Macally PS-AC4 AC Power Adapter for Apple G4: Digital-Camera-Near.com

Macally PS-AC4 AC Power Adapter for Apple G4

Macally PS-AC4 AC Power Adapter for Apple G4
by Mace Group Inc / Macally Peripherals

List Price: ~~$59.99~~
Our Price: $23.99
You Save: $36.00 (60%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $17.25 (click here)
Category: CE
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Customers in the UK, Buy this product at amazon.co.uk for British Pounds

Digital Photo Product Details

Manufacturer: Mace Group Inc / Macally Peripherals
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: PS-AC4
Product features:

AC adaptor works with G3 iBook and G4 PowerBook only
Velcro strip ties all cables neatly in place, great for travelers
Charge notebook battery while the system is on, off, or in sleep mode
10' cord length
Net Weight: 9.2oz

Accessories:

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Macally PS-AC4 AC Power Adapter for Apple G4

Customer Review: A gamble which may, or may not, work out.
Summary: 2 Stars

Many positive reviews seem to indicate that this charger works handsomely for some folks and some laptops. It did not, however, work for me or my 12" Aluminum Powerbook G4. Prior to purchase I visited the MacAlly website and found this line regarding compatibility:

"AC adaptor works with G3 iBook and G4 PowerBook only"

I assumed that my PowerBook G4 would fit under the definition of a "G4 PowerBook" and proceeded with my purchase. The adapter arrived quickly and smartly packaged, but when connected it would continuously cycle between charging and not charging or connected and disconnected. This seemed to be the case even when the laptop was powered off, but was particularly apparent when the laptop was running as it would cycle between full and 3/4 screen brightness and the charge indicator would bounce between "charging" and "calculating (ie running from battery) status. When I contacted MacAlly via email about this I received this marginally helpful response:

Dear Customer,

Thank you for contacting us.

If the adapter you purchased does not have a blue LED light on the white Brickbox, it may have charging problem with 12" PowerBook G4.

Please return to your vendor and buy another brand charger for 12" Powerbook G4 if this is possible.

Sincerely,

Michael Huang, Tech Support
Macally USA
4601 E. Airport Dr.
Ontario, CA 91761

I replied, attempting to clarify that he was essentially instructing to buy from someone else. And received the following "clarification."

Dear Customer,

Thank you for contacting us.

Clearly put, this adapter is designed for powerbook G3 and G4 series, no problem about it.

Recently we have received some feedbacks, just for 12" screen size PowerBook G4 only, that some 12" powerbook G4 (not all of them) might exists some powering flickering issue between charging and battery. Currently we are still under the investigation phase for the cause for this issue.

Customers who had bought this AC adapter with eligible warranty can mail the adapter back to our company for us to duplicate their scenario to troubleshoot the cause. ( powerbook model, operating system version,etc.) For those customer who are in dire need for such adapter, if it is possible, they can contact the vendor for return or exchange for another brand which is working problem-free with powerbook 12". Either way will do.

Please advise.

Sincerely,

Michael Huang, Tech Support
Macally USA

So, I can return the charger to MacAlly for "troubleshooting." But no mention of repair/replacement/refund and some vague hinting that perhaps the charger does not work with the range of laptops that they claim.

Ultimately this charger may provide a good value for some, but seems to be somewhat particular; even above and beyond the well covered 65W-45W distinction. Lastly, MacAlly did not provide a particularly satisfying customer support experience.

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