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    Replacement X41 AC Adapter - universal vs designated

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by argh_, Jul 17, 2009.

  1. argh_

    argh_ Notebook Enthusiast

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    A few questions:
    • Could the universal AC adapters (with multiple tips and voltages settings) be better than one that is designated compatible with my laptop (with just one tip)?
    • Could the higher amperage on these universal units let me charge faster? And at what cost to the battery in the long run?
    • Would the adapter run cooler since it is made to accommodate other, more power hungry laptops?
    I'm not sure if I should bite and just go for a $30 Lenovo AC adapter or the eBay ones for $10 (universal or non-universal). If there are any good adapters that I should know about, please feel free to share!
     
    argh_, Jul 17, 2009
    #1
  2. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Get this cheap genuine Lenovo adapter and get a cheap triple-prong cord from elsewhere on the internet (should be under $5).

    EDIT: Scratch that, I believe that adapter is only for the X60 and above. My bad.
     
    MidnightSun, Jul 17, 2009
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  3. argh_

    argh_ Notebook Enthusiast

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    Voltage is higher (20V vs 16V) but it should automatically adjust, no?
     
    argh_, Jul 18, 2009
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  4. pepclub

    pepclub Notebook Consultant

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    I guess the tips size of the 40 series and the 60 series are different.
     
    pepclub, Jul 18, 2009
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  5. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    The answer is NO!

    You will need an older 16V adapter (either 72W or 56W). Like THIS one.
     
    jonlumpkin, Jul 19, 2009
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  6. argh_

    argh_ Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for that info. It seems Neximaging has some pretty horrid reviews. Are the eBay AC adapters up to spec? Where is the best place to buy a decent AC adapter at a reasonable price?
     
    argh_, Jul 19, 2009
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  7. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    Neximaging was just the cheapest result of a quick Google search, I don't know anything about them.


    Any 16V 72W [or 56w] IBM ThinkPad branded (or compatible) adapter should work fine regardless of the reseller. However, your options are fairly limited as the 16V adapters have not been issued for the better part of 3 years.
     
    jonlumpkin, Jul 19, 2009
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  8. argh_

    argh_ Notebook Enthusiast

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    A quick poke around eBay shows most of the 16V listings have 3.36A (or they all copied each others' descriptions) versus the OEM 3.5A spec. I found one that was listed as 4.5A / 72W. Seemed like the one, and it is brand new condition. However, the image in the listing (attached) makes it seem like it could be refurbished/recertified. Watermark doesn't match the sellers name, though he/she has been a member since 2007. Is that an old IBM adapter design? My adapter does not have the lines going across the top.

    Also, are all watt and amp ratings maximum load ratings?
     

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    argh_, Jul 19, 2009
    #8