I read somewhere that the new MacBook Air computers (the ones with USB-C) can be charged slowly from any USB source using a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
I'd imagine that a plane USB port delivers 5W or 10W power. When doing light tasks on the Air, I would imagine that, even when not charging, would allow to extend the battery life significantly.
Can anyone confirm that this works? What cable do I need?
Yes, I can confirm it works for MBA 2020 M1. From regular 10W ([email protected]) USB port it takes 1.4A. It's enough to very slowly charge it while watching FullHD video. Even with 5W port MacBook takes 0.9A and a battery is discharging just 0.2W while watching YouTube over WiFi with two steps from minimum brightness.
And it uses only one port to charge even if both are connected to power source :)
I read somewhere that the new MacBook Air computers (the ones with USB-C) can be charged slowly from any USB source using a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Yes. This is correct. The Type C ports on your Mac conform to the USB-PD (Power Delivery Spec) meaning it will negotiate for the maximum charge.
The default charge that comes from a USB-PD device starts out at 5V - this, coincidentally is the same voltage that legacy USB chargers output. If it can negotiate up (to a max of 20V) it will do so. Otherwise, it will simply draw the maximum which is no more than 12W (5V at 2.4A)
So, if you use a 5W charger (airplane, car, etc.), it will take forever to charge that MacBook (you'll drain battery if you attempt to use it while charging), but it will charge. It will go faster if it's a 12W or 15W port, but still be quite slow. As for the power draw, it will draw what it can - if the airplane only supplies 5W; that's all you'll get.
Your best bet is to get a proper USB-C travel charger and hopefully the airplane will have the 12V sockets (car cigarette lighter port) rather than USB ports.
As for the cables you need, if it's a USB-A port, just the USB-C to A adapter you already referenced and a USB-C cable which you should already have.
Someone did a nice youtube video on exactly that- charging your macbook via usbc from the regular old style usb sockets. Works fine, and doesn't "drain your mac" as some people incorrectly guessed.
MacPro USB-C can be charged with old style USB-A power sources
I'm bucking the "gotta have 61 or 90 watts of power!" trend. That high capacity allows for charging the battery very quickly, even while using your Mac to the fullest. This is the worst possible case. The more common case is a forgotten charger, or being in an airplane seat with only a USB-A available.
Going further, I much prefer a sloooow trickle charge for my macpro. I sit at a desk all day. I don't want to quick sear charge to 100%, then slow cook the battery all day. Neither is great for the battery. The quick charge is stressful, as well as leaving it plugged in after charge.
I don't want to constantly plug and unplug my mac during the day to stay in the sweet lithium charge state. I really wish Apple would implement a charge level cutoff, like a Tesla car has. Set desired charge level to, say 70 or 80%, and the mac automatically stops charging when it hits that level. Drops to 40%? Start charging again.
So since Apple doesn't have that, I'll slowly trickle charge it. Ideally, just feeding it enough power to not use the battery. Charging my macpro off of a 5w or 12w charger iPhone/iPad charger should work nicely for this.
At least on Air Canada's 777's USB ports (no doubt found on other airliners, but will vary by airliner), I've measured the USB port to only output 0.44A at 5V, or 2.2watts. Takes a while just to charge a mobile phone.
Bring a charging point if you have a 120VAC plug available.
This is similar to trying to charge your MacBook with an old school phone charger. As you indicate yourself you'd need a USB-A to USB-C cable. Enough results if you Google it.
In my experience with a MacBook 12" you get some juice from the charger, but you use more than it delivers. So you can charge your MacBook, very slowly, when it's turned off. And the battery would drain just a little bit slower when using it while connected.
Yes. It works fine. From Apple site: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201700
If your Mac uses USB-C to charge, you can charge your Mac laptop with any USB-C power adapter or display.
For the best charging experience, you should use a power adapter or display that provides at least the minimum wattage of the power adapter included with your MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or MacBook.
You can check your Macbook charger. It support output 20V-1.5A or 9V-3A or 5V-3A.
I tested my Macbook Air M1 with the charger 5V-3.1A.
