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    Does wattage matter?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by Mayzie, Jun 11, 2008.

  1. Mayzie

    Mayzie Notebook Enthusiast

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    My dv9700 came with a 65w (18.5v) AC charger. (The brick gets quite hot.)

    HP's official accessories page says their 65w charger is not compatible with dv9000 series but their 90w charger is.

    Techsupport (via chat) said only the 65w charger is compatible and anything else will damage etc etc.

    I bought a 100w universal adjustable charger that doesn't have an 18.5v setting but says to use 19v for 18.5v.

    So ... is it safe to use this 100w universal with the setting at 19v?

    If not ... do I buy the 90w or the 65w from HP?

    I really don't want to fry something and have HP say it was user error.
     
    Mayzie, Jun 11, 2008
    #1
  2. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    True.

    Not true. Tech support are idiots. You need a 90w adapter to power a big ass dv9700

    I cannot comment on this. What brand is it? Does it say its compatible for the HP DV9000 series?
     
    flipfire, Jun 11, 2008
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  3. shoelace_510

    shoelace_510 8700M GT inside... ^-^;

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    Well first off, I think that your charger MIGHT have a automatic switch between 18.5 and 19 V like an outlet in your home does between 110V/90 V. But I would make sure of that if I were you...
    As for the wattage, I'm not sure... I THINK that using a 90 w charger would be more of a "quick charge" solution so to speak. As in, that it would charge quickly, but it wouldn't be very good for your battery in the long run.

    All of this advice is only what I remember of how those two categories could affect your machine. If I were you I would check with someone who would know for sure (like a local computer place) or try placing another call to HP.

    Hope this helps!
     
    shoelace_510, Jun 11, 2008
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  4. Jeff

    Jeff Notebook Retard

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    18.5 to 19v is negligible. about 2%. the regulation here in australia is the voltage drop to the furthest powerpoint from your mains must be less then 5% so 2% is nothing.
     
    Jeff, Jun 11, 2008
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  5. Mayzie

    Mayzie Notebook Enthusiast

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    I was hoping they would say the dv9700 needed a 90w adaptor so I could argue mine shipped with the wrong part and have them send me a 90w as replacement ...

    It's this one:
    http://www.cablesunlimited.com/products/Prod_Individual3.aspx?groupcode=I3550

    Says it's compatible with HP/Compaq models but doesn't specify which ones.
     
    Mayzie, Jun 11, 2008
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  6. Mayzie

    Mayzie Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes, thanks. I've heard similarly that 18.5v/19v is not a big deal - nice to have it confirmed.

    It's the wattage I'm not clear on. If the adaptor has more than needed, does the laptop just "draw down" what it needs? Or, as Shoelace_510 says, does it send more power which may be good in the short-term but damaging in the longer term?
     
    Mayzie, Jun 11, 2008
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  7. shoelace_510

    shoelace_510 8700M GT inside... ^-^;

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    Mayzie, I am not too familiar with Laptop power supplies, but I know that's how power cords work when you are hooked up in your car. They draw more power than they would normally from an outlet in your home, and that's why I said this might be the same effect...
     
    shoelace_510, Jun 11, 2008
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  8. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Volts (electrical pressure)
    Amps (electrical draw)

    Volts x Amps = Watts (Measurement of total electrical power/consumption)
     
    flipfire, Jun 11, 2008
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