Category Archives: power adapter

Are Laptop Charger Adapters Necessary for Travel?

You use your laptop to check emails, work while traveling and to upload photos to share with your friends and family. If you want to take your laptop, netbook or other form of computer with you when you travel, what do you need to ensure that you can plug it in wherever you are? Let’s look at the requirements for traveling with your laptop.

Simplest Solution for International Use
Many or most laptops already have a power cord and HP AC adapters that’s just about ready for international use. This is the cable with the rectangular black box situated somewhere along its length. Most of these cables can accept voltages from 100 to 240 volts, which will allow you to use electricity from pretty much anywhere.

The issue though is you cannot plug it in at your destination because you will likely have a plug type (3 prong, etc) that won’t fit into those funny little outlets in other countries. All you need is a simple adapter to allow the plug to fit into the country’s outlet type. Your power cord will take care of the rest and accept whatever voltage the outlet throws at you. You can stay plugged in or you can plug in just to charge up the batteries.

Laptop Chargers
If you have lost or broken your original cable you can find universal chargers that fit many laptops. Ensure that the little round plug fits your laptop before you leave. Most come with an assortment of connections. Also make sure that the voltage is rated for 110 to 240v. You’ll still need a plug adapter for your destination country, so the plug will physically fit into the wall outlet.

Universal Dell  laptop adapter often come with USB outlets which are handy for charging other portable devices.

Travel Adapter
This is a little converter which will give you 110 volts (or whatever your voltage is) like back home. They often come with an assortment of plugs to fit outlets in different areas of the world. Use this if you have a few different electronic items that need “home style” voltage.

It’s quite easy to take your laptop overseas. First check your current power cable for its voltage rating, then make sure your plug will fit in to the outlet at your destination. That’s really all there is to it! For each device you have, other than your laptop, check its power cable and determine if you need to purchase any other Fujitsu ac adapters or charging devices.

Choosing The Right AC Adapter For Your Laptop is Very Important

It’s a quite busy day and you get lots of work to do. Then you turn your trusty laptop on to begin doing your job. However, just one hour go by and you find that the power of your laptop is fluctuating. Immediately you open your laptop bag to make sure that you have gotten your trusty AC adapter. So, owning one reliable Laptop AC adapter may spell the big difference between beating the deadline and explaining to the boss of yours.

The new laptop usually has the HP  AC adapter, which is used for charging laptop batteries and supplying power directly to the laptop. If you travel a lot to different countries or have more than one laptop, you should definitely need one HP adapters.

Here are a few tips on how to choose the proper Fujitsu AC adapters:

For the laptop users who may travel frequently, particularly to Asia and Europe, finding the correct input voltage is crucial. The Fujitsu AC adapters can be used with many devices and are quite compatible with voltage input from 100-240v.

The laptop AC adapter and the laptop are composed of two ends. One is power outlet, which you should plug into wall socket, and the other is the tip, which you should connect to “DC IN” part of the notebook.

Although laptop possess different connectors, it’s not hard to find the correct tip for your units. Remember this: your laptop may not work well if you are using the wrong tip. So, do not force the wrong tip into the laptop to avoid damage.

About Smart Laptop AC Adapter?

We get this inquiry all the time: Someone purchases a replace adapter for their Hewlett Packard laptop. The recommended replacement is an HP Pavilion zt3223 AC Adapter. This comes from HP’s own compatibility site. But the customer’s laptop requirement and the old adapter are both 65 watts. So of course we get a call saying “What gives? You sent me the wrong adapter!” Even with a plethora of explanation we still get some resistance for fear of burning up a $1,000 laptop.

How does this work?

The “smart” part of smart adapter is that HP has engineered these so they can accommodate the power requirements of numerous HP laptops. So for the laptop requiring 65 watts, the adapter self regulates and puts out 65 watts, for 90 watt requirement it puts out 90 watts. And while it’s not optimal, I’ve even seen 90 watt smart adapters accommodate 120 watt requirements. Of course it had a tough time both powering the laptop and re-charging the battery simultaneously but it was able to do in a pinch. However,I don’t recommend this mix.

Adapter , adapters

To match up with the wide range of HP laptops and their varying power portal sizes, HP made the tip size (part inserted into the computer) as universal as possible then offers a series of tip adapters known by the interesting name of “dongles”. (Who came up with that one?) So when HP recommends a Smart IBM AC adapters that is outside the range of what you might consider a safe wattage for your computer, they aren’t trying to fry your laptop so you’ll purchase a new one, they have just consolidated the replacement options using a little bit of engineering and a dongle or two.

Problems With Vision Specialties Power Adapters

A power adapter is a hardware piece that brings power to your laptop. Vision Specialties is a manufacturer of hardware adapters. These adapters sometimes have technical difficulties that do not allow the laptop to function properly.

