Received OEM Apple USB Charger... Seems like an Apple original so far.

[Robert M]

Hi everyone,

Just received the OEM Apple USB Charger that AAA posted about a couple of days ago.



It does look exactly like an Apple original model. However, I don't have an "Apple Store" bought version handy for comparison purposes. But, I compared the text and pictures of it to those on the picture of the one in the online Apple Store and, with the exception of the serial number, it is identical. So, it seems like these are Apple originals, at least so far.

Almost forgot. It arrived in sealed plastic in a bubblewrap envelope. Definitely not retail packaging but very typical of what I've gotten when purchasing other OEM goods from online stores.

Robert

[Doc]

My eBay 85w power adapter looks authentic, too. Down to the label, the box and the clear plastic that it came wrapped in.

Nevertheless, when held up to an Apple adapter, there are minor differences. I think the clone is a bit more robust. It uses thicker plastic and has a thicker shroud where the cable attaches.

[Robert M]

Doc,

Although this was for use at my office, I'm going to bring the adapter home and compare it to the one that came with my IPhone. I suspect it's likely to have some minor differences, something I can't see when comparing it to a picture on a computer screen.

Robert

[Stephanie]

Doc wrote:
My eBay 85w power adapter looks authentic, too. Down to the label, the box and the clear plastic that it came wrapped in.

Nevertheless, when held up to an Apple adapter, there are minor differences. I think the clone is a bit more robust. It uses thicker plastic and has a thicker shroud where the cable attaches.

What makes you think the one you got is a fake? Apple has made improvements to their adapters because earlier ones had a tendency to separate. I had to get a replacement mag safe one for my old mbp because the outer layer of the cable had separated from "the shroud"

I'm assuming Applecare sent me a genuine Apple replacement & not some knock-off. The replacement looked substantially different from the original.

[Robert M]

Stephanie,

The only reason why I think the one I got might be a fake is price. The adapters are normally _much_ more expensive. So, it makes you wonder how a place can sell them for such a low price, even in OEM packaging.

Robert

[Doc]

Stephanie wrote:
What makes you think the one you got is a fake?

Lots of little things, but the thing that makes me certain is that the green "charged" light stays on for 5 minutes or so after I unplug it.

[Robert M]

Doc,

That would make me leery of using it. Something about the idea of it staying lit like that for such a long time after unplugging it doesn't sound right to me.

Robert

[Doc]

Robert M wrote:
Doc,

That would make me leery of using it. Something about the idea of it staying lit like that for such a long time after unplugging it doesn't sound right to me.

Robert

So far as I can tell, it's a solid product. It charges the battery. It powers the MBP. It doesn't get warm. When connected, the light accurately reflects when it's charging and when it's done charging. The "wings" that unfold to wrap the cord are a little stronger than the ones on my Apple adapter.

I only use it when traveling, but occasionally I'm tempted to swap it with the Apple adapter that remains plugged in at my desk. The Apple adapter gets very warm so I've put it on a short extension cord to place it away from the power outlet where there's a little more air circulation.