Mac MagSaver Protects Your MagSafe Connector

Tag : Connector

I'm a big fan of Apple's MagSafe power connector, which uses anifty magnetic design to connect the power adapter to the laptop.
As we explained back when Apple announced the original MacBook Pro models , "The MagSafe power connector safely disconnects from the notebookwhen there is strain on the power cord, helping to prevent thenotebook from falling off its work surface if the power cord isinadvertently yanked."
That said, a number of Mac laptop users have been disappointed inthis connector. Not because it doesn't work as advertised, butbecause the connection between the MagSafe connector and the powercable has proven to be less than reliable for some. Specifically,the cable has cracked or frayed at this connection for some users.The problem isn't widespread, relative to the number of MacBook andMacBook Pro laptops out there, but it's common enough to havegenerated many posts on Apple's Discussions forums, as well toreward you with a knowing look when you plop your damaged adapterdown on the Genius Bar at an Apple Store .
Of course, where there's a problem, there's a market for asolution, as the folks at Southern Mac Refurbishing will tell you.According to the company, earlier this year they were contracted torepair "several thousand" MagSafe adapters for an unnamed company.While doing so, they developed a little gadget for preventing theproblem in the first place: the $14 Mac MagSaver. Essentially asmall, ABS-plastic collar that fits over the MagSafe connector andprovides support for the cable, the Mac MagSaver dramaticallyreduces the strain on this connection.
To install the Mac MagSaver, you position the MagSafe connector inthe bottom section of the collar and then weave the cable, S-like,around two plastic posts; these posts keep the cable from pullingat the cable/plug connection. You then fit the top section of theMac MagSaver collar onto the bottom and press four includedretainer pins into place using any small, solid object (such as apen tip or the end of a screwdriver). A small hole on each side ofthe Mac MagSaver lets you monitor your MagSafe connector's statuslight.
Although I can't vouch for the long-term effectiveness of the MacMagSaver, the theory behind it is sound, and it's worked well overthe few weeks I've been testing it on one of our Mac laptops. (Thecompany includes a lifetime warranty.) There are two minordownsides worth noting. First, because the Mac MagSaver usesretaining pins instead of screws, you can't remove it and later putit back on; it's an install-it-and-leave-it accessory. Second, theMac MagSaver is bulkier than the bare MagSafe connector, making itslightly more difficult to secure the end of your cable afteryou've wrapped it around your adapter. It's also notable that theMac MagSaver doesn't work with the power adapter for the MacBookAir, thanks to the different shape of the Air's MagSafe connector.