Full FeedMagSafe - design over safety?
When the MagSafe power adapter first appeared with Apple’s laptops, people loved it. Its intuitive use of a magnet to ensure nothing gets ripped and broken if the wire is pulled, was great. But with the connection between cable and computer being five pins and a magnet, was safety compromised with its design?
There have been many stories and photos posted regarding damaged MagSafe adapters. The most recent of which happened to Ken Brinkman, whose MacBook Pro caught fire while he was sleeping. Luckily he woke soon enough before things got really nasty, but it would still be a shock to discover smoke “pouring out the seam between the unibody and bottom enclosure.” I had a similar situation, which happened while I was using the computer. The wire had burnt through around the power brick and the MagSafe itself. I could smell the burning plastic, but was unsure of where it was coming from, until the corner of my MacBook started smoking.
The pictures of Ken’s MacBook Pro are probably some of the worst cases of damage, but they could’ve easily been worse. A search on Flickr or Google shows a lot of people have had problems with the MagSafe, which begs the question; what is Apple planning to do about it? Some cases, I would imagine, may come down to a simply worn-out kit. But in Ken Brinkman’s case, his MacBook Pro was the recent model. Apple replaced his computer, but what about a long term solution?
Wireless charging may even be an option for the next generation of MacBooks. The Palm Pre offers this technology, although obviously a much smaller scale than a computer would require. A lot of the time, you’re using your MacBook or MacBook Pro on a desk or table, and so a small mat underneath it could provide charge. It’s a longshot at the moment, I’m sure, but something to think about.
The design of the MagSafe adapter is great, but I feel it needs some adjustments to make it more secure and safe when it’s in use. If MacBooks and MacBook Pros are going to become even more popular with the mass markets, a charger that could set on fire even just a few months after the purchase isn’t going to win Apple any points. We’d hate to give Microsoft any more ammo for their advertisements now, wouldn’t we?
Also see MagSaver keeps your MagSafe safe and Apple replacing MagSafe power adapters for free!
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What is the failure rate?
Is the failure rate similar to other designs?
I have a feeling the ‘many stories’ is a statistically insignificant number. I am not saying this isn’t a serious issue to the unlucky owners of the laptops / failed laptops. I am just saying let’s keep things in perspective.
on May 26, 2009 at 03:43 PM - LINK@sfmitch - I see where you’re coming from. The number of people affected is a low number in perspective. The chances of being affected by this are low, but its still possible. The results could prove disastrous if you weren’t around when it happened. It’s still something Apple needs to think about though.
on May 26, 2009 at 03:52 PM - LINKI would say failure rates are high. I have sent for about 25 replacements on about 60 MacBook/MacBook Pros. It seems that we have the most trouble with cords that travel and wrapped around the adapter for storage. The cords that sit at people’s desks don’t have problems, generally. I have seen so many bad ones I won’t leave mine plugged in at night anymore. It’s not worth a full charge in the morning to risk burning down my house. Generally there are just exposed wires from the constant bending near the magsafe adapter but on occasion there are few that started smoking like the pictures above.
I don’t think it’s because of the design. I think the entire adapter needs beefed up a bit. Unlike the socket types where you just pull straight out, the magsafe you grab the cord and pull. Try to grab just the magsafe and detach it. It’s extremely difficult. The repeated pulling on the cord is what causes the issues. Beef up the cord where it goes into the magsafe and it should eliminate most problems.
on May 26, 2009 at 03:58 PM - LINKThere is no question that this is important and if it is a problem then Apple should fix it.
I am just always cautious of the “ZOMG - The sky is falling! RUN!” internet thing.
on May 26, 2009 at 03:59 PM - LINKJeremywjones:
It’s extremely EASY to detach the MagSafe adapter without pulling on it. All you do it ROTATE the plug either upward or downward and the magnetic attraction is broken, and you can remove the plug with incredible ease!
on June 23, 2009 at 10:27 PM - LINK