The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    AC Power Adapter check

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Solostian, Nov 18, 2008.

  1. Solostian

    Solostian Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I misplaced my Dell Vostro 1000 power adapter for a while.
    Had to buy a replacement unit until I recovered it.

    I was wondering if the replacement unit poses a risk to my laptop:
    -> Dell PA-12 - 65W, 19.5V, 3.34A
    -> Kensington K33404US - 90W, 19V, 4.74A(Max)

    Is the Kensington safe?
     
    Solostian, Nov 18, 2008
    #1
  2. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

    Reputations:
    4,412
    Messages:
    8,077
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    205
    They both run at the same voltage, so it should not be a problem.
    However please note that this power supply may not work. Dell systems are all equipped with an impendance mapping chip on the motherboard. If the signal of the Kensington is different than the standard Dell psu, than the system will reject the power supply, and you cannot use it.
    If you need to get a new power supply it is always best to buy the one designed or your system.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Nov 18, 2008
    #2
  3. Solostian

    Solostian Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Thanks for the safety confirmation.

    I did use the Kensington unit for about 8 hours and it works well. I was just worried about long-term effects.
     
    Solostian, Nov 18, 2008
    #3
  4. Solostian

    Solostian Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Just checked. Still works...
     
    Solostian, Nov 18, 2008
    #4
  5. Solostian

    Solostian Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    About that impedance mapping chip.

    If I understand correctly, the laptop will protect itself by refusing a power adapter that doesn't supply "safe" current.

    Well done!

    Am I to understand that other laptop manufacturer do not have such built-in protection? Which one?
     
    Solostian, Nov 18, 2008
    #5
  6. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

    Reputations:
    4,412
    Messages:
    8,077
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    205
    yes, if you plugged in say a 26 volt power supply, the system would not accept it. It would not see the power adaptor.

    Its a great thing.
    My power adaptor just died last week, and as it was dying, my system told me at startup that the power supply needs to be replaced. its pretty awesome

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Nov 18, 2008
    #6