Alternate Envy 14 AC Adapter - Targus APA69US (User Review)

I've seen a few people asking about alternate AC adapters for their Envy 14, but I haven't seen anyone giving a definitive answer as to what works and what does. So, on a whim, I picked up a Targus APA69US AC adapter from Amazon for about $40 - Amazon.com: Targus Compact Laptop Charger (AC) APA69US (Black): Electronics.

First of all, it works. When plugged in, my Envy 14 switched from Intel integrated graphics to the ATI discrete card as usual. Furthermore, I re-ran the Windows Experience Index to try to ramp up the processor, with CPU-Z open in the background. My i5-450M started throttled down to 1.3GHz as usual, then correctly throttled up and turbo boosted to 2.66GHz as it should. So, there should be no concerns about graphics and turbo boost using this adapter.

The adapter itself is rated at 90W just like the stock adapter, but about half as thick. It's roughly just as long, but about 1/3rd wider. If you're looking for something that's smaller in all dimensions, this is NOT it. However, I store all of my gear (Envy 14, AC adapter, mouse, 2.5" portable hard drive, flash drives, etc.) in a messenger bag, and thickness is the primary concern, so for me this works out nicely.

In addition to not being as thick, the Targus adapter only has one cord, and it's only as thick as the cord that goes from the stock adapter to the notebook, so you'll lose a bunch of bulk that would normally come from the standard 3-prong power cord. This does have a drawback, though - the Targus adapter must plug directly into an AC outlet, meaning that a tight squeeze is not possible. Luckily the 2-prong AC interface on the Targus power adapter swivels, so it can either hang down from a wall outlet or stand up straight from a power strip, giving you some flexibility. Still, I would have liked to see an optional way to attach a small AC cord to the thing in case outlets are a tight squeeze; it may be possible with some sort of third-party extension cord. The Targus cord is just a bit longer than the 3-prong cord from the Envy 14's stock adapter, meaning that you'll be losing the rest of the length you would normally have. For me, this isn't an issue, as I rarely use even half the length on the thing. The rest just ends up being unnecessary bulk.

The adapter comes with multiple, interchangeable tips that allow you to power notebooks from various adapters. The L111 tip works perfectly in the Envy 14, and nine other tips are included for various manufacturers, which is very nice considering the price. The adapter's cord disconnects from both the laptop tips (more on that in a second) and the brick itself, and comes with a small plastic cable tie. For better or for worse, there are two "device tips" at the end of the cord, allowing you to connect both your notebook and something like a phone to charge simultaneously. This is pretty handy, though unfortunately they are not detachable so you will always have a spare end floating around, even if you just want to connect your notebook. This, overall, is my biggest gripe with the adapter, but it's more of a cosmetic thing than a problem with functionality. Finally, the secondary tip (for phones, etc.) comes preinstalled with a mini USB tip rather than micro USB which is used by most phones today. Additional tips are apparently available "free" from Targus, but I've read that they charge something like $5-6 for shipping and handling. If they have a micro USB tip available, I'll probably grab that and call it a day.

Finally, I've read some complaints on other models of this adapter (the more expensive auto + airplane model, for example) that the interchangeable tips are very loose and fall out easily. I'm not sure if the complaint is specific to that model or if they've revised the design since then, but I can say for sure that these things stay in solidly. It takes a decent amount of force to take them off their receiver.

Overall, I'm pretty impressed. For $40, I got an adapter that's less thick, comes with less cable bulk, multiple tips for other notebooks, swivels to fit fairly tight spots on power strips, and can charge a secondary device like a phone at the same time. My only gripes are that it doesn't come with an optional extension cable from the 2-prong connector on the brick to an AC outlet, and that the secondary device cord isn't removable.

 

Excellent writeup. Much appreciated.

 

Glad to help.

 

Great write up! I've been looking at that one myself but I wasn't sure if it was what I was after.

I'm still dying for something with a right angle adapter. Seems so simple and elegant compared to the 3 inch stub sticking straight out the side getting in the way of everything.

 

u can always get the slim adapter....pricey but maybe there are deals on it somewhere
HP 65W Slim Travel Power Adapter | HP® Official Store

 

i have the right angle adapter. Right Angle Converter for Dell and HP Laptop Power Adapters - LC90
This works perfect for my envy 14. you need to cut off about 1/6 inch off to make it fit

 

I bought one on ebay for ~$42 with free shipping.

It was refurb as the box was opened. The adapters on the other hand were looking brand new.

I really like it, I can even play 3D games in High Perf mode, I don't get a message to change the adapter ... It doesnt even get hot.

Only downside, if you want to use the walwart adapter, the cord to the laptop is very short.