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: Better than the one from Apple
Summary: 5 Stars
I had to buy this as a replacement for the power adapter that came with my PowerBook G4. Unfortunately that adapter was so poorly constructed that it began to break and fray within half a year. It quickly became a fire hazard and then broke.
This power adapter is much better. The plastic coating the wires is much thicker and sturdier than the Apple adapter. The power cord is at least twice as long as the one that came with my PowerBook. It doesn't have the goofy "features" on the apple adapter, like a flippy plug at the end, but that was part of what made the original one so prone to breakage! It also doesn't pulsate like the Apple adapter, but personally I always found that distracting anyway.
I have been using it for quite some time now and it still works great. I'm very happy with it!
Digital camera Review: Better than the original
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a far better ac adapter than Apple's original, and for less money.
The only downside is you don't get visual confirmation that you are charging. I went through two Apple chargers in 3 years. Although they replaced the first under Apple Care, I was told later that it isn't really covered by the Apple Care warranty and they should not have replaced it. In any case I was not about to buy a third at Apple's price when they regularly wear out. I'm told the new magnetic a/c adapters also have problems, so I hope these folks will make a unit for the newer machines too, but they may run into patent issues?
Digital camera Review: Beware of design change
Summary: 1 Stars
This is my second PS-AC4. The first was exactly as pictured here and on the MacAlly website. It worked great and I would highly recommend it (I purchased it about 3 yrs. ago). However, the most recent one (ordered from Amazon) has been redesigned. There is no blue light, it's slightly smaller in size and DOESN'T work with the G4 iBook.
I only use this power supply when I am on the road, so I only used it a couple times in the two weeks I've had it. Recently I was doing a Keynote presentation and noticed the iBook switching from battery to power supply every second and repeating, endlessly. I reset the Power Management Unit (PMU) on the iBook, but that didn't solve the problem. When I contacted MacAlly, they informed me that this model does not work with the G4 iBook. I was told "You need to return it back to your vendor for refund or different brand."
Both MacAlly and Amazon do not reflect this new information on their website. MacAlly's site even says it's recommended for iBook users.
I am still in the process of getting this issue resolved. My advice after messing around with 3rd party power supplies...buy a genuine Apple as a replacement. It's worth the money in the long run.
Digital camera Review: Breif Review of the Powerbook / Ibook AC Adapter
Summary: 5 Stars
Initially I was going to give this power adapter 4 stars because it lacks that charge light that the Apple adapters have, but you just can't beat the price. It is an ideal and inexpensive replacement or companion adapter. You could by a few of these for the cost of just one from Apple. The only thing to take notice is that it may not charge a laptop as quickly as the standard Apple power adapter because of it's lower wattage.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Inexpensive
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Velcro cord wrap
Cons:
- No charge status light
- Lower wattage then Apple adapter
- Slightly larger then the standard Apple adapter
Digital camera Review: Buy This One and Save
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this to use with my Apple PowerBook and it works perfectly. Apple's version of the same product is substantially more expensive. The only thing I miss is the little light on the cord indicating that the computer is charging. But I would recommend this over Apple's adapter based on price alone.