PowerBook Mystique Review - Kensington 70 Watt Notebook AC/DC Power Adapter
by Charles W. Moore
The AC power adapters that have shipped with PowerBooks and iBooks for the past ten years have been fairly reliable, although the compact black units that came with the WallStreet and Lombard G3 PowerBooks were recalled and replaced with the "flying saucer" style adapters that were original equipment with the clamshell iBooks and Pismo PowerBook, and which some consider more troublesome that the recalled models.
The white adapters of the Dual USB iBook and G4 PowerBook are a better product that the flying saucer, but they haven't had a spotless record either. If your power adapter fails out of warranty, or you just want a spare, you can purchase an OEM unit from Apple ($79.00), or buy one from a third party supplier (compare prices at pcprices.net.) Or perhaps you need a power adapter that will work on airline flights and/or from 12 volt power sources.
The appeal of third-party adapters his that you can get more versatility and features. Apple's AC adapters are pretty much one trick ponies, available in 45 watt or 65 watt capacities. You can use a 65 watt adapter with the machines that ship with a 45 watt you meant, but it's inadvisable to attempt the vice-versa.
Also, Apple changed the size of the connector jack with the introduction of the Titanium PowerBook and Dual USB iBook in 2001, so if you have both newer and older 'Books in your fleet, you can't buy one Apple adapter that there that will work as a spare for both types. Nor do Apple adapters work with 12-volt input such as from automobile cigarette lighter sockets, or with the airline Empower outlets, and they can't be used to charge an iPod, which requires its own dedicated Apple charger/power supply.
All of which is why a power adapter like the subject of this review, the new Kensington 70 Watt Notebook AC/DC Power Adapter, could be a much more ideal solution than an Apple unit. The Kensington adapter will work with more than 1000 different notebook computer models, including all PowerBooks and iBooks from the PowerBook 1400 on, to as well as with the iPod (later models) and other brand MP3 players, cell phones, DVD players, portable gaming devices, digital cameras, and camcorders.
This comprehensive versatility is facilitated by a variable output voltage of 0-24 volts DC, and a system of plug-in connector tips called a SmartTips, of which there are versions available for both the older and newer Apple laptop connector sizes and for the later model iPods, not to mention a vast range of PC notebooks, cell phones, and other devices. The individual SmartTips determine the amount of power delivered to the device it's designed to connect with, and they are color coded either Green (notebooks - high power); Yellow (entertainment devices such as iPods and portable DVDs - mid power); and Blue (PDAs, cell phones, cameras, etc. - low power).
The SmartTips just plug into the device end of the Kensington 70 Watt adapters connector cord, which is an extravagantly generous 10 feet long, and comes with a slick, a captive, Velcro-closure band to bundle it up neatly when not in use.
Also supplied is an 18" power input cord compatible with an airline Empower-style power socket that can be used to power the Kensington adapter from an in-seat power source to charge and run your laptop or other mobile electronic devices while in flight. The Empower cord also has a modular automobile connector that can be used in any car, truck, boat, or aircraft with a 12 volt cigarette lighter socket (or with portable 12-volt power packs that have such sockets).
The Kensington 70 Watt Notebook AC/DC Power Adapter comes in two models, and Apple one in white, can the standard model in glossy, Darth Vader black. Our review unit is actually the black one, which works just fine with Apple products, but does not ship with Apple laptop SmartTip connectors, although the iPod SmartTip is included along with an assortment of PC notebook connectors.
SmartTips are available separately for any compatible device. The black model adapter of course harmonizes is nicely with the older, black PowerBooks like my Pismo and WallStreet, for which you need an N-16 SmartTip. For later Apple machines with the smaller connector you need an N-23 SmartTip, and the iPod tip is designated J-3. The Apple tips of course ship bundled with the Kensington 70 Watt Apple adapter version.
One feature of later-type Apple laptop power adapters that is not supported by the SmartTip system is the indicator LED the on the periphery of the connector plug that glows amber when the battery is charging and green when it is fully charged. However, there is a very cool (at least if you like electric blue) power indicator light on the adapter housing itself.
The Kensington 70 Watt Notebook AC/DC Power Adapter is thinner in section then the white Apple adapters, but has a considerably larger footprint, measuring 5.6"x 3.1"x 0.66". However, it has a more convenient shape to slip into a pocket in your laptop bag or backpack, and the fact that both the input and output cords detach makes it easier to pack as well.
The Kensington adapter and its peripherals have a high standard of finish, which is something I've come to expect with Kensington products, and everything seems very robust. There is a one year limited warranty.
With its 70 watt output, the Kensington adapter will work with any SmartTip to it compatible iBook or PowerBook (all models from the 1996 PowerBook 1400 on), but not with the new MacBook Pros and their "MagSafe" magnetic connector system (which in any case is 85 watts). It remains to be seen whether Apple will license MagSafe technology to third-party replacement product vendors.
The Kensington 70 Watt Notebook AC/DC Power Adapter works just fine with all of my 'Books, I appreciate the enhanced versatility and features, and have no hesitation giving this product an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
The Kensington 70 Watt Notebook AC/DC Power Adapter features In summary:
• AC and DC capabilities power your Apple laptop or iPod virtually anywhere
Compact and lightweight design is up to 40% smaller and lighter (by volume) for more nimble portability
• 70 watts of anytime, anywhere power for your Apple PowerBook, iBook, or iPod
• Flexible SmartTip design lets you power dozens of devices with a single adapter--just swap tips (sold separately - for more info go to: http://www.kensington.com )
• One adapter can replace your existing power supply and give you portable power
• Included in the Apple adapter package are the following notebook tips: N16, N23 and J3 (iPod tip)
• The 70 Watt AC/DC Power Adapter for Apple Notebook is backed by the Kensington 1-Year warranty.
Note: an AC input only version of this power adapter is available for $79.95, the same price as Apple's 65 watt white adapter.
70 Watt AC/DC Power Adapter for Apple Notebook (White)
Model Number: 33335
Price: $119.99
70Watt Notebook AC/DC Power Adapter (Black)
Model Number: 33234
Price: $119.99
For more information, visit:
http://us.kensington.com/html/10200.html
and
http://us.kensington.com/html/10450.html
The Kensington 70 Watt AC/DC Power Adapter for Apple Notebook is also available at the online Apple Store.
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