Using Mac computer on board ??

[Dean Abramson]

I have a MacBook Pro computer. I have used it almost 100% for very specific photo-shoot related stuff, and nothing else. So I really don't know much about it. When I use it, it is almost always plugged in to AC power. When I am drawing from the battery only, it is only for brief intervals, say two hours max, then it is always back on AC power and charging each night in the studio.

I would like to bring it on the boat. From what I can tell so far, Mac does not make a way to plug it into a 12-volt outlet. So am I correct in concluding that it is not a 12-volt device? It has a transformer (an "85W MagSafe Power Adapter") on the AC cord, so I am assuming that the computer is a DC device of some unknown-to-me voltage, and that the battery gets charged by DC.

Please straighten me out if the above is incorrect, and please let me know if there is a way to recharge this computer's battery onboard without an inverter.

I have found one item marketed for this purpose made by a company called Kensington, but I have to wonder if using that is a good idea. It seems that with zillions of cars and boats on 12V, Apple itself would offer such an accessory if using 12 volts is a good idea. The Kensington thing can be seen at:
http://mikegyver.com/IdeasnProducts/Ken ... e-Charger/
and
http://mikegyver.com/Store/
Seems really pricey, also.

Any advice on this would be most appreciated.

Still confused about electricity,

Dean

[tartansailor]

Dean,
Look at the name plate on the back of your transformer.
It will give it's output.
That would be the voltage you want coming from your boat battery to your computer.
If it's 12v DC then your in luck.
If it's AC or of a different voltage, then you may wish to consider a cheaper computer
to expose to a salt air environment.
Best of luck,
Dick

[Terry]

Mac uses a 14.5 vdc supply. Wattage varies depending on model, e.g., the MacBook and 13in. MacBook pro use a 60 watt supply. My MacBook Air is 45w. The 17in MacBook Pro uses an 85 watt supply.

When looking for a DC-to-DC converter a few years ago, nothing was available except the Airplane-only unit. Best option then was a DC-to-AC inverter and plugging in the OEM MagSafe supply. I have a 400 watt DC-to-AC unit that I'd originally purchased for use aboard, but not installed. True, it is not really efficient. But neither is a DC-to-DC unit. On a positive note, lots of other stuff works on a 400 watt inverter for the same price as a dedicated DC-to-DC supply.

Simplicity says go with the Kensington unit, but a broader application, go with an inverter.

As for a 'cheaper' notebook for use aboard, I can only say, "I really like my MacBook Air! I found a chart pack and software (FREE!) that uses a fairly inexpensive USB GPS. One can have internet access by connecting to an iPhone, should one wish it.

I looked into adding an external LCD panel that would mount in the cockpit, though haven't bought it yet. This would allow the MacBook to remain in the cabin, accessible by a small Bluetooth keyboard. Not a bad set up, really.

My 2 cents.

Regards, Terry

[TerBare]

I checked on ebay and found many 12 V dc converters for Mac. Most cost from $ 25 to $30. Just be sure and educate your self to if you have a MagSafe or MagSafe 2 connection. Apple does sell a adaptor for $ 9.99, so even if you get the older MagSafe, you can still convert it to MagSafe 2. You will need a power port on your boat, it just looks like an old cigarette lighter socket. You should get at least an 85 watt unit. Keeping the computer inside the cabin is always a good idea.

[Dick Kobayashi]

Terry, details would be very helpful

"I found a chart pack and software (FREE!) that uses a fairly inexpensive USB GPS. One can have internet access by connecting to an iPhone, should one wish it."

Thx

[sharkbait]

For very stable DC power to all of your instruments you might try this:
Marine Power Booster http://stores.tgelectronics.org/Detail.bok?no=11