 

Cord Breakage

Cord breakage occurs when you store the  Dell NX061 AC Adapter in a bad position. The cable kinks, and it breaks the inner wires. When the inner wires break, the power adapter does not bring enough power to the laptop. You can sometimes see breakage on the outer cover of the cable, other times the damage may be unnoticable.

 

Bad Voltage

A Vision Specialty Toshiba Satellite P200-10C AC Adapter brings voltage to the computer’s motherboard, which then powers several of the expansion cards. Hard drives and other drives also plug in to the power adapter. If voltage is not regulated, the Vision Specialty adapter does not bring in enough voltage. With insufficient voltage, the computer does not function. It occasionally reboots sporadically.

 

Short Circut

A short circuit in a Vision Specialty adapter causes the adapter to stop functioning. This means that no power is brought to the computer’s motherboard, and the computer will not turn on when you press the power button. If you have another power adapter, you can use it to power the computer. This is how you test the power adapter to ensure it is the cable and not the computer’s hardware.

                                                

Damage

If you accidentally spill liquid on the adapter, it can cause the Vision Specialty device to stop working. Always keep the adapter in a safe location to ensure that it is not exposed to elements. Rain or other liquids damage the Dell Inspiron 1720 AC Adapter. Do not plug the adapter into your computer after it is exposed to water. It can damage the computer’s hardware as well as break the adapter.

How To Diagnose And Fix Laptop Adapter Problem

Laptop problems are of diverse types and the most likely components to fail are the moving parts. This is because wear and tear sooner or later takes their toll. A laptop Dell Studio 1555 AC adapter failure is quite common in this regard. The adapter does not have any moving parts and due to this reason they are less likely to encounter mechanical problems. In this article we will discuss the symptoms of laptop adapter problem and how to fix it.

Let’s start the discussion with the symptoms of laptop adapter problem. Random power surges are a common sign that indicates that the Toshiba PA3468E-1AC3 AC adapter is failing. In many cases, it is very difficult to detect surges and power spikes. If you come across situation like laptop is not booting up shutting down randomly and abruptly then it might be due to the faulty power adapter. If this happens, you should diagnose and fix it as soon as possible. This is because it may damage the laptop components. What you can do is that run the laptop on battery and check whether the problem persists or not. If your laptop runs properly on the battery, then the cause of the problem is the faulty adapter.

Sometimes, due to “H” Problems laptop adapter may not function properly. The “H” problems refer to the “hardware” or “physical” problems. If there is any wear, tear, cracks or other physical defects in the transformer on the laptop adapter it may cause the problem. A worn or torn adapter cable may also be the reason. Remember, there might be a fire hazard due to a broken HP Compaq usiness Notebook NC8430 power adapter. The best solution in this regard is to replace the entire adapter. You can consult an online computer repair company for tech support. There are many such service provider that offer round the clock assistance to the computer users for fixing these types of issues.

If the laptop adapter has some fault it might not be able to charge the laptop battery. Even it can reduce the effective battery life of the battery. Power surges created by a faulty adapter may make the battery charge unevenly which is also very harmful for the battery. If you find the battery is charging but can not run the batter for long it could be the result of faulty battery. On the other hand, if you find that the laptop battery is not charging at all, it is the problem of the faulty adapter.

Targus 75W AC Laptop Charger Tips

The Targus 75 Watt charger comes with three interchangeable connector tips, but only two of these are compatible with laptops. The Targus Tip 18 is used to power certain Motorola mobile phone models. The laptop tips function with different laptop models that require that require a 75-watt or 16 volt-charger. If used with compatible laptops equipped with the appropriate power jack, the charger can automatically adjust for the computer’s needed amperes.

Defined

Laptops come with a variety of different voltage requirements. Many older Pentium III and IV models, like the Lenovo T40, T60, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sony and Fujitsu use this 16-volt requirement, so the Targus charger will work with them, providing one of the two laptop connector tips fits the power jack port on the computer.

 

Tip #21

This tip is narrow and elongated, and it works with several Gateway, IBM and WinBook laptops. If you are unfamiliar with Laptop AC Adapter for TOSHIBA PA3290E-3AC3 tip connectors, use the Targus Tip configurator to see if it is compatible with the laptop. Enter the laptop make and model in the appropriate boxes and Targus will inform you whether it is compatible with that model.

 

Tip #19

This power jack tip is used to power certain Fujitsu, Panasonic and Sony VAIO VGN-FS740/W AC adapter. One way to determine if this tip fits your laptop jack is to physically look at the power jack to see if there is an interior female connector where the tip middle pin fits. If you visit the Tip Configuration page on the Targus website and enter the computer manufacturer and model, Targus will inform you as to its compatibility.

