Targus 120W Charge Source Adapter Problem

I bought a Targus 120W Universal Notebook Adapter in June as a second unit for home use on my zv5220us. It just crapped out on me after limited use (I normally use the standard issue HP charger at the office). Has anyone else experienced this problem with this new Targus unit - the one that uses the adapter tips? [?] fyi...I double-checked and I was using the correct number 116 tip on it.

 

Also the Model # is PAPWR300U (not the 200U listed on the Trgus website....strange? and HP's own adapter is listed as 135W, not the 125W for the Targus.

 

You're probably using an under-watted adapter for your notebook. From what I was told, if it's under-watted, the unit is trying to draw more power than the AC can handle. This can possibly lead to the Adapter overloading. This may be the reason why the adapter just crapped out. Have you noticed that the AC gets exteremely warm? I'd recommend just buying an actual HP adapter for your unit, either from HP directly, a shop or on eBay. I also heard that you can actually damage your system by using an under-watted adapter.

-Vb-

 

the 300u is a 70W supply whereas the 200u is a 120W, so maybe you're using a lower wattage than you think. i bought the 200u to use with my new zt3000 (lovin' it) but none of the tips work for it.
now i have to buy a separate tip just to use the 'universal' adapter that isnt so universal

 

Thanks for the help. I just got CompUSA to replace the 300U (which says on it that it's a 125W..?), so we'll see what happens. The upshot - in the long run, I can just buy the HP version and foo-get-about-it.