charger |
Macbook AC adapter, Macbook car adapter
Introducing our Second Generation Mikegyver Power Travel Kit!
It’s white , it’s beautiful, better built, and just matches!
Low power shut off at 9V, and over voltage protection. Also WILL NOT trip airline 70w limitation if you are charging a fully depleted Macbook Pro like most other solutions on the Market!
As before we are bundling this as a kit because of Apple’s patent. This is the ONLY way anyone can do it!
Here’s our part of our description that is pulled from our 1st gen description, as almost everything else is the same.
The Mikegyver Power Travel Kit includes the Apple Adapter and a Car/Airline DC adapter with genuine Apple magsafe connector.
Important Note:
1) It WILL charge the battery in Airlines/car while you use it.
2) It IS compatible with automobile power ports & Empower ports.
3) You will maintain FULL functionality of your Apple adapter & DC car/airline adapter
4) Users will be able to use optional accessories such as external Batteries
A few options when choosing this order:
You just buy our Apple adapter and DC car/Airline adapter straight out (No exchange).
or
Exchange option:
1) You order
conversion process. 2) We send you ONE Apple power
adapter and ONE Car/Airline adapter with a converted
plug with magsafe 3) You send back your old
unmodified Apple power adapter with magsafe connector
(As New working condition) and we refund $90.00
retainer.
or
User supplied option:
You send us your
Apple adapter first, then we send back your converted
Apple adapter and the DC car/Airline adapter.
DC car/air adapter has the
following specs: Input 11.5-16vdc
9.4oz
Empower plug
built-in. Genuine magsafe cable.
Please visit
our Q&A
section
Available now Please go to our Store page to see sale
price! Please look for
The NEW 2nd Gen
Mikegyver Power Travel Kit Home, Car, and
Air from our Store
page.
Chargers that do not work with iPad, but ours does!
04/08/10 07:49 Filed in: iPad
chargers adapters
Macworld had an article about how the iPad draws more
power then the iPhone & iPod.
http://www.macworld.com/article/150439/2010/04/ipadaccessorycompatibility.html
Our adapters such as the “Mikegyver All-in-one” CHARGES both the iPad AND MACBOOK Pro AT the SAME time!!!
http://www.macworld.com/article/150439/2010/04/ipadaccessorycompatibility.html
Our adapters such as the “Mikegyver All-in-one” CHARGES both the iPad AND MACBOOK Pro AT the SAME time!!!
NEW! Mikegyver All in One Adapter with USB
03/21/10 14:42 Filed in: New and
comments
Pre launch special! The World’s Largest Macbook Magsafe Car Adapter Charger, JUST got BIGGER!
This All-in-one AC/DC adapter WILL charge BOTH Macbook Pro AND iPad from the same adapter!
Our All new Mikegyver ALL-in-One AC/DC adapter Car Airline adapter.
Charge your Macbooks, and ANY USB accessory such as your iPad! All at the same time!
Specs:
90w AC/DC with USB port on side.
8v under voltage cut off
5.5x1x2.75 inches
9.7 ounce
Multiple power tips for other laptops, some tips sold separately.
AC Input cord: 4 feet
DC Input cord: 2 feet
DC output cord including Magsafe cable: 5 feet
WILL NOT trip airline 70w limitation if you are charging a fully depleted Macbook Pro like most other solutions on the Market!
This is perfect for those looking for a compact sized adapter, but yet have the convenience of the USB port.
Plus you can replace your Apple adapter with this since you can plug into ANY power source!
Smaller then the Kensington 90w AC/DC adapter!
Check it out from our Store page!
Pre-Launch SALE! Available now! ONLY $149.95!
Three cable combination Magsafe extension
03/11/10 21:36 Filed in: Magsafe
cable extension | custom
made
Magsafe combo USB, Mini-display extension for Apple
display.
Here’s a recent custom mod we did for someone who wanted to extend the Mini display port, USB, and Magsafe combination.
Bring your question, and we’ll do it! email us!
Here’s a recent custom mod we did for someone who wanted to extend the Mini display port, USB, and Magsafe combination.
Bring your question, and we’ll do it! email us!
New Targus announced at CES
01/13/10 18:41 Filed in: New and
comments
At CES Targus announced a new line
of Premium Laptop Charger
But they said they do not have tips for the Mac Laptops.... Yes we do!... right here!
We’ll be looking at adding Targus to our line up of Power adapters for the Macbook line of computers.
in the meantime, you can still purchase their adapter charger and our magsafe cables to work with the full line of Mac laptops!
Check out our guide here
But they said they do not have tips for the Mac Laptops.... Yes we do!... right here!
We’ll be looking at adding Targus to our line up of Power adapters for the Macbook line of computers.
in the meantime, you can still purchase their adapter charger and our magsafe cables to work with the full line of Mac laptops!
Check out our guide here