Extra Inexpensive Mac Mini Power Supply from Apple

**thecolor** · 02-20-2006, 04:12 PM

Apple recently released (for those that are not aware) an inexpensive secondary power supply for the Mac Mini. Part # MA256LL/A

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL....8.25.7.11.0.3

I just ordered mine and will post picture of what it looks like once I get it.

The description is "like the original" but it is only $49 ($44 with my student discount) / covering shipping and will be a nice alternative to making any splices etc. in my current line. It took them a year, but I'm happy it's out.

With this and my power convertor (already used quite a bit), I can now leave one supply in the house and carry the other around (or in my preferred case) when I get my touch screen... place it in my car.

I've been noticing that the power pack that the machine comes with acts almost like a battery for a bit. The capacitor inside must hold quite a bit of juice, as whenever my power goes, the Mac stays lit for a short while, long enough to actually interact and shut down and seems to have no visual effects to spikes or brown outs (of course it is on a surge protector).

Given that information, I feel it might be a reasonable setup in the car to a straight power line or always on or to a solar panel for constant power and then more juice once the car is actually alive (which happens no less than 3-4 times a week.)

Since Bugbyte has indicated he's managed to keep his up in sleep mode for 3 days, I feel that could work decently. OF course, testing is all what makes us knowledgeable.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share the good news about the power supply for those that were unaware and still looking or thinking of cutting their current supply.

**Bugbyte** · 02-20-2006, 09:09 PM

I was able to find this power supply for the same price via Froogle. It looks identical to the Apple one. I had to have it since my dock needed the plug end and that meant I couldn't run the Mini in the house. Now, I can do both. Very cool.

**thecolor** · 02-21-2006, 04:31 PM

I totally understand. I'm really tempted to buy a third, so I have one in the house, one in the car and one to carry around with me.

But... I'll have to wait for that. I'll just deal with a loose chord under the car's seat for now.

**thecolor** · 02-22-2006, 01:18 PM

Dang, I got this thing fast!

Totally identical as Bug stated and so nice to have an extra one for portability. As for the cost, totally reasonable.

**MacMobile** · 02-23-2006, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by thecolor

... or to a solar panel for constant power...

I have installed a Solar Panel in my car. I should have bought a more powerful panel since at the best sunlight condition, it will give only 2.2 watts, which is less that Mac-Mini sleeping consumption.

http://homepage.mac.com/francoborgo/...oAlbum118.html

I use to plug it right next to the driver seat and I was able to extend my car's battery life. Now, It is way back on the trunk and I am afraid of the power lost in the cable. I will post more info later.

Franco

**thecolor** · 02-23-2006, 08:01 AM

I had at one point had a battery recharging solar panel as well, but I had left it in my old TA and moisture got to it and ruined it. I will have to try it again, but I want it to be bigger and more permanent this time, non-gaudy looking, (functional yet hidden). Keep me posted on what you come across.

**sux89** · 02-23-2006, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by MacMobile

I have installed a Solar Panel in my car. I should have bought a more powerful panel since at the best sunlight condition, it will give only 2.2 watts, which is less that Mac-Mini sleeping consumption.

http://homepage.mac.com/francoborgo/...oAlbum118.html

I use to plug it right next to the driver seat and I was able to extend my car's battery life. Now, It is way back on the trunk and I am afraid of the power lost in the cable. I will post more info later.

Franco

I own a VW also. If you have a sunroof, have you ever considered putting the solar panel on top of the sunroof "cover" but below the actual glass so when you have the cover shut you can get solar energy? Just a thought.

**zapwizard** · 02-23-2006, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by sux89

I own a VW also. If you have a sunroof, have you ever considered putting the solar panel on top of the sunroof "cover" but below the actual glass so when you have the cover shut you can get solar energy? Just a thought.

That's a pretty sweet idea.
I will have to check my sunroof to see how much room there is up there.
(As the glass drops down when opening)

I also don't want to have to do a 100% shutdown on the mini if I don't have to.

**thecolor** · 02-23-2006, 07:41 PM

Unfortunately I don't in my Honda, but I do have T-tops in my Trans AM, and I'm totally all over that when I complete my K.I.T.T. conversion.

**kariudo** · 02-25-2006, 07:08 PM

Apple actually recently introduced "safe sleep" which you can enable that will produce a hibernation effect and copy the RAM to the HDD so that you arent consuming any power while sleeping, granted it does take a bit longer to wake, but worth a few extra seconds when it eliminates drain on the batt.
I can't think of the link at the moment but im sure its on osxhints.
Cheers.