Question on Power Bricks - using underpowered, what would happen?

I've always wondered: what would happen if I were to plug my HP laptop with my older Compaq power brick? My HP takes about 15.5w during use while the Compaq's brick only outputs 15 at peak, or so it says on it's specs.

Would the HP still charge albeit slower, or would bad, bad things happen? (This is theoretically speaking of course. I don't really want to try it.)

 

my personal preference is never underpowering the official power brick and the amperage

though many users believe that one can achieve the same thing using a combination of lower volt and higher amp (so many advertised "replacement" adapters)

cheers ...

 

But I mean completely underpowered? Would the brick burn down, or would it simply charge the laptop, albeit very slowly? I'm really curious about that.

 

completely underpowered?
curious to know myself, but not willing to be a guinea pig

i would not think that the brick would burn down. simple calculation would point to some of the devices not run or act funny.
charging? the output voltage on the brick should be at least equal or more of the one on the battery, my 2 cents

cheers ...

 

I think it's probably best not to try it, certainly not without consulting someone who would know for certain what would happen.

 

The power brick could overheat, causing bad voltages being sent to the computer, which would fry the computer, all kinds of bad stuff. You can use a bigger supply on a smaller draw, but I HIGHLY recommend against ever using a smaller supply for a bigger draw.

 

I have first hand knowledge

two things happen the brick gets very hot

and the battery does not charge up