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    Makeshift laptop charger?!?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by idiotpilot, Apr 8, 2009.

  1. idiotpilot

    idiotpilot Notebook Evangelist

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    So, my friend lent me his laptop, he wants me to clear it of a few viruses. HOWEVER. He lost his charger and the thing is out of battery! I thought that i had an extra 6v charger around, but it was nowhere to be found. Are there any alternative ways to charge a laptop? Through the usb port? HALP!
     
  2. gengerald

    gengerald Technofile Extraordinaire

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    You could go to your local electronics store and get an adapter. But that is hopeful they will have a compatible kit. I don't know of any DIY solutions, though. GL
     
  3. Texanman

    Texanman Master of all things Cake

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    The only way to charge a notebook is through the external charger. I say If he wants his laptop fixed that he reimburse you for the charger your most likely going to have to go get (if he wants it fixed)..... depending on the laptop that could be anywhere from $40-90
     
  4. Dragunov-21

    Dragunov-21 Notebook Evangelist

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    If you DIY you risk overcharging the battery/screwing something up. Chargers these days are a little more intelligent than the old step-down xformer and rectifier.

    If it's desperate, you could wire a dc power supply directly across the charging terminals with the battery out, but... Yeah, I'd just wait for him to find his charger.

    The only time I've ever done that was when I was pulling data off a mate's old clunker that'd had soda spilled all over it.
     
  5. stevezachtech

    stevezachtech Notebook Evangelist

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    Best to use a compatible adapter for your friend's laptop to avoid messing up his battery..