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    Laptop AC Adapters

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by davidkneiber, Jul 30, 2010.

  1. davidkneiber

    davidkneiber Notebook Consultant

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    Why are AC adapters so much larger than say ones for cell phones. (try not to laugh to hard as you answer the question and please be kind)
     
    davidkneiber, Jul 30, 2010
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  2. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    A cell phone can charge off of anywhere from 2-5 watts of power. A laptop requires 70 watts or more (with many laptops that are 15" or larger requiring 90W or more).

    A laptop power adapter is larger because it requires larger electrical components (capacitors, resistors, etc) to output the higher wattage needed by laptops.
     
    kent1146, Jul 30, 2010
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  3. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It doesn't require larger components to output a higher wattage - its more so they don't fry.

    Current produces heat - something as small as a phone charger would just fry up from the current drawn through it.
     
    DetlevCM, Jul 30, 2010
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  4. davidkneiber

    davidkneiber Notebook Consultant

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    thanks DetlevCM, great answser
     
    davidkneiber, Jul 30, 2010
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  5. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    You are technically correct. But given the original poster's question, I figured it would be easier to use the comparison of "bigger wattage, bigger components"

    Because technically, I am also correct - the capacitors of a laptop charger can handle much more charge (voltage) than the capacitors of a cell phone charger. They are also physically larger capacitors. To someone who doesn't really know much about electronics, I find that it is better to deliver a simpler answer that people understand, instead of a more complete and complex answer.
     
    kent1146, Jul 30, 2010
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