Macally (PSAC4) AC Adapter for iBook and PowerBook

Apple originally shipped some of their PowerBooks and iBooks with a 45 W adapter. After a short time, Apple discontinued that adapter and introduced a 65 W adapter that they currenty recommend for all their PowerBook and iBook computers (that includes the ones that shipped with a 45 W adapter originally).

The Macally adapter doesn't state the output wattage, but if you contact the company or just test the unit you will find it's a little less than 45 W. That's ok for some (but not all) PowerBooks and iBooks -- but it's far from ideal. You battery will charge slower and the new computers may not even recognize the adapter.

Also, the packaging and website is confusing. For example, the companies website says the unit will work with G3 iBooks -- they mean some G3 iBooks. If you have the clamshell G3 iBooks the unit can't even plug into the computer (these computers have an entirely different port for power). They also say it will work with G4 PowerBooks. Again, that's some G4 PowerBooks. It works with the Titanium G4 PowerBooks but the Aluminum G4 PowerBooks can't even boot off a 45 W adapter. Calling the company doesn't help much either, the folks who answer the phone don't seem to know much about this product. I get the feeling this product wasn't originally designed for PowerBooks and iBooks, somebody just tried to adapt it to them and kind of succeeded.

If you have one of the older PowerBooks (like the titanium) the unit will work and I like the compact size (smaller than the Apple AC adapter). The unit is half the price of the Apple AC Adapter and has the same warranty as the Apple one (30 days). But the product isn't very durable (I went through two in six months). I like Macally in general, but they really don't seem to get behind this product. There are better third party AC Adapters on the market, for the same or a better price. I can't recommend the Macally adapter.