timeline 5810T AC adapter damaged

Hi Guys,

Friend of mine called me last night and told me her dog had chewed through the AC adapter (not power cord) connected to the laptop (acer aspire timeline 5810T)! Said there were few sparks and smells of smoke and she disconnected quickly. The laptop appears to be working OK as is the dog!!

OK so need a new adapter. see its £75 from acer for a genuine replacement - blimey. Checked ebay for genuine 2nd hand none available. There are of course loads of ones for sale which are replacements for the genuine part but i have heard some horror stories about these. Linked to one below.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adapter-Char...1815058&sr=1-2

There appears to be hundreds of suppliers of replacement chargers so has me thinking - as long as you stay away from cowboys and but from reputable dealer is it safe enough to use these (at £15 - £20 lot easier to stomach than £75). will they damage the laptop.

Appreciate some expert advice on these and anyones direct experience of using replacements. Also a link to a reputable site or 2 would be great as i have never had to buy one before.

Many many thanks. the girl lives alone and is lost without her laptop i really need to get this sorted for her

 

The link is invalid.
As for PSUs- no need to worry. If the current and voltage fit (19V 3.42A, right?) and the plug fits all you have to do is to choose a reputable source and a reputable company that made the PSU i.e. Delta or LiteON.