pb 165

[newbmac2k12]

i recently picked up a pb 165 complete except for powerbrick for 5.00 @ a local thrift store. I just need to get a compatible powerbrick which ive already researched my pb 190c one wont cut it. Just need to find a cheap but good pwrsupply for it. The system looks in nice shape, has a 160 hd, 4 meg module + on board, which if ive read correctly can be maxed @ 14mb, kinda small for the day. Anyway once i get the brick since the batt is shot, just need to load sys 7.5 or earlier, whichever one is max for this unit, or reload it. Then ill play with office 4.2 on it for fun and mb some old games such as doom for mac and doom 2. One thing though i know the 190 maxes out @ alot more ram, is 14 or so really the max for this unit? Reason why i say, I know the modules are proprietary, but since certain macs in the day, stated one max, but when higher density chips became avail, they went much higher. Any such luck on this model?

Thanks in advance.

 

[twocargar]

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powerbook/specs/mac_powerbook165.html

I had a 160, and it maxed out at 14MB too. I think I had 7.1 on it and it worked great--it was a while ago. On my classic Macs, I don't always run the most recent OS that it supports, because those OSes are sometimes system hogs for earlier Macs. The same thing applies today, I believe. I wouldn't put Mountain Lion on an older machine just because it barely met the specs for the OS. Find an OS you like (mine was 7.1 for that Mac), and turn off any unwanted extensions and control panels.

I'm sure you can find an AC adapter on eBay.

 

[RickNel]

For PBs/iBs where I don't have a standard power brick, I use a generic 2amp 20volt brick with a range of exchangeable plugs on the end of it - different plugs for Clamshsells, PBG4, PB190, PB160... The one I have was very cheap off eBay, and is electrically noisy, but it works fine to power up systems that I am working on, charge batteries etc.

Rick

 

[insaneboy]

do NOT use a 20v powersuppy with a PB165! you'll fry it!

standard supply for the 165 is a 7.5v 3.0A center positive.

 

[mcdermd]

Same with the PB 150. Here is a chart of the proper adapters for early PowerBook models:

https://support.apple.com/kb/TA32393

 

[RickNel]

Sorry, forgot to mention that the cheapie I use has a range adjustable 6-24volts. I always check voltage for individual machines before attaching, EVERY TIME.

Hope nobody rushed out and fried irreplaceable machines between these posts :I

Rick

 

[NJRoadfan]

The 165 can use the 19w 7.5v 2.0A "Low Power AC Adapter" I think mine was a APS-17adp) as well. Only the color screen 165c and 180c need a 24w/3A supply.

 

[newbmac2k12]

Thanks for the info. As of now still havent tried the unit out. I wanted to find the appropriate adapter for it 1st as I didnt want to damage it. Finally, in the pic yep, that adapter looks nothing like the brick i have for my 190cs, I'm glad I didnt take a chance eventhough the connector looks the same. So does anyone know a cheap place to get a universal adjustable as mentioned, or mb even the original adapter? I'm thinking fleabay, but a little worried about a used one as I dont want to wind up with one thats in bad shape and going to kill the unit. I seem to remember yrs ago when pricing universal power bricks for laptops, they come with alot of replacement tips and stuff but they were around 50.00 and up. I guess rat shack wouldn't happen to have a regular ac adapter meeting those specs listed? right. I mean since its the amps, voltage, and wattage, I've only seen small electronics under 12v specific adapters there, and so I would have to jump to a universal laptop power brick correct?

Thanks.