Laptop power cords

[MrsBlue]

<span style="color: #3333FF">Do these things have a short life span or is it just me?

With a pop and a sizzle, my power cord died last night. Admittedly, it was not the laptop manufacturer's. I bought it cheap, but dammit, those things are expensive!

This is the third one in about two years, including the original. Should I be replacing the cord so often? I've noticed that the cord gets really hot while using it, is that usual? </span>

[Gen]

Re: Laptop power cords

no my cord doesnt get hot when i use it. mi usually leave on the one at work 24/7 and the cord not hot.

[julie*mango]

Re: Laptop power cords

the cord not hot..the rectangular adapter thign does get quite warm though..i imagine if it is a cheap one then expect to be replacing it frequently..

[MrsBlue]

Re: Laptop power cords

<span style="color: #3333FF">Yeah, that's what I mean, the rectangular thing. The first cord was short-lived, too. It was a replacement from the laptop store after the one that came with it didn't work properly. \0/ </span>

[j-kid]

Re: Laptop power cords

The a/c converter (plastic) unit should gets warm but not hot.

What brand and model laptop do you have?

[MrsBlue]

Re: Laptop power cords

<span style="color: #3333FF">I've noticed that the rectangular part gets really hot, even before it popped and fizzled out. The laptop is a Dell Inspiron 6400 or something like that. I didn't buy it from Dell, I got it from one of those computer fairs. The computer itself has not given me any problems in the year and a half that I've had it. Just the cord. </span>

[Xavier]

Re: Laptop power cords

Sounds weird to have to change the power cord so often. I have an old Dell Inspiron 2600/2650 (bought in 2003) and had to change the power cord once (2007). The brick gets hot at times. Sound very strange.

[MrsBlue]

Re: Laptop power cords

<span style="color: #3333FF">So basically I should stop trying to be cheap and just get the OEM. </span>

[Tuff Gong]

Re: Laptop power cords

The OEM specs for the power use are too low.
You have to get a power supply that can deliver more current than the one you are using is rated for.

So if you have an 18VDC 2.5A PSU then you might need an 18VDC 3A PSU. It might be hard to find since you going out the OEM specs. You might even have to go to a higher voltage, but not much higher as the DC to DC Converter/Regulator may not be able to process a voltage too far outside of its rating.