Mag Safe - Prior Power Systems

Prior Power Systems

Prior to the development of MagSafe, early Apple laptop computers such as the PowerBook series used a shell and socket/pin arrangement (coaxial power connector) similar to those seen on non-Apple laptops. The iBook series introduced a new plug design similar in appearance to a mini-stereo plug, but with an additional metal ring around the plug. The first puck-shaped iBook chargers simply had a silver plug body, but the square white chargers introduced a color-changing illuminated ring that indicated charging status.

Tripping on an iBook cord or yanking the cord out at an angle frequently damaged the power socket by breaking the solder pads under the connector, resulting in a laptop that would fail to charge when connected to the cord, or would only charge if the inserted plug were propped up or pushed down at an angle. The spring contacts inside the socket connector could also become bent out of position due to angular pressure on the plug, resulting in intermittent charging problems. In such situations, the illuminated power plug functioned in an unusual manner which is undocumented. The earlier, puck-shaped iBook chargers would also fail to charge if the socket were damaged, but those chargers could not indicate a problem.

In severe cable-stress situations, the outer flange of the plug became flared and bent, and the tip of the power plug could break off and become lodged inside the socket.

Due to the design of the early 12 inch G3 iBooks, replacing the damaged "DC-In Board" typically involved a complex, 50-step laptop disassembly process, resulting in an expensive, labor-intensive repair.