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modern PSU replacements for Powerbooks / iBooks (in Europe)

Posted by: micheledipaola on 2025-04-27 02:55:46

Hi,

I am trying to map possible replacements of power supply units for Powerbook and iBook, which are currently sold and available in Europe.

So far I found some models at power4laptops.com (based in UK but seems to have other national websites including Italy where I live), and they also sell on Ebay. Seems to me that they are the only ones still offering options for older powerbooks like 1400, Duo etc but they are quite expensive. Anyone tried those (which models?) and have feedback?

Then I found the vhbw brand (which seems to be based in Germany - with products made in China) which sells on amazon, Ebay and on their website electropapa.com - they seem to have options for more recent powerbooks / iBooks, but the site (and their shops on ebay and amazon) always uses the same pic for all different models, and the specs seem to me a bit imprecise, so it's a bit complicated to figure out what to buy.
I was looking for a 45w - 24v - 1.87a for my PB 1400 and what I got was a 48w - 24v - 2a with a smaller plug which is fitting the aluminum Powerbook G4 but not the 1400 (which has the same plug - and the same values IIRC - as the Duos and clamshell iBooks). Again, anyone tried and made it to find a model working for older Powerbooks etc?

If you have more hints or reliable suppliers, please share the infos which I guess could be helpful for many of us.

Posted by: zigzagjoe on 2025-04-27 13:52:50

Hi,

I am trying to map possible replacements of power supply units for Powerbook and iBook, which are currently sold and available in Europe.

So far I found some models at power4laptops.com (based in UK but seems to have other national websites including Italy where I live), and they also sell on Ebay. Seems to me that they are the only ones still offering options for older powerbooks like 1400, Duo etc but they are quite expensive. Anyone tried those (which models?) and have feedback?

Then I found the vhbw brand (which seems to be based in Germany - with products made in China) which sells on amazon, Ebay and on their website electropapa.com - they seem to have options for more recent powerbooks / iBooks, but the site (and their shops on ebay and amazon) always uses the same pic for all different models, and the specs seem to me a bit imprecise, so it's a bit complicated to figure out what to buy.
I was looking for a 45w - 24v - 1.87a for my PB 1400 and what I got was a 48w - 24v - 2a with a smaller plug which is fitting the aluminum Powerbook G4 but not the 1400 (which has the same plug - and the same values IIRC - as the Duos and clamshell iBooks). Again, anyone tried and made it to find a model working for older Powerbooks etc?

If you have more hints or reliable suppliers, please share the infos which I guess could be helpful for many of us.

Food for thought: you could always jam one of these IRM-45-24/IRM-45-24ST modules into a 3D printed enclosure. This way at least you know the AC-DC part is reliable and good quality. You'd still need to find an appropriate pigtail for your laptop though (or salvage one).

Posted by: A24A on 2025-04-27 16:11:24

Could a good universal power adapter (including 24 V DC at 2 A) with a normal barrel connector, combined with a special tip adapter piece like the www.bixpower.com/CNT-C11-p/cnt-c11.htm (I have not tested this one), possibly be an alternative?

Posted by: s_pupp on 2025-04-27 16:21:12

Could a good universal power adapter (including 24 V DC at 2 A) with a normal barrel-style tip, combined with a special tip adapter piece like the www.bixpower.com/CNT-C11-p/cnt-c11.htm (I have not tested this one), possibly be an alternative?

Bix Power does ship to several European countries.
I use one of those adapters with an FSP power supply, part number FSP050-DAAN3, purchased from Digikey, with a PowerBook G3 Lombard.
I use the same with a Meanwell power supply (don't have it handy to give the part number) with a PowerBook G3 PDQ.

Posted by: Trash80toHP_Mini on 2025-04-27 21:18:35

PowerBook 1xx USB-C PD Adapter

I finally smuggled a PowerBook 145B and 160 to Finland where I've lived for a year, which means I'm finally able to play with old Macs again! I opted to not bring the power adapter with me, since they're pretty heavy and would require a plug adapter to work. Instead, I hacked together a USB-C PD...

tinkerdifferent.com

Posted by: nathall on 2025-04-28 22:11:34

So far I found some models at power4laptops.com (based in UK but seems to have other national websites including Italy where I live), and they also sell on Ebay. Seems to me that they are the only ones still offering options for older powerbooks like 1400, Duo etc but they are quite expensive. Anyone tried those (which models?) and have feedback?

Ha, I just posted about these guys in another thread here.

I bought a replacement 1400 adapter from them about 3 years ago and it works great.

Posted by: micheledipaola on 2025-04-30 06:58:47

Ha, I just posted about these guys in another thread here.

I bought a replacement 1400 adapter from them about 3 years ago and it works great.

Thanks, could you give me the exact model of the 1400 replacement?

Posted by: micheledipaola on 2025-04-30 07:00:17

PowerBook 1xx USB-C PD Adapter

I finally smuggled a PowerBook 145B and 160 to Finland where I've lived for a year, which means I'm finally able to play with old Macs again! I opted to not bring the power adapter with me, since they're pretty heavy and would require a plug adapter to work. Instead, I hacked together a USB-C PD...

tinkerdifferent.com

Man I really need to find someone with a 3d printer….

Posted by: nathall on 2025-04-30 23:00:37

Thanks, could you give me the exact model of the 1400 replacement?

It was ADP009, this one here:

ADP009