 

Connection

To ensure that the Targus 75W power adapter works correctly with the laptop, the tip must connect firmly to the power adapter pins. If it is loose, the tip does not make a good connection with the power source. To connect it correctly the pins on the tip must align with the female pin connectors on the Acer PA-1650-02 AC  adapter and must insert firmly. Ensure that the green LED light on the Targus power box centered in the middle of the cord is lit. An unlit LED light indicates a lack of power and a failed Targus charger.

How to Disassemble a Dell Laptop’s Power Supply

If the battery in your Dell laptop won’t hold a charge, one option is to replace the battery with a new one. Another option is to open up the battery and try to fix the problem yourself. Disassembling your laptop battery doesn’t require much knowledge of computers but it will require a little patience.

 

Turn your laptop off, close the display screen and turn the unit upside down.

 

Slide the battery latch next to the rectangular battery to the side and remove the battery from the computer.

Use your hobby knife to cut through any manufacturers’ stickers that cover the seam where the top and bottom halves of the battery meet.

Insert the tip of your screwdriver or chisel in the seam where the two halves of the battery meet. Work your way around the sides of the battery until the top half separates from the bottom half. Set the top half aside.

 

Remove the individual battery cells from the bottom half of the battery and use your wire cutters to clip the wires that connect the cells to the battery. Once all the cells are removed the battery is disassembled.
How to Buy a Laptop AC Power Adapter for a Dell Inspiron

 

Dell Inspiron AC power adapters are used as both a power supply and a Dell Latitude D620 power adapters. The power adapter tends to deteriorate under normal use (especially around both ends of the cord) and must be replaced.

 

Determine What AC Adapter Will Fit

Each computer requires a different model of AC adapter. Look over the section on Dell’s website titled “Find the Right Battery or Dell Inspiron 1520 AC Adapters for your Dell Laptop.”

 

Buying In Store

 

Large electronic retailers (i.e., Best Buy, Radio Shack) carry the more common Dell Studio 1737 AC adapter models. Conducting a search on each retailer’s website will confirm whether it has the adapter in stock.

 

Buying Online

Online marketplaces such as laptopbattery-store.com.au offer convenience and low-price shopping. If urgency is not an issue (because of shipping) check these sites for the AC adapter.

Replacement DC Cords/Power Tips for a Dell AC Laptop Adapter

When faced with the necessity to replace your Dell’s adapter cord, pay attention to the details. Your Dell laptop requires only a fraction of the voltage an ordinary wall outlet provides, so the electricity must be converted to the correct amount by the AC adapter. Although many adapter retail websites will tell you exactly what adapter you need by simply selecting your particular Dell model, some do not. Knowing what to look for and how to treat your adapter will help prolong its life and provide your Dell with the correct amount of electricity necessary for proper use.

 

Choose Right Adapter

The exact voltage required by your Dell varies, and is printed on the underside of the machine, along with the amperage. To determine the proper wattage necessary from your adapter, multiply the voltage and amperage together. A Dell that requires 19V and 3.16A needs an Dell Inspiron 1300 AC Adapter that offers at least 60W. Adapters that offer higher wattages, such as 70W, are also fine to use. You can always use a higher wattage adapter on your laptop, but never a lower wattage one. Keep alert to the adapter’s connector size and shape, as not all Dell adapters fit in all Dell laptops.

 

Third Party and Universal Adapters

Although you can certainly purchase a Dell manufactured adapter labeled specifically for your laptop, don’t overlook third-party brands and universal adapters. These lower-priced offerings work just as well as the name brand ones, so long as you purchase an adapter that offers the right connector shape and correct amount of wattage your laptop requires. Universal adapters offer the added bonus of allowing you to use the same cord to charge multiple laptops and devices, as long as the voltage and wattage requirements fit within the adapter’s specifications.

 

Keep It Cool

Like most other  Dell NX061 AC Adapter, those for Dell laptops have a rectangular “brick” in the middle of the cord. This brick holds the circuitry required to convert the house current to the lower current required by the Dell, and can become warm as it works. Avoid the possibility of overheating the brick by keeping it in the open and properly ventilated to help dissipate the heat before it builds to risky levels.

 

Avoid Undue Stress

Wrapped inside the insulating cover of your adapter cord are wires that carry the electricity from the wall outlet, through the brick and to your laptop. Placing undue stress on the cord through repetitive movements such as twisting and wrapping the cord, or positioning your laptop in an angle that encourages the cord to hang freely and add strain on the HP Pavilion Dv6-1300 AC Adapters jack, can degrade these wires and cause them to fray. Frayed, damaged wires do not carry electricity properly, and will result in improper energy delivered to your laptop.

 

Use Surge Protection

Even tiny electrical surges can cause problems to the delicate electronics of your adapter and laptop. Although a lightning strike is an extreme example of a surge, smaller electrical surges occur during the operation of a major appliance or the return of power after an outage. These can affect your adapter or laptop without your knowledge, causing power issues and shortening the lifespan of your devices. Keep your adapter plugged into a surge protector at all times to avoid these problems.

Take Care When Replacing Your Laptop Charger

Laptops have a fixed battery life. This battery drains out as you continue using your laptop for a long time. After a while, you need to recharge your laptop by using a laptop power supply. It is important that you use laptop chargers of a high quality. One should always use a branded laptop charger as recommended by the manufacturer of the laptop. The compatibility of the charger with the laptop is extremely important. This compatibility is measured in terms of voltage and amps. Also, branded laptop power supplies have several other foolproof features that very few people are aware of.

 

Always think that complications in your notebook can destroy its circuits too. Getting burnt out circuits mended can be terribly costly. Actually a significant number of folk simply buy new machines rather than correcting an old one with a burnt out motherboard.

Flawed Chinese Compaq AC adapter are answerable for such electric misfortunes to a significant degree. Laptop users are convinced to buy these chargers due to their reasonable prices. Many alternatives claim to supply scores of different features. These portable computer chargers are now simply sold on the internet.

 

Virtually all of these chargers have no licenses or producing laws. Even the basic security features aren’t built within these chargers. If you have acquired one during the past, you might already know how frequently they get overheated.

Some  laptop adapters have even led on to fire accidents. It is kind of possible that a copy charger catches fire due to sparking or overheating. The fire can spread quickly to every other objects like a table or upholstery where your laptop computer and its charger are placed. Buying an inexpensive and apparently feature-rich  laptop charger because it’s inexpensive can finish up being a unpleasant call long-term.

 

During the last one or two years, universal chargers became very fashionable. Many of these chargers come from the Chinese market. These chargers are basically defective and make your laptop exposed to diverse electric accidents. A Dell AC adapter should be bought from a real local seller or a reliable online seller.

 

Legitimate chargers sold by these suppliers are a right match for the power settings of your laptop computer battery. There’s a large quantity of inexpensive and copy portable computer chargers in the market. Never fall for these inexpensive alternatives ; go for a branded portable computer charger. Real chargers are literally capable of carrying the high temperature generated when a laptop is powered on.

 

On innumerable occasions, you’ll be using your charger the entire day. Extreme heat and pressure can cause a dysfunctional charger extremely fast if it hasn’t been made with quality concerns under consideration. The only objective of inexpensive charger makers is to earn fast and easy money rather than concentrating on safety, quality, and life. Simply make a telephone call to your manufacturer or laptop PC seller for a charger replacement, or skim the site of a portable charger supplier to find the best make of genuine  Fujitsu AC adapter for your gadget.

The Care Tips for Laptop Charger Adapter

According to ComputerWorld.com, a leading source for technology news and information, shipments for purchases of laptops in the first quarter of 2010 grew 43 percent. Each of these purchases includes necessary accessories for the unit to function, including the laptop charger. The charger, or IBM laptop adapter as it may also be called, is essential. The most sophisticated laptop is rendered unusable if it cannot be recharged or plugged in.

 

Take Care of the Cord

Proper use and care of the laptop charger prolongs its lifespan so that replacements and repairs are not necessary. According to PCWorld.com, an online magazine for computer-related concerns, one of the most common problems with laptop use is that the charger’s cord becomes frayed. Since laptops are conveniently brought just about anywhere, the constant plugging and unplugging wears out the cord. Mishandling it, such as leaving it twisted or tugging and jiggling it from the base unit, can produce the same result. This is also true for folding or rolling the cord incorrectly.

 

Other than being careful with the cord, wear and tear should be brought to the attention of a capable repair center. Neglecting this can lead to other damage, which may also affect the laptop’s battery performance or create a fire hazard, according to PCWorld.

 

Store the Charger Properly

As with laptops, which are typically placed inside laptop bags or padded envelopes, cords should be stored properly when not in use. The charger must never be exposed to extreme temperatures, such as those on a car’s dashboard in the middle of summer or dead of winter. It must not become wet or be exposed to corrosive chemicals, as these elements can severely damage the charger. The manual for a Belkin Compaq Laptop Power Adapter, for example, specifically states that users must avoid these. It also instructs users to avoid placing the charger near heat-sensitive materials.

 

When not in use, laptop chargers should be kept in the same bag as the laptop. If there isn’t enough space, putting the charger in a convenient cloth pouch or a small box is also an option.

 

Keep a Backup Charger

When traveling with your laptop frequently, it’s a good idea to get a second LG AC adapter to avoid wear and tear. Having a back-up charger may also save you the headache of buying one in an unfamiliar place should your first charger adapter become damaged. BraveNewTraveler.com, a daily online travel magazine, recommends packing an extra power source, such as a portable charger adapter, when going on trips with your laptop.