Charging a Mac book air on the go

spm0912

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I have a 2017 13" Mac book air with Retina display with the magnetic connector. I want to be able to charge it from some kind of portable power pack whilst camping. I can charge the power pack whilst riding via the Din plug.

I've completely lost myself searching the net with all sorts of conflicting advice. The only way I can see it done is by buying a powerful power pack with a 12v DC outlet (Ridge monkey, the fishing specialists do one) then get a a car charging lead with transformer but that'll cost over 200 quid for the both of them Is there a cheaper but still reliable way? Doesn't have to be fast, I can leave it charging over night.

Any advice gratefully received
 
Ta, I don't travel with a top box otherwise that would work. Maybe I should:D
 
Where were you planning on putting a power pack etc?

You could try a large lithium bike battery, with an optimate-style lead/plug to your bike battery and the charging cable I listed - into a socket connected to the lithium battery too...............

But - you might find your alternator can't cope with the additional load in the morning especially, when the PD/charging is at its max

Get a top box and charge the macbook directly - in there.
 
Power pack in a tank bag charged from the din socket up front. Mac carried in roll bag on back seat. I do have a top box but generally only fit it when carrying a pillion and it has a din socket in it! A decent power pack with the oomph to charge a Mac is expensive. Think I'll go with your option!
Thanks:thumb
 
Dont forget to sort out something to ensure that the mag connection doesn't disconnect as you are riding.

A large rubber band around the macbook/plug?
 
Most portable power banks have a USB outlet. So just get a USB to magnetic thing lead. I got one off eBay.
 
These are good and have an ac outlet, so you can plug in your MacBook in using your magnetic lead. They come with a cigarette lighter charging lead, so if you can secure the Powerpac, you could charge from the bike while riding...
https://www.powapacs.co.uk/product/atom-2/
 
Most portable power banks have a USB outlet. So just get a USB to magnetic thing lead. I got one off eBay.

Can you post a link to the cable/adaptor? USB outlets from powerbanks are 5v
 
Most portable power banks have a USB outlet. So just get a USB to magnetic thing lead. I got one off eBay.

I've seen these but stories of overheating cables and intermittent working have put me off
 
These are good and have an ac outlet, so you can plug in your MacBook in using your magnetic lead. They come with a cigarette lighter charging lead, so if you can secure the Powerpac, you could charge from the bike while riding...
https://www.powapacs.co.uk/product/atom-2/

Umm, not cheap and quite bulky to carry on a bike but it would definitely provide all my power needs whilst camping. Thanks, I'll look into it a bit more
 
Newer versions charge through a USB C but I’ve never seen a genuine MagSafe 2 (which is what I think your MacBook will have) lead that goes into anything other than a full sized plug. You could probably get away with buying a very small 12v inverter but as Blackal say, the MagSafe plug will probably drop out unless you put tape over it.

I’m always a bit worried about charging expensive electrical items with Chinese products bought on eBay or Amazon and even though I know the genuine Apple lead comes from China at least I know it’s been tested properly. Do what I did and buy an iPad mini for holiday use. Mine fits into a soft case with my Kindle and goes in the bottom of my tank bag where it’s at hand if I want it on long ferry crossings.
 
Look in motorcycle sport and leisure mag- august edition. It’s got a kit test on a sealed power bank with a 3 pin plug outlet.
 


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