CrossRoads:
Use a schottky diode, voltage loss reduced to ~0.3V range. Only get 500mA from the port, pick a diode accordingly.
I'm sorry to be asking so many questions, but when I search for a schottky diode I get over 300 different items. I figured I needed to search for a 500mA but then I get names with 50v or 30v in them. Also, will the voltage loss interfere with my projects?
As for the macbook, it short circuited or something the moment it was plugged in, it was the first class in arduino