AC Adapter question

1. Ryan3078
   Member

   
   I realize that this may not be video related, but I know that there are many of you out there with computer experience that may know the answer to my dilemma.
   
   Well, I'm volunteering at the local rummage sale, and I managed to pick up a fairly new laptop for $2. Apparently the previous owner dropped it, broke the monitor, and decided to give it away...without wiping the drive. Now I've finally got loads of games, Photoshop CS2, etc. It should be great as a 2nd editing/prop computer. I have managed to hook up a CRT, so I got by the monitor issue.
   
   The only problem is that the AC adapter that came with it to charge is the wrong one. The computer is a Dell Inspiron 1000, Celeron 2.2 Ghz, 30 GB drive. I checked Dell's site, and a replacement adapter will run about $60.
   
   Power supply is 60 watts
   Voltage provided is 19 volts
   
   Someone else told me:
   
   

   You shouldn't need to spend that much.
   
   A good 12 to 18vdc, 2-3 amp adapter will work.
   Look around your house. It's a bigger size one, like on a scanner.
   
   Look on the laptop power input socket to see if it shows a pin polarity diagram.
   That will tell you if you need a pin+ or pin neg. adapter.
   
   If it's not labeled you can use an ohm meter to find the ground.
   
   Touch one probe on a metal portion on back of the case & the other in the
   power in port to find the power plug ground.

   
   
   And I found another one that might work, I don't know:
   http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2315800&CatId=608
   
   SO I guess my question to you is, should I:
   
   

   Waste some money and buy a replacement adapter straight from Dell
   
   Get the cheaper version(is it compatible?) from Tigerdirect
   
   Use the cheapest suggestion of a normal 2-3 amp adapter found easily.

   
   
   Thanks!

   Posted 4 years ago #

2. cfulton
   Member

   
   I'd be inclined to recommend a third-power party supply, say, one by iGo, Targus, Kensington, etc. (Not a comprehensive list, nor intended to be construed as a recommendation or endorsement of any of the above-named brands.) I happen to own an iGo Juice, which allows for the changing of the tips that attach to the computer. I sold the computer that I bought the power supply for, but theoretically I could buy a new tip and keep using it. (I'm waiting for a tip for my MacBook, but as soon as I can get one I will--then I could also use that power supply to charge my phone again.) Beauty of these is that a lot of them also work in your car; although that doesn't necessarily help in your case.

   Posted 4 years ago #

3. Ryan3078
   Member

   
   Thanks, I'll look into the iGo option. I've looked around, and the Targus and Kensington options are nearly double what a replacement from Dell would cost...and I'd rather not spend spme $50-$60 for a power source, but I may have to.

   Posted 4 years ago #

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