Magsafe Power Adapter Problem (Macbook)

[VeganChick]

I've been using and around macs my whole life and I've never seen daily wear take so much out on a power cord! I've already replaced one power cord (about 3 months ago) since receiving my macbook in late May. And now it's starting to fail again!

It seems that there's a problem with the connector between the cord itself and the magsafe head. Many powercords are enforced with something that has at least a little give, but these new magsafe cords are reinforced to come straight out from the computer. And all power cords bend one way or the other, so after a while the straight reinforcement starts giving out.

I'm assuming that's the problem with the cords. After a while, the cord stops charging. If I move it a certain way, it works again. But after a while, even that stops working. Sometimes if i give the magsafe head a nudge, that helps too.

I have no idea why Apple hasn't recalled these cords yet. I've seen a lot of people complain about a plethora of problems with these new cords...

Do you think there's anything I can do to fix it myself? If I have an extended warranty, do you think Apple will replace the cord again? (If I reinforce that one right away with electrical tape, will that void the warranty on it?) Any idea how many times they'll replace a faulty power cord? I read something about non-Apple power cords...do they make any for a macbook and are they any better?

I am just so frustrated with this right now. It seems I never had any major issues with Apple products until I got a macbook!

Oh, and this is the part I'm talking about. Some people get confused.
[See attached image.]

 

[fryke]

I'm not sure whether I've read this all correctly, but you should not rip it out _straight_, you should simply bend it up- or downwards, it comes off very easily that way and the cable does not wear out at all, then.

 

[aljlin]

Yeah That's how i take my cord out, i always just pull it up and away from the keyboard, the magsafe pops right off. if you pull it out but force teh computer to stay that may be what is giving you an issue. I've not heard many problems from the connector so far, at least in regards to what you describe.

 

[VeganChick]

I always pull out the cord the way fryke explained, grasping the head of the cord and pulling downwards or upwards and away. (It's a general rule to never ever pull a cord out by the cord, instead of the head of the cord...at least in my house.)
I'm not sure how to better explain the problem. The reinforcement part that I pointed out isn't loose the way it would be from yanking on the cord, it's loose on the sides (it flares out at the opening now).

Anyway, the cord is totally dead now, but I've borrowed a macbook pro cord, which seems a lot sturdier. And I wasn't being overly careful with my replacement because I thought my original had a defect. So I'll be sure to be extra careful with this one. And I'm going to call Apple and beg for another replacement. (Wonder if they'll give me a pro cord if I have better luck with those?)

Hopefully I have better luck while being extra careful!

 

[simbalala]

If you’re frequently coiling up the cord (to move the Macbook from place to place) coil it more carefully. A nice round coil is good.

I know this seems obvious but I’ve seen so many people just twist cables and cords into knotted messes that I thought I’d say it.