Macally PS-AC4 AC Power Adapter for Apple G4 by Mace Group Inc / Macally Peripherals
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Digital camera reviews of Macally PS-AC4 AC Power Adapter for Apple G4
Digital camera Review: A gamble which may, or may not, work out.
Summary: 2 Stars
Many positive reviews seem to indicate that this charger works handsomely for some folks and some laptops. It did not, however, work for me or my 12" Aluminum Powerbook G4. Prior to purchase I visited the MacAlly website and found this line regarding compatibility:
"AC adaptor works with G3 iBook and G4 PowerBook only"
I assumed that my PowerBook G4 would fit under the definition of a "G4 PowerBook" and proceeded with my purchase. The adapter arrived quickly and smartly packaged, but when connected it would continuously cycle between charging and not charging or connected and disconnected. This seemed to be the case even when the laptop was powered off, but was particularly apparent when the laptop was running as it would cycle between full and 3/4 screen brightness and the charge indicator would bounce between "charging" and "calculating (ie running from battery) status. When I contacted MacAlly via email about this I received this marginally helpful response:
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Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting us.
If the adapter you purchased does not have a blue LED light on the white Brickbox, it may have charging problem with 12" PowerBook G4.
Please return to your vendor and buy another brand charger for 12" Powerbook G4 if this is possible.
Sincerely,
Michael Huang, Tech Support
Macally USA
4601 E. Airport Dr.
Ontario, CA 91761
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I replied, attempting to clarify that he was essentially instructing to buy from someone else. And received the following "clarification."
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Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting us.
Clearly put, this adapter is designed for powerbook G3 and G4 series, no problem about it.
Recently we have received some feedbacks, just for 12" screen size PowerBook G4 only, that some 12" powerbook G4 (not all of them) might exists some powering flickering issue between charging and battery. Currently we are still under the investigation phase for the cause for this issue.
Customers who had bought this AC adapter with eligible warranty can mail the adapter back to our company for us to duplicate their scenario to troubleshoot the cause. ( powerbook model, operating system version,etc.) For those customer who are in dire need for such adapter, if it is possible, they can contact the vendor for return or exchange for another brand which is working problem-free with powerbook 12". Either way will do.
Please advise.
Sincerely,
Michael Huang, Tech Support
Macally USA
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So, I can return the charger to MacAlly for "troubleshooting." But no mention of repair/replacement/refund and some vague hinting that perhaps the charger does not work with the range of laptops that they claim.
Ultimately this charger may provide a good value for some, but seems to be somewhat particular; even above and beyond the well covered 65W-45W distinction. Lastly, MacAlly did not provide a particularly satisfying customer support experience.
Digital camera Review: Doesn't work properly
Summary: 2 Stars
Bought this about a month ago as a back-up adaptor. When used on my Powerbook G4 and my wife's iBook G4, it does not charge them when in operation. It supplies power so that the units are functional when plugged in, but it will only charge the units when they are closed or turned off. I'd give this a one star, but at least it powers them when they're on, even without the charging. Digital camera Review: Quite Satisfactory
Summary: 4 Stars
This product works well, with no problems so far. I have now had it for about a month, and it keeps my iBook G4 running with no issues. It doesn't have the light that indicates whether power is being received, but that's a minor thing. Also doesn't have the easy-to-use cable-wrapping things on the original, but once again, that's a mere quibble. All in all, I am satisfied with this purchase.Digital camera Review: Worth the Mpney!
Summary: 4 Stars
Searched Hi/Low for this item. Similar products were 5 X more expensive. So far, it works like a charm!
Would recommend it to anyone!
Grayfox442
Digital camera Review: Not pleased
Summary: 2 Stars
This Macally looks nice and worked fine. For six months. Now I'm trying to work with the warranty folks at Macally. Wish me luck.Macally PS-AC4 AC Power Adapter for Apple